How to Get a Title Loan
| Main requirement | A vehicle title in your name |
|---|---|
| Documents | Photo ID, proof of income, insurance, residence |
| Credit | All credit types considered |
| Keep your car? | Yes, you keep driving it |
| Amounts via our network | $100–$5,000, depending on state and lender |
| Form time | About 3 minutes, free |
Your car can help you get cash fast
If you own your car, you may be able to borrow against its value even if your credit isn't perfect. Title lenders look mostly at the vehicle and your ability to repay, so the process is often quick. Here's how to get it handled in a few steps.
Zebra Finance is a free matching service, not a lender. One short form sends your request to lenders in our network that serve your state. See if you qualify; it takes about 3 minutes.
Step 1: Check your state's rules
Title lending is regulated by states. Some allow single-payment title loans, some allow installment versions, and some set limits on amounts or costs. In some states, such as Georgia, a similar product is called a title pawn. Look up your state on title loan laws by state. Where title loans aren't offered, lenders in our network may offer a personal installment loan instead.
Step 2: Make sure your title qualifies
- In your name. The name on the title should match your ID. If the car is jointly titled, the lender may ask both owners to sign.
- Lien-free or close to it. Most lenders prefer a clear title. Some work with a financed car if you have equity.
- Title type. Salvage or rebuilt titles can still qualify with some lenders. See salvage title loans and rebuilt title loans.
- Lost title? Request a duplicate from your state motor vehicle agency first. See title loans without the title.
Step 3: Gather your documents
- The vehicle's title
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements, benefit letters)
- Proof of residence, such as a utility bill
- Proof of insurance, if the lender requires it
- Photos of the car (or the car itself for a quick inspection), and sometimes a spare key
Full checklist: title loan requirements.
Tip: clean the car and gather service records before the inspection. Documented maintenance can support a stronger appraisal. Make sure the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the dashboard and door jamb so verification goes smoothly.
Step 4: Complete the form and get an offer
Our form takes about 3 minutes. You'll share the amount you need, basic vehicle details and your income. A lender estimates the car's value from its make, model, year, mileage and condition, then makes an offer. Title loans are generally offered for a portion of the car's value, and state law may cap the amount. More on how much you can get.
You don't have to take the maximum. Request the amount that covers your need, and there's no obligation to accept any offer. Start your request.
What title lenders look at
Because the car secures the loan, the review is different from a typical bank loan. Lenders usually weigh:
- The car's value. Year, make, model, mileage, trim and condition all feed the estimate. Clean, running vehicles with lower mileage generally appraise higher.
- Your equity. If you still owe on the car, the lender looks at the value minus what you owe.
- Your income. Lenders want to see that the payment fits what you bring in, whether that's wages, benefits or self-employment income.
- Clean paperwork. The name on the title matching your ID, and the VIN matching the car, keeps things moving.
- Your state's limits. Some states cap loan size or fees, which can affect the offer. Check your state's rules.
How to get a stronger offer
- Send clear, well-lit photos of every side, the interior, the odometer and the VIN plate.
- Mention recent repairs, new tires or service records.
- List every regular source of income on the form.
- Ask only for what you need; a smaller request is easier to approve and repay.
Step 5: Review the terms
Before you sign, your lender shows the exact APR, finance charge and total to repay in writing. Look at:
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Total of payments | The full dollar amount you'll repay |
| Term | Single payment (15–30 days) or installments |
| Payment schedule | Due dates that line up with your income |
| Other fees | Lien, document or processing fees |
| Early payoff | Whether paying early saves money |
As an example, a $1,000 single-payment loan with a $25-per-$100 monthly fee would be $1,250 to repay after 30 days; installment loans spread the cost over several payments. Try the title loan calculator.
Worked example: what you'd repay
Title loan costs are usually quoted as a fee per $100 borrowed for each month, and the amount allowed varies by state. Here's how the math works with an example fee of $25 per $100 per month:
| Amount borrowed | Example monthly fee | Total due after 30 days |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $125 | $625 |
| $1,000 | $250 | $1,250 |
| $1,500 | $375 | $1,875 |
With an installment title loan, the cost is spread across several scheduled payments instead of one lump sum, and paying ahead of schedule can reduce what you pay when the contract allows it. Your lender's written disclosure shows the exact fee, APR and total before you sign.
Step 6: Sign, get funded and plan your payoff
Once you sign, the lender records its lien and sends your money, often the same day or next business day. Then:
- Put the due date and payoff amount in your calendar.
- Set money aside each paycheck toward the payoff.
- If you'll be short, call the lender before the due date and ask about an installment plan or extension.
- When you pay off, get a written lien release and your title back.
Keep the car insured if the contract requires it, and let the lender know if you move.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Borrowing the maximum by default. A bigger loan means a bigger payment. Match the request to the bill.
- Skipping the payment schedule. Know whether you owe one payment or several, and on what dates.
- Letting insurance lapse when the contract requires coverage.
- Missing a payment without calling. If you'll be short, contact the lender before the due date to ask what options it offers.
- Forgetting the lien release. After the final payment, make sure the lien is removed and you get your title back.
Got your title and ID handy? Start your free request in about 3 minutes.
Stay safe while you shop
Real lenders never ask for an upfront fee before you receive your loan, and our service is always free. Skip anyone who asks for a gift card, wire or payment-app transfer to "unlock" a loan, promises guaranteed approval, or leaves blank spaces in a contract. See how to spot a fake lender.
Prefer not to use your car? A personal loan for bad credit through our network doesn't require collateral. Either way, see your options in about 3 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a title loan?
Our form takes about 3 minutes, and lenders often make decisions in minutes. Once your car is valued and you sign, many title loans fund the same day or next business day. Having your title, ID and proof of income ready, plus clear photos of the car, speeds things up.
Can you get a title loan online?
Yes. In states that allow title lending, many lenders accept online requests with photos or a short video of the car, then fund by bank transfer. You still need a qualifying title in your name. Our free form connects you with lenders in our network that serve your state.
Can you get a title loan with bad credit?
Usually, yes. Title loans are secured by your vehicle, so lenders focus mainly on its value and your income rather than your credit score. Some lenders may still review credit or alternative credit data. All credit types are considered through our form, though approval is up to each lender.
Can you get a title loan without a job?
Some lenders accept other regular income, such as benefits, retirement or self-employment income. Lenders want to see a way to repay, so list all regular income on your form. Requirements vary by lender and state.
Do I need insurance to get a title loan?
Many lenders require proof of insurance because the car secures the loan, and some require full coverage. Others don't require it. Your state may also require auto insurance to drive legally. Have your insurance card handy when you apply in case the lender asks.
Can I get a title loan if my car isn't paid off?
Sometimes. Most lenders prefer a lien-free title, but some will lend against a financed car if it's worth more than you owe. The offer is usually based on that equity. See our financed car title loan page, and list your current loan balance on the form so lenders can review it accurately.
What do I need to bring to get a title loan?
Typically the vehicle title in your name, a government photo ID, proof of income, proof of residence and, if the lender requires it, proof of insurance. Many lenders also ask for photos of the car or a quick inspection, and some ask for a spare key. Requirements vary by lender and state.