What’s A Texas Blue Title? Everything You Need To Know
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If you’re interested in a vehicle, you may have heard about a blue title. If you live in Texas, you will have the Texas blue title. This phrase can be confusing. What is a Texas blue title? Why does it matter to you?
Read on to learn more about a Texas blue title and what it means to your vehicle. We’ll discuss what it is, other titles, and what they do. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
What is a Texas Blue Title?
A blue title in Texas is something that very few internet sources discuss. This color title means something different in other states - Texas stands out in its definition. If you live in the state, you must understand what a Texas blue title is in the world of cars.
According to carbuyerusa.com, a Texas blue title is essentially a clean title. It means that the car is safe to drive on the road. There are blue titles for brand-new vehicles and ones given to salvaged vehicles that have been fixed up.
If you have a Texas blue title, you are good to go. Unlike other states, this is one you want to declare the being of your vehicle. A brown or rebuilt title is also an excellent option, which we will dive into later.
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How Do You Get a Title in Texas?
Let’s say you are investing in a car in Texas. If you’re buying a new car, you will immediately get ownership. You must register all your information and clear the vehicle for it to be yours. It’s critical to be cautious here. The car technically doesn’t belong to you if you don’t have the title.
If you’re investing in a used car, you will need to handle a transfer of ownership before the vehicle officially belongs to you. The old owner will need to shift their title over to you. At this point, you can inspect the title to ensure the vehicle is in good condition before proceeding further.
The Texas DMV provides explicit details about the transfer of title from one person to another. With a few forms and some DMV visits, you will be ready to drive away behind the wheel of your new car.
What Other Titles Exist?
There are several other color-based titles you might have for your vehicle. There are many in Texas to become familiar with as the owner. Let’s discuss each of them briefly so you can be sure about the definition of your vehicle.
According to gl1800riders.com, here are other color titles you will see in Texas:
- Brown: A certified duplicate, issued if the original blue title is lost
- Purple: A salvage title given if the car has sustained an accident, flood, or fire
- Orange: A non-repairable title, usually if the vehicle cannot be fixed and is beyond repair
- Blue/Brown Rebuilt: A clear title if the car has been rebuilt and passes inspections, usually a shift from the purple title
These indicate the status of your vehicle, and they’re critical to have on hand for legal ownership of a car in Texas.
A blue title is like the starting point for a vehicle. If you have a car in Texas, you want a blue title versus the others listed above in most cases. Now, let’s talk about what a title does for a driver.
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What Do Titles Do?
We’ve talked a lot about titles but not about what they do. Why do they matter? What does it mean if you are the owner of a title?
According to investopedia.com, a title is a document that shows the legal ownership of a property or an asset. It can show the rights of an individual or a business.
A title can be passed down or inherited as part of an estate. Cars fall under what is known as real property titles. When someone buys a car, the title transfers over to them. To transfer, the title must be clear - a blue title.
In the selling process, a title company will search the title up and down to ensure everything is handled before switching ownership. If you want to sell a used vehicle to someone new, you must have a blue title in hand before completing the exchange.
What is a Blue Title in the Other States?
In other states, a blue title means something different. According to carsdirect.com, a blue title elsewhere means the car is a salvage vehicle. The vehicle has likely been in a major accident, flood, or fire. The title usually means the car cannot be recovered and should not return to the road.
Titles are different in other states. A green one represents a cleared car, while an orange title goes to a rebuilt vehicle. The colors differ slightly from Texas and don’t mean the same thing.
It’s easy to be confused with all the similarities and differences Texas titles hold to other states. They might seem the same, but they’re not.
If buying a used car in Texas, ensure you know the differences beforehand. An orange title in Texas doesn’t mean the same things it does in other states nationwide.
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Things to Consider When Buying a Salvage Vehicle
Since a blue title in Texas can also indicate a salvaged vehicle, several things must be remembered.
For starters, paying for a salvage/rebuilt or blue vehicle in cash might be a good idea. Financing can be tricky when buying a salvage vehicle since you’ll likely have to pay money upfront. Plus, lenders are generally more apprehensive since the actual real cash value of the car is debatable.
On a related note, you may also face problems dealing with insurance companies. Auto insurance companies will be keener on raising the rates on salvage vehicles because their safety and roadworthiness are in question. It’s also possible that they will cut back on claim amounts if the car was involved in an accident, claiming that it sustained more damage than initially reported.
Another issue that may arise from buying a salvage vehicle is the resale value. Salvage or rebuilt vehicles, in general, aren’t very attractive to buyers, so the resale value will likely take a dip. They may think the car is unreliable and unsafe and is not worth a higher price tag.
Final Thoughts
If you live in Texas, there are various titles you might have for your car. One of the most prominent is the Texas blue title. Unlike other states, this title indicates that your vehicle is clear and okay to drive on the open road. If you live in this state, a blue title is excellent to have under your belt.
We hope this information was helpful! It can be confusing to determine a Texas blue title, but everything above should provide you with a solid foundation for the paper. You are ready to hit the road if you have a Texas blue title.
Texas Blue Title: FAQs
Q: What is a Texas Blue Title?
A: A Texas Blue Title, also known as a “clean title,” is a legal document issued in Texas that certifies the ownership of a vehicle. It indicates that the vehicle has not been severely damaged, flooded, or deemed a total loss by an insurance company.
Q: How does a Blue Title differ from other types of titles?
A: A Blue Title is different from a “salvage title” or a “rebuilt title.” Salvage titles are for vehicles that have been significantly damaged and are considered a total loss. A rebuilt title is for vehicles that were once salvaged but have been repaired and deemed roadworthy. The Blue Title signifies that the vehicle has not undergone such severe damage.
Q: Why is the title called ‘Blue’?
A: The title is referred to as ‘Blue’ because of the color of the title document issued in Texas, which is predominantly blue. This color coding helps in quickly identifying the type of title.
Q: Can a vehicle’s title status change from Blue to another type?
A: Yes, if a vehicle with a Blue Title is severely damaged, it can be reclassified to a salvage or rebuilt title. This reclassification typically happens after an insurance claim for significant damage or total loss.
Q: Can a Texas Blue Title be issued to new and salvaged vehicles?
A: Both brand-new and properly rehabilitated salvaged vehicles can be granted a Texas Blue Title, provided they meet the state’s safety and operational standards.
Q: What are the steps for transferring a title when buying a used vehicle in Texas?
A: The title transfer is crucial to establishing new ownership when buying a used car. This involves the previous owner signing over the title to you, after which you must register the vehicle with the Texas DMV and complete any necessary inspections and paperwork.
Q: How does a Brown Title differ from a Blue Title in Texas?
A: In Texas, a Brown Title is issued as a certified duplicate when the original Blue Title is lost. It still represents clear ownership but serves as a replacement document.
Q: How does title color coding in Texas compare to other states?
A: Texas uses a unique color-coding system for vehicle titles that might differ from other states. For instance, while a Blue Title in Texas indicates a clear status, in different states, it might signify a salvage vehicle. Understanding these distinctions is essential, especially when dealing with interstate vehicle transactions.
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