Here are more Car Paperwork Terms – Part 2 of 2…

Smog Certificate:
Some states like California require you to have your car go through a smog check every two years for the purpose of making sure that your car isn’t belching out too much filthy exhaust. This Smog Certificate is also required every time you sell a vehicle. The burden is usually on the seller to provide this to the buyer, but thats negotiable. I would be very careful about buying any car where the seller does not provide a Smog Certificate because in California your car can be considered a “Gross Polluter” by the state if it doesn’t pass and the repairs to bring it up to state standards could cost you more than the car is worth.
Certain commercial vehicles, diesels and cars over 25 years old are exempt. You need to check with your states DMV department before buying to see if this car paperwork is required.

Title:
Also known as the “Certificate Of Ownership” or “Pink Slip”, etc. This is a paper document given by the state government (in the U.S.) that has all the identifying numbers like: Make, Model, Year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), odometer reading, owners name and address shown thoughout your car paperwork. If you financed your car then the Title will be held by the Lien Holder. A Lien Holder is the bank or whoever gave you the loan until you’ve paid off the loan.

Vehicle History Report:
A vehicle history report will show all the history of your vehicle. Like for example if it was registered in another state or was ever declared a “totaled” vehicle by an insurance company, etc. This is optional when selling a car but could make the sale of your car go faster and easier which could also mean more money in your pocket and certainly less time selling.

Vehicle Identification Number:
Also known as the “VIN” or “VIN Number” or “VIN #”. It’s a unique number given by the cars manufacturer that is stamped on the vehicle on the top of the dashboard on the drivers side. You need to read it from the outside of the car looking through the windshield. You will also see the VIN listed on all your car paperwork.

See Car Paperwork Terms – Part 1  >>