Which document proves ownership of a vehicle?

The Certificate of Title is the primary legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle. It is issued by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent authority and contains important information about the vehicle, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the owner’s name, and the title number. This document is crucial because it establishes the legal right of an individual to possess and transfer ownership of the vehicle.

While the Vehicle Registration Certificate confirms that a vehicle is registered to operate on public roads, it does not serve as proof of ownership in the same way the Certificate of Title does. An Insurance Policy Document provides coverage details for the vehicle but does not indicate ownership. Similarly, a Maintenance Record documents the vehicle's service history but does not provide any ownership information. Therefore, the Certificate of Title is the definitive proof of vehicle ownership.