As you enter the world behind the wheel, you'll learn lots of new skills and some new lingo. One term that you'll likely hear is "pink slip." A pink slip is a very important part of driving, as you can't legally drive a car without one. But what is it, how do you get one, and what should you look out for?
Here's all you need to know about pink slips for your car.
What Is a Pink Slip?
When speaking about vehicles, a pink slip is the slang term that refers to your certificate of title. Basically, it's the document that proves that you own your vehicle. Vehicle titles in California were once pink which is where the term originated.
When you buy a vehicle, the title must be transferred to you for you to own it. The dealer or seller will need to complete a transfer of title and submit it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state. This process involves you signing a place on the back of the existing title.
The DMV will then send you the official certificate of title in the mail with your name on it. Then, you will officially have your very own pink slip! However, if you are financing your vehicle, the lienholder will often hold the title and send it to you once your loan is repaid in full.
Pink Slips in California
There's actually one other meaning of a pink slip, but it's a California-only thing. In this state, a pink slip refers to your certificate of completion for a driver's ed course. You'll need to show this at the DMV to get your provisional license, so make sure you have it on hand.
What's on a Pink Slip?
While pink slips can vary from state to state, they generally include the following information:
Your name as the vehicle's legal owner (and the lienholder or lender if there is a loan on the vehicle).
The name of the person using the vehicle (can be different from the owner).
The vehicle's make.
The vehicle's model.
The year the vehicle was manufactured.
License plate number.
Mileage at the time you bought the vehicle.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Purchase price.
Vehicle weight.
Tax information.
Basically, the pink slip tells you and a future buyer everything you need to know about the vehicle.
What if I Lose My Pink Slip?
If you lose your pink slip (aka certificate of title), don't stress. You can contact your local DMV office to apply for a new one. You'll need to download and complete the lost or duplicate title application, have the application notarized (if required by your state), submit the application, and pay the fee.
What to Look Out For on a Car Title
When buying a vehicle, you want a clean car title. If something bad has happened to a vehicle such as being in a bad car accident, the title may have one of the following notations attached to it. These should serve as a red flag!
Lemon law title: A lemon law title means that a vehicle was faulty and couldn't be repaired after a certain number of attempts so was sold back. Buying one of these comes with risks, as you don't know if the defect was fixed.
Salvage title: When a vehicle has a salvage title, it means it has been in an accident and was deemed not roadworthy. You never want to buy a vehicle with this type of title unless you plan to sell it for parts or repair it.
Rebuilt title: A rebuilt title means that a vehicle had a salvaged title but was taken, rebuilt, and passed a safety inspection. While these vehicles are technically street legal again, it's important to be aware of the vehicle's history.
Flood title: When a vehicle has a flood title, it means that it sat in water that filled its engine compartment. This can cause a lot of problems in the future.
It's always a good idea to look for a "clean" pink slip without any of these issues.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Pink slips are one of the many things you'll need to know to get behind the wheel. If you're at least 15, you can start your driver's education online with Aceable to get your license as soon as possible. Learn at your own pace from the comfort of home. Start my driver's ed online!
*Updated 6/24/21