Car Title Loans, Explained Honestly

Plain-English guides to how title loans work, what they really cost, your state’s rules and the cheaper alternatives worth checking first. We’re an information site, not a lender.

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25 State Law Guides
1,200+ Borrower Guides
~300% Typical Title Loan APR
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Explore Title Loan Guides

Everything you need to know before you borrow — organized by topic.

How Title Loans Work

How Title Loans Work

The full process from application to funding, explained step by step.

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Requirements

Requirements

The title, ID, income and vehicle documents you need to qualify.

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Interest Rates & Costs

Interest Rates & Costs

How APRs, fees and rollovers add up — and what to watch for.

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Loan Calculator

Loan Calculator

Estimate your payments and total cost before you borrow.

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Alternatives

Alternatives

Lower-cost options worth considering before a title loan.

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Pros & Cons

Pros & Cons

Weigh the real benefits against the risks of borrowing.

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How Title Loans Work

Get the cash you need in three simple steps

1

Learn How It Works

Understand the process, from appraisal and the lien on your title to repayment and what happens if you fall behind.

2

Check Your State's Rules

Title loans are legal in roughly half of U.S. states, with very different limits on rates, amounts and repossession.

3

Compare Costs and Alternatives

Work out the true cost with our calculator and compare cheaper options, such as credit union loans, before you borrow.

Title Loans by State

Title loan laws vary by state. Select your state to see local requirements, rates, and regulations.

Latest Title Loan Guides

Expert guides to help you make informed decisions about title loans

Have a Question About a Title Loan?

Tell us your situation and we will point you to your state's rules and the options worth comparing, including cheaper alternatives. We are an information site, not a lender.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A title loan is a short-term secured loan where borrowers use their vehicle title as collateral. You can borrow a percentage of your vehicle's value while still keeping and driving your car during the loan period.

Title loan amounts typically range from $100 to $50,000, depending on your vehicle's value, your state's regulations, and the lender. Most lenders offer 25% to 50% of your car's current market value.

Generally you need: a clear (lien-free) vehicle title in your name, a government-issued photo ID, proof of income or ability to repay, and the vehicle itself for inspection. Requirements vary by state.

Yes. With a title loan, the lender holds your title as collateral but you keep possession of your vehicle and can continue driving it as normal throughout the loan period.

Many title loan lenders can approve and fund your loan within the same business day, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Online applications may take 1-2 business days for funding.

No. Title loan regulations vary significantly by state. Some states allow them with few restrictions, others have strict regulations on rates and terms, and some states have banned title loans entirely. Check our state-by-state guide for details.

Important Disclosure

Auto Cash Title Loans is not a lender, does not broker loans, and does not make loan or credit decisions. This website does not constitute an offer or solicitation to lend. We may receive compensation from affiliate partners for referrals.

APR rates vary by state and lender. Typical APR for title loans ranges from 25% to 300%. Please review your loan terms carefully before accepting any offer.