What is a Texas Blue Title?

If you are looking around for a vehicle to purchase, chances are you might have come across the term ‘Texas Blue Title’. Someone you had a conversation with about car purchases in Texas might have brought it up, leaving you confused and not knowing what this term implies. 

We would like to tell you that, as a responsible car owner, this is an important term to know since it is intricately tied to car purchases. This article will help you find out about Blue Title in the context of Texas and its significance. 

What is it – Texas Blue Title?

Despite its importance, this topic is seldom discussed on websites. While ‘Blue Title’ has a different definition in various states, in Texas, it has a pretty unique definition. So, as a resident of Texas, you should be aware of this term. 

A Texas blue title is a ‘clear’ title that indicates that the vehicle is safe to drive on the road. Blue titles are not just reserved for brand-new cars but also for salvaged ones that have undergone replacements and repairs in other states. Also, the title is called ‘blue title’ because the document that is issued in Texas is primarily blue. 

You can take your car on the road if it has a Texas blue title. If not, check if it has some other title or not. There are various other titles that we will also cover in this article. 

How Can You Get a Title in Texas?

Getting a car means indulging in registration and insurance paperwork. The transfer of ownership of the car in Texas is completed once the title has been transferred from the old owner to the new one. Irrespective of the essential paperwork that includes car registration or car insurance, if the title has not been transferred, the car is legally not yours. This is an important nuance to keep in mind while selling or purchasing a car. 

This is especially important to take care of when one is buying a used car. Checking the title while transferring ownership is crucial since it indicates the level of car safety on the road, confirming that your investment is either worth it or not!

What are some of the other titles?

There are many color-based titles in Texas that you might need to know as a car owner. These titles are essentially necessary under state mandate and also represent the status of your car and its ownership. These are:

• Brown:

This is a duplicate title one receives if the original blue title is lost. 

• Purple:

A purple title is usually issued when the car has sustained damage due to harsh weather, accidents, or floods.  

• Orange:

An orange title is issued when a car is found to be beyond repair and is completely destroyed due to a major accident or collision.

• Pink:

The pink one also holds the same meaning as the orange title, which indicates that this particular car is damaged beyond repair. 

• Blue/brown with a ‘salvaged’ stamp:

This title is given when a car has undergone all the mandatory inspections and diagnostics and is ‘clear’ to be driven on the road. 

The state of Texas recognizes these titles; it is important to note that as you move around different states, you will learn that different states have different regulations and title color-based indications around car ownership. It is extremely important to be mindful of these nuances as a car owner or seller. 

Why are titles important?

Titles are extremely important to indicate rightful and responsible ownership of your vehicle. According to progressive.com, it is a legal and essential document to show to the government about the car and its ownership. It is distinct from other insurance or registration documents since its sole purpose is to serve as proof of ownership. 

As a state component, a title might get passed down from one person, i.e., the buyer, to another. Vehicles and cars are often classified as assets or property. To ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive, a title needs to be ‘blue’. It is only then transferable.

The screening of the title is conducted by the title company in the state. This process is carried out to ensure that ownership has been transferred properly and correctly. Which is why it is necessary to have a blue title before you buy a car, particularly a used one from the buyer. 

Does a blue title in other states indicate the same thing?

The blue title denotes a different meaning in different states. To avoid confusion, you must also learn about the specifics of what it indicates in different states and whether there are any other titles that might denote that the car is ‘clear’ to be driven on the road. 

The blue title in other states primarily indicates that the car is a ‘salvage vehicle’. This means that it is beyond repair and should not be taken on the road for a drive. Every state has a different title color scheme to indicate a different car status. For example, in some states, a green title indicates that this is a ‘clear’ and that it can be purchased, brought, and driven. An orange title in other states might indicate that the car has been rebuilt and has gone through inspections and checkups to be deemed ‘drivable’. It is imperative to know these nuances and diversity in different states. 

What factors should I take into account if it is a salvaged vehicle?

• Factoring in that ‘blue title’ might also indicate salvaged vehicle

Sometimes, a blue title might also indicate that it is a salvaged vehicle. If you want to buy a salvaged car, the suggestion would be to pay upfront in cash to the lender while bearing in mind that the cash amount might be a bit higher due to the apprehensions of the lender.

• Rethinking about the car’s resale value

Individuals might not want to drive a salvaged car and lean more towards purchasing newer cars or used ones with better quality and titles. While purchasing a salvaged car, you should think of its resale value before you make a decision since its value might just drop due to the uncertainty surrounding its safety. 

• Thoroughly explore and think about insurance coverage options for your car

You might also face some challenges with auto insurance in Texas. Car insurance companies might recommend coverages that are a bit budget-heavy due to apprehensions about used vehicle safety. The companies might also cut down on the claim amount, especially if the car sustained a major accident.

In conclusion

Your car is your most valuable or cherished asset and an expensive possession. As a vehicle owner, it is necessary to take into account all the legalities before settling on a car. Texas has multiple titles that you can get for your car. The blue title is the most known and is amazing to have because it indicates that your car is safe to drive on the road. Before you make any purchases, check in with your auto insurance provider and do your own thorough research on specific requirements in the realm of car purchases.