To qualify for a car title loan, you must be at least 18 years old, have a vehicle with a title in your name, and show the ability to repay the loan.
A car title loan is a short-term, secured loan that uses your vehicle title as collateral. You provide the title, receive funds, and repay the loan in installments with interest. Once the loan is fully repaid, the title is returned to you.
The process can be completed online, and in many cases, funds may be available the same day. Approval is based mainly on your vehicle’s value and your ability to repay.
Key Takeaways
- To qualify for a title loan, you usually need to be at least 18, have a vehicle title in your name, and show the ability to repay the loan.
- Your vehicle should have enough equity, and in many cases the title must be lien-free or nearly paid off.
- You may also need to provide a valid ID, proof of income, proof of residence, and basic vehicle details such as mileage, VIN, and photos.
- Approval is based mainly on your vehicle’s value and your ability to repay, not just your credit score.
Title Loan Requirements: What You Need to Apply
Requirements vary by state, but these are the six things we ask for. You can send them all from your phone, or bring them to a Swift store.
- Vehicle title in your name. Lien-free or nearly paid off. The name on the title has to match the name on your ID.
- Government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license, passport or state ID. You must be at least 18.
- Proof of income. Pay stubs, bank statements, or benefit and award letters. Income does not have to be a salary.
- Proof of address. A recent bill, a lease, or official mail.
- Proof of auto insurance. At minimum the liability cover your state requires.
- Photos of your vehicle. All four sides, the odometer, the VIN and the interior. This is how we value your car, and it is what replaces a drive-in inspection.^
Title Loan Rates, Interest & Fees
Car title loans often have higher interest rates than traditional bank loans, and APRs can exceed 100% and in some cases reach up to 300% in certain states. Some states have rate caps to limit how high rates can go.
These loans are generally more expensive than traditional loans because lenders take on more risk by offering loans to individuals with poor credit.
Additionally, there may be hidden fees associated with these loans.
Common Fees Include:
- Lien fees
- Origination fees
- Processing fees
- Document fees
It’s important to consider these fees when calculating the total cost of the loan. While some lenders may have hidden fees, we do not. We encourage you to review your agreement closely before proceeding to ensure the loan is the right choice for you.
Car Title Loan Example (California)
A borrower, Abby, lives in California and owns a car in her name. She needs funds for an emergency and uses her car title to take out a $2,500 loan.
Under California Financing Law, interest rates for certain loan amounts are capped at about 36% APR plus the Federal Funds Rate.
Abby receives a 12-month loan at 36% APR.
Monthly payment: about $251
Total repayment: about $3,012
Total interest: about $512
She keeps driving her car while making monthly payments. Once the loan is fully repaid, the lien is removed and her title is clear again.
This example shows how longer-term, regulated loans spread payments over time and avoid large lump-sum repayment.
Lender Tip: Use a Title Loan Calculator
Before taking out a car title loan, use a title loan calculator to estimate your total repayment amount. This tool helps you understand the full cost of the loan, including interest and any potential fees, so you can make an informed decision and ensure it fits within your budget.
How to Apply for an Auto Title Loan Online
We offer a quick and convenient online car title loan application, with no store visit required in most cases.^ You can also apply at a Swift store if you prefer. Here is how it works.
1. Apply in Minutes
Complete our online application in about 7 minutes* to see if you pre-qualify and get a free estimate. Provide basic information about your vehicle, income, and contact details. Prefer in-person service? You can also apply at a Swift Title Loans store near you.
2. Send Documents & Vehicle Photos
If you want to continue, upload your income documents and vehicle photos. We use them to verify your information, review your title, and estimate your vehicle’s value. In most cases, photos replace the physical vehicle inspection,^ but in-person service is also available if needed.
3. Review Your Offer & Get Funded
Review your final offer, including your payments and total loan cost. If you accept the terms, sign your agreement and receive your funds. Same-day funding may be available if the process is completed before noon on a business day. You keep your vehicle and continue driving while repaying the loan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a Title Loan Without Bringing My Car in Person?
In most cases, yes. You share detailed photos or a short video of the interior and exterior instead of driving the car in.^ Some states require an in-person visit by law for title verification, and we may ask for an inspection if the vehicle’s condition cannot be judged from photos. A Swift store can also handle it in person if you prefer.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Car Title Loan?
You must be 18 or older to get a title loan.
How Can I Get a Title Loan if I’m Unemployed?
You can get a car title loan even if you are unemployed. To get a car title loan, you must show that you have income, but that income does not have to be a salary. It can also be other types of income, like worker’s compensation or social security payments.
What Are the Normal Repayment Terms for a Title Loan?
The loan term for a title loan typically lasts around 36 months, but it will vary depending on your state. Check out our state pages for specific information on your location.
How Do Title Loans Work in California?
In California, a car title loan uses your vehicle’s title as collateral, and you keep driving the car. You apply, we review your vehicle’s value and your ability to repay, and if you are approved a lien is recorded on your title, in most cases electronically through the DMV.
Repayment runs on fixed monthly payments over a set term. Once the loan is paid off, the lien is released and full ownership returns to you. Our guide to title loans in California covers the state’s rate cap, loan terms, and borrower protections.
What Is the Smallest Title Loan You Can Get?
The smallest title loan is usually around $100. Our loans typically range from $100 to $50,000. The exact amount depends on your car’s value, your ability to repay, and applicable state laws and regulations.
