Car Title Frequently Asked Questions

When you purchase a car, you must transfer the title into your name before you can register it. This ensures your state has a record of you as the legal owner. Depending on your state's requirements, the cost and instructions to transfer a title can vary. Contact your state's titling agency to find out how to transfer a car in your state.

If your car is registered in a title-holding state and if USAA is listed on your title as first lienholder, please send USAA a copy within 3 months of your purchase. Then file your copy with your other important documents. You can send the title copy through Send Documents to USAA on usaa.com or the USAA Mobile App or fax it to 484-895-3496.

If you purchase a car from a dealership in the state you live in, the dealership should file an application with that state's titling agency to transfer the title to your name and, if you've financed your car with us, add USAA as a lienholder.

If your loan has been paid in full and you need a replacement title, you may need a release of lien.

You'll need to provide the following information:

In most cases, your state will ask you for a Release of Lien. This document provides proof that USAA no longer has interest in your vehicle. For more help, contact a USAA Title Specialist at 800-531-8722.

You can get a photocopy of your title as long as USAA had a copy of title on file.

All payments should include your loan number and be mailed to:

USAA Federal Savings Bank
ATTN: Consumer Loan Payment Ref: (Your loan account number)
10750 McDermott Freeway
San Antonio, TX 78288

Note: Your loan account number must be included on the check or it will be returned.

After we receive your final payment and the account balance is satisfied, we'll release your title, depending on the payoff method, state law requirements and state motor vehicle department procedures. The title release process can vary in length. It depends on if you have a paper, electronic or customer-holding paper title. If you're unsure of which category applies to you, contact your state titling agency. If you have additional title-related questions, please call us at 800-531-USAA (8722) that's 800-531-8722 .

If you plan to ship or sell a USAA-financed car in another country, U.S. Customs requires a letter from the lienholder authorizing the car's transportation.

Before contacting USAA, confirm whether the shipping company needs the letter to be signed or notarized and whether they need a front and back copy of the title. We won't process the letter if your loan payment is more than 30 days overdue or if you're shipping the car to an Office of Foreign Asset Control prohibited country.

Once you are ready to request your letter, call a USAA title specialist at 800-531-8722.

Yes. You should always notify USAA of changes to your address or any other contact information. You can update your contact information on usaa.com under My Profile.

Before contacting USAA, please contact your new state's titling agency to confirm what documents are needed and follow these steps.