Is there a difference between a vehicle title and registration card?

The vehicle title is the legal document that proves you actually own the vehicle in question, and if you sell your car, you "sign the title" over to the buyer and the title is then sent in to the state DMV to be cancel led and a new title issued in the new owner's name. This document is kept in a safe place, like your home fireproof safe or a safe deposit box. The registration card proves that you have paid the annual registration fee for the vehicle (along with a sticker to put on the license plate in most states). The registration card needs to be with you when operating the vehicle, as most states require it to be presented to a peace officer on demand, such as when you are stopped for a moving violation. The title doesn't expire, the registration does. ... more