Take proof of sale to the DMV with license and insurance paperwork and pay to get a replacement or substitute title and register the vehicle. A title transfer happens in two stages: 1.The buyer and seller meet up. It is illegal to sell a vehicle in Virginia without a title. It is incumbent upon the seller to provide one. How do I obtain a title if I do not want a registration? This is known as a title only transaction. Make changes to a car title, learn how to request a replacement title, add a lien holder, and request a title search in CT. If the dealer fails to deliver the certificate of title or certificate of origin to you or the DMV within the first 30 days, a couple of things can happen.