Is clean title the same as blue title?

Asked by: Dr. Gage McKenzie  |  Last update: November 20, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (48 votes)

A: A Texas Blue Title, also known as a “clean title,” is a legal document issued in Texas that certifies the ownership of a vehicle. It indicates that the vehicle has not been severely damaged, flooded, or deemed a total loss by an insurance company.

Is a clean title a blue title?

Although in some states, a Blue Title can mean clearance, for the most part, it means that the vehicle has a salvage title. It has been deemed unusable by an insurance company, usually after a natural disaster or a crash.

What are the three types of titles?

Typical automobile owners will see these three vehicle title types most often:
  • Clear/clean: A vehicle with no liens has a clear title.
  • Lienholder: The car you purchased with a loan has a lienholder title until you repay the borrowed money.
  • Electronic: Your DMV may hold a digital version of a car's title for efficiency.

What does a clean title mean?

A clean title is simply a title that an insurer or state has never changed. It's not another type of branded title; it simply means that the vehicle has never been deemed a total loss. With a clean title, the car does not have a lien placed on it and has slightly higher resale value.

Should I buy a car with a clean title?

While they cost more than cars with a salvage title, clean titles are more reliable and could cost you less in the long term since you won't have to pay for expensive repairs to get your vehicle considered legal. Lastly, clean title cars are far safer than ones with a salvage title, as mentioned above.

The HUGE difference between a Salvage and Rebuilt Car

16 related questions found

What is the difference between a clear title and a clean title?

A clear title, also known as a “clean title,” is a property title that is free from liens or additional issues that could jeopardize ownership, such as boundary disputes (encroachments) or easements. With a clear title, there's no doubt who the owner of the property is, or who can claim legal ownership of the property.

What does it mean when someone asks if you have a clean title?

A clean title means the car hasn't been significantly damaged, salvaged or rebuilt. Watch out for car title problems, like salvage titles or odometer.

Does a clean title mean no accidents?

A clean title suggests that the vehicle you are hoping to purchase has never been in an accident so significant that it was deemed as a total loss. However, it does not mean that the vehicle has never been in an accident at all. It is important to note that a clean title does not mean a lack of problems.

Why do people say clean title?

The most common category of title is called a “clean title” or “clear title” because it represents a clean, straightforward vehicle with no additional conditions or negative traits.

Is a new title a clean title?

Types of title brands

By default, all new cars come with a clean title. Title brand categories vary by state, but some of the more common ones are: Salvage title. An insurance company has declared the vehicle as a total loss, usually because the cost of repairs has been deemed too high.

What is the best title for a car?

Clear title: This states that the vehicle has no outstanding financial burden of any kind that would prevent it from being sold. It is the most desirable car title, and in many cases, the only one that makes you eligible for a car loan.

Is a certificate of title a clean title?

A certificate of title is not a guarantee of a free and clear title. There may be unrecorded encumbrances and liens, incorrectly recorded information, or fraudulent activity that are simply unknown.

Are all car titles the same?

Yes, there are more than a dozen different car title types. The most common types of vehicle titles are "clear" (no loans or liens against them), "lienholder" (you're financing a car and the lender is listed on the title), and "electronic" (in states moving to paperless title systems).

Can a salvage car have a clean title?

Despite the rumors, there is no way to make a salvage title clean again. Scammers can make titles appear to be clean by obtaining an illegal title. Run a VIN check or vehicle history report to make sure the title is clean. Illegally obtaining a false title is a federal offense called Title Washing.

How do you prove a title is clean?

The easiest way to verify that you have a clean title on your car is to locate your physical certificate of title, which should have been given to you when you purchased the vehicle. If the physical title states that it's clean, then that is typically all the verification you need.

What do title colors mean?

Color of title refers to a document or other instrument that appears to be a legitimate claim of title to a piece of land, but due to a title defect , cannot transfer or convey ownership .

Is it bad to buy a car without a clean title?

But even if it's legal to make the purchase without a title in your area, beware: the untitled vehicle could be a stolen car, it could have been salvaged, or it could have a lien against it (meaning the last owner hasn't paid off their car loan).

Can you change a rebuilt title to a clean title?

A major query which buyers have is, can a rebuilt title be turned into a clean title? Well, it's obviously not legally possible, but loopholes do exist. So, there are chances where you might be looking at a clean title but the actual history of the vehicle includes a title brand.

Does clean title mean paid off?

This report can be used to verify that the vehicle in question has a clean, or "free and clear," title. A free and clear title means that the vehicle does not have any outstanding liens or judgments against it, and that it is not currently involved in any legal disputes.

How important is a clean title?

The status of your car's title can mean a lot for you and your vehicle like how much the car is worth. A Clean Title means that everything is great with the car. It might need repairs, but the repairs won't cost more than the car is worth.

Why would a house not have a clean title?

Several common issues can prevent a title from being clean, including: Liens: A lien is a legal claim placed on a property by a creditor due to unpaid debts. This could be for unpaid taxes, contractor work, or other financial obligations.

Is it okay to buy a car with rear end damage?

Is it worth buying a car with body damange? It depends. If the body damage is minor, the vehicle history report explains the type of accident, and everything else checks out; there should likely be no issue buying a car.

Who will finance a rebuilt title car?

Dealership indirect lenders like Westlake Financial and Western Lending are good options. Sometimes dealers can work with other lenders that may not directly loan on a salvage title, like Navy Federal Credit Union or Capital One. Ask your dealership for options.

What does clear title mean on a car?

The Main Types of Car Titles

Clean Title: Indicates that the car is in good condition and has not suffered severe damage or been deemed a total loss by an insurance company. Clear Title: This means there are no financial liens or legal disputes concerning the vehicle's ownership.

What does clean title branded mean?

There are two categories of titles: clean and branded. A clean title means that a vehicle has a clean record, while a branded title means that a vehicle has incurred serious damage and has been deemed a total loss from an insurance company.