Legal Definitions - title of record

Title of Record refers to the legal ownership of property, such as real estate or a vehicle, as it is officially documented and publicly registered with the appropriate government authority. It represents the ownership status that is recognized and verifiable through public records, providing clear evidence of who legally owns the asset.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Real Estate Transaction

  Imagine a couple, Sarah and Tom, purchase a new home. After they sign all the necessary documents and the sale is finalized, their names are recorded in the county's land records office as the new owners. This official entry in the public records establishes their title of record for the property. If anyone were to search the county's property database, it would clearly show Sarah and Tom as the legal owners, regardless of who physically occupies the house or pays the mortgage.

• Example 2: Vehicle Ownership

  When David buys a used car from a private seller, he receives a signed title certificate. He then takes this certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to register the car in his name and obtain new license plates. Once the DMV processes his paperwork and issues a new title certificate with his name on it, David officially holds the title of record for that vehicle. This means that, according to official government records, David is the legal owner, which is crucial for insurance, resale, or proving ownership if the car is stolen.

• Example 3: Resolving a Property Dispute

  Suppose a family inherits a piece of land, but there's a disagreement among siblings about who truly owns it. One sibling, Maria, presents a deed that was properly recorded years ago, clearly naming her as the sole owner. Even if other siblings have been living on the land or contributing to its upkeep, Maria's recorded deed establishes her title of record. In the eyes of the law and public records, Maria is the legal owner, and any dispute would likely be resolved by referring to this official documentation.