The Expert Podcast

• The supply chain crisis continues to impact the automotive world—and now even government agencies.
• A new report from The Wall Street Journal reveals a surprising shortage: title paper used to print vehicle ownership documents.
• Unlike regular paper, car titles are printed on secure, specialized paper—similar to money or checks.
• These documents include watermarks, hidden features, and colored threads to prevent forgery or duplication.
• Because a car title is a "bearer instrument" that proves ownership, it must meet strict security standards.
• This special paper is now in short supply, affecting DMVs and dealerships nationwide.
• Some dealerships are facing delays in printing titles, especially when a physical copy is still legally required.
• While some newer vehicles can be issued electronic titles, many situations still demand physical documents—especially out-of-state sales or title transfers to buyers or lien holders.
• In some states, title delays are stretching out for months, frustrating both sellers and buyers.
• The supply chain issue isn't just about chips, batteries, or parts anymore—it's about the paperwork you can’t drive without.