A title clerk’s job entails researching and processing written contracts, known as titles, for the ownership, sale, or transfer of vehicles, real estate, land mineral rights, or other tangible property. In accordance with local laws, title clerks obtain testimonial documents to verify proper ownership of property. In many areas, title clerks collaborate with procurement and purchase requisition officers to ensure a smooth transition between the parties and the completion of a transaction.
The automotive industry employs the most common type of title clerk. Automobile, truck, commercial, and recreational vehicle resellers are required to keep records of the receipt and sale of each vehicle they manage. The title clerk ensures that vehicle titles are managed in a timely and accurate manner so that new vehicle owners, including lending institutions, receive proper ownership records in accordance with local department of motor vehicle regulations.
In the real estate industry, title clerks play an important role. Land records, deeds, and other ownership documents for land are researched by those working in the real estate field. This is very important in the real estate market because it establishes not only legal ownership, but also legal and financial responsibility. Taxes are calculated using actual title and deed records maintained by title clerks in real estate offices, so this data must be accurate.
In order to increase profits, some landowners choose to sell a portion of the rich natural resources found on their land, such as gas, oil, coal, precious metals, gemstones, or other minerals. Before contracting with outside vendors to handle this process, land owners must be able to provide written documentation that there are no liens against the property. A title clerk’s job entails reviewing documents, contracts, and title provisions to ensure that titles and deeds comply with legal requirements and that no legitimate objections to the activity exist.
Title clerks also work on license boards in professional occupations. Professional licenses for doctors, nurses, attorneys, and other high-level professionals are reviewed and approved by licensing boards. In transportation agencies, license clerks review and approve driver’s and operations licenses for those seeking the privilege of operating a motor vehicle for personal or commercial purposes.