How long does it take to get the title after buying a car?

It varies by state and by how the purchase was made. When you buy from a dealer, the dealer usually submits the title and registration paperwork to the state, and processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. If you financed the car, many states send the title to the lender or record it electronically until the loan is paid off. Check your state DMV's website for typical timelines and how to check status.