Do not add a separate title page unless your instructor or assignment asks for one. When one is required, include the requested title and course information, keep the paper double-spaced, and follow the instructor’s layout exactly.
Does MLA require a title page?
Usually, no. A standard student paper begins on page one with the four-line heading, followed by the centered paper title and the first paragraph. Always check the assignment sheet before creating an extra page.
When to use a separate title page
Use one when the instructor explicitly requests it, when a department supplies a required layout, or for a group project so all authors can be listed on the title page instead of in the page-one heading.
MLA title page example
Keep the same readable typeface and double spacing used in the paper. The exact arrangement can vary because the instructor’s directions control this nonstandard page.
The Role of Memory in Modern Fiction Avery Johnson Professor Maya Chen Literature 204 28 September 2026
Title page vs. first page
A title page stands alone before the essay. A normal MLA first page contains the four-line heading, title, and opening paragraph together. Do not submit both unless the assignment calls for both.
Check spacing and the running header
Use one-inch margins and double spacing unless instructed otherwise. Ask whether the title page should carry the running header; course-specific directions may differ for a specially requested cover page.
Create your MLA header
Enter your details once, see the complete first page, then copy or download it.
Open the free generatorFrequently asked questions
Is an MLA cover page the same as a title page?
In classroom instructions, the terms often refer to the same separate page. Confirm the required fields and arrangement with your instructor.
Does the first page still need a heading after a title page?
Follow the assignment directions. Avoid duplicating information unless the instructor requires both.
Based on the MLA Style Center’s paper-formatting guidance and the MLA Handbook, ninth edition. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. Always follow your instructor’s directions.