Title Question...New Purchase
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 41
From: Pinecrest FL
2015 C3 of the Year Finalist
Title Question...New Purchase
Just bought a 71 in Texas. After making arrangements to fly out and look at the car, finish the deal and have it shipped back to Florida, I was told that the title is still in the previous owners name from 2 years ago, and that the current owner never registered the car or titled it in his name. He faxed me a copy of the existing signed over title from the previous owner from Kentucky. The buyer info is still blank.
This is a private purchase and not from a dealer.
I live in Florida, so all I need to register the car is a notarized bill of sale and a signed title.
What is the easiest way to get this straightened out in a hurry? I am flying out to Texas Tuesday morning.
I have to assume that having the guy Title the car in his name is not an option because of the taxes.
Thanks for the advice.
Gary
This is a private purchase and not from a dealer.
I live in Florida, so all I need to register the car is a notarized bill of sale and a signed title.
What is the easiest way to get this straightened out in a hurry? I am flying out to Texas Tuesday morning.
I have to assume that having the guy Title the car in his name is not an option because of the taxes.
Thanks for the advice.
Gary
Last edited by exposingtime; Jul 12, 2009 at 10:55 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Seems to me you need to contact the person who is listed on the title as owner for that "Notarized" bill of sale , unless there is a problem with that you should have clear sailing,,,,,,,,,,,,er driving. Good Luck, enjoy it. Peace,,, Moosie 
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Ca.
I`m always suspecious of things like this. I would question why the seller didn`t disclose this before you bought the car.
I was involved in a deal with a 71 Z/28 years ago when I realized after the purchase the car had a different VIN plate from another Camaro. I ended doing a sting operation and subsequently we arrested the seller. This had not been his first time.
I was involved in a deal with a 71 Z/28 years ago when I realized after the purchase the car had a different VIN plate from another Camaro. I ended doing a sting operation and subsequently we arrested the seller. This had not been his first time.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Tell the seller to get the paperwork in order before he can expect to be paid. Also mention that, since he didn't tell you about the title issue, he may be liable for your expenses to review the car if he chooses not to complete the deal.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
The buyer info is still blank.
I am not in the USA but that deal would certainly raise eyebrows here. I wonder if that car is his to sell?? Does it not seem like the person in Kentucky is still legally the owner?
I am not in the USA but that deal would certainly raise eyebrows here. I wonder if that car is his to sell?? Does it not seem like the person in Kentucky is still legally the owner?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
You pay the tax when you register the car and disclose the purchase price to the DMV. So I would think the current owner needs to sign it and pay the tax from when he first bought it. The state wants its money. When I bought both my cars from a dealer, the title was in the dealers name, not the previous owners.
Gary
Gary
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Get your local PD to run a national stolen car check on it, if it's clean and the Vin tag matches the title, don't worry over it.....
anyone can make up a bill of sale and sign it mickey mouse....
anyone can make up a bill of sale and sign it mickey mouse....
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,102
Likes: 1
From: Forsyth Illinois
I just moved here to Texas,and they tax the car by the buying price.Not saying it is right,or even legal,but alot of people buy cars that arn't road ready from another state,and skip putting the car into their name,because it is not going to be plated/insured,etc.,or may have bought to resale w/no intentions of keeping the car.
If you sign the title right now,he skipped the Texas taxes,and the history of him owning the car,and it will be just as you are the one that made the purchase from KY.Noone would ever know the difference,but I WOULD at the very minimium contact the owner in KY,and MAKE SURE that this is a legit deal to cover your butt.
Not a good practice,but doesn't mean that it is stolen.It is against the law in most states to have a open title in your possession.A private individual can get away w/it,but someone like me that deals in alot of parts.....I always expect the Sec. of State to be knocking,so keep everything legit,and where/what car all my parts come/came from.
If the seller waited until the last second,then this is BS,and needs to make it right somehow.
If you sign the title right now,he skipped the Texas taxes,and the history of him owning the car,and it will be just as you are the one that made the purchase from KY.Noone would ever know the difference,but I WOULD at the very minimium contact the owner in KY,and MAKE SURE that this is a legit deal to cover your butt.
Not a good practice,but doesn't mean that it is stolen.It is against the law in most states to have a open title in your possession.A private individual can get away w/it,but someone like me that deals in alot of parts.....I always expect the Sec. of State to be knocking,so keep everything legit,and where/what car all my parts come/came from.
If the seller waited until the last second,then this is BS,and needs to make it right somehow.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
IF you have a car and title with matching Vin# on the dash/a-pillar, you have a sell able vehicle......assuming it's lien free....
states have NO way to verify signatures, so like I said Mickey Mouse can sign the name and it flies....
states have NO way to verify signatures, so like I said Mickey Mouse can sign the name and it flies....
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
I said above it would raise eyebrows. Here are the requirements in this Province.
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dan...cle/used.shtml
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dan...cle/used.shtml
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Nashville Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '10
Paperwork CORRECT is the only way I would buy this car. PERIOD
If the deal goes bad...then "Micky Mouse" is liable for the fraud...not the OP.
Do it right...or walk away.
Just my opinion.
Bobby
Last edited by C3bdj1; Jul 13, 2009 at 06:37 PM.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 54,006
Likes: 6,215
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Your seller is "skipping title."
He is trying to cheat his state out of the taxes he owes. (ask me how I know).
If you just try to make this work without the seller paying what he owes, you are helping him commit fraud. I don't believe the car is worth that.
You owe tax, and he STILL owes tax, plus 2 years interest. Don't get caught up in a mess.
"I have to assume that having the guy Title the car in his name is not an option because of the taxes."
His paying what he owes is not an option? Really?
He is trying to cheat his state out of the taxes he owes. (ask me how I know).
If you just try to make this work without the seller paying what he owes, you are helping him commit fraud. I don't believe the car is worth that.
You owe tax, and he STILL owes tax, plus 2 years interest. Don't get caught up in a mess.
"I have to assume that having the guy Title the car in his name is not an option because of the taxes."
His paying what he owes is not an option? Really?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
. Clear as mud, getting more muddled ?Peace,,,Moosie
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,241
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
I don't know about FL or TX, but not all states collect taxes on sales from private sellers. In GA, I can buy a car from a non-dealer and not have to pay taxes. So in this case, where I might buy a car or a bike to resell, I may choose not to title it in my name and I am not cheating my state out of anything. I still think it is ridiculous to have to keep paying sales tax on an old vehicle as it changes hands. Thankfully the state of GA agrees with me.
The only thing in your case that may be a problem is the notarized bill of sale. Is there no place on the back of the title where a sale amount may be posted? The tiltle not being in the sellers name wouldn't bother me, but getting the notarized bill of sale might be a problem. Good luck.
The only thing in your case that may be a problem is the notarized bill of sale. Is there no place on the back of the title where a sale amount may be posted? The tiltle not being in the sellers name wouldn't bother me, but getting the notarized bill of sale might be a problem. Good luck.
Last edited by 69ttop502; Jul 12, 2009 at 08:42 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
you know if I had a dealers license where I could skip paying the sales tax then I would do it... issues like this keep small time sellers that buy/sell/ flip 2 or 3 times a year from making money when they have to transfer the title to their name and pay 6% sales tax before even trying to flip...
your seller should disclose to any potential buyers this issue immediately and as part of the adversiting package..
and all you buyers out there... always, always , always ask to see the title and confirm all is well before the transaction.. .also always call the state DMV with the Vin looking for anything else out of wack.. ( liens, salvage titles, stolen )
DMV will frown upon seeing a title from a transaction 2 years ago presented to them by
you . this will raise flags with them and then it will escalate from there.. they will have an excuse to dig deeper.. don't give them a reason... at this point put on your boxing gloves to fight city hall.
tell this guy to get his ducks in a row before selling the car...
according to the state, that car is not his to sell if it is not in his name..
he is trying to remove his liability to the car and the transaction.. don't let him..
your seller should disclose to any potential buyers this issue immediately and as part of the adversiting package..
and all you buyers out there... always, always , always ask to see the title and confirm all is well before the transaction.. .also always call the state DMV with the Vin looking for anything else out of wack.. ( liens, salvage titles, stolen )
DMV will frown upon seeing a title from a transaction 2 years ago presented to them by
you . this will raise flags with them and then it will escalate from there.. they will have an excuse to dig deeper.. don't give them a reason... at this point put on your boxing gloves to fight city hall.
tell this guy to get his ducks in a row before selling the car...
according to the state, that car is not his to sell if it is not in his name..
he is trying to remove his liability to the car and the transaction.. don't let him..
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Nowhere Mars (Southern Indiana)
Tell him to get the paperwork in order or pass. The potential is there for this to bite you in the ***, hard. At a minimum contact the current listed title owner before handing over ANY check or cash.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
I purchased my car in Texas, with everthing 100%
the DMV messed up 3 different times !!!!
for not coping the correct VIN down as it was written,
it took 2 months to finally get the correct title.
and that was everything correct, when I gave them the paperwork.
you can title only a vehicle in Texas, and skip the registration.
But you do have to pay the slaes price tax.
it is critical for property like a corvette to have the proper paperwork.
I would tell the seller to get the paper work straight or walk away. 69VETT
the DMV messed up 3 different times !!!!
for not coping the correct VIN down as it was written,
it took 2 months to finally get the correct title.
and that was everything correct, when I gave them the paperwork.
you can title only a vehicle in Texas, and skip the registration.
But you do have to pay the slaes price tax.
it is critical for property like a corvette to have the proper paperwork.
I would tell the seller to get the paper work straight or walk away. 69VETT
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Did this here in Florida about a year and a half ago.
Bill of sale did not need to be notorized and I did not take the car to be vin checked at the tag office.
All out of state cars brought into Florida will be charged an extra one time fee of around $250.00.
It might not be right, but Florida couldn't care less about Texas or Kentucky or skipped titles, as long as Florida gets it's share of the tax money, so just don't try and tell them you paid 5 bucks for it, unless you can back that up.
In Florida, having possesion of the oldest signed, legal, original title (no matter whose name is on it) and the vehicle, assures you are the owner. The rest are just tax issues.
Bill of sale did not need to be notorized and I did not take the car to be vin checked at the tag office.
All out of state cars brought into Florida will be charged an extra one time fee of around $250.00.
It might not be right, but Florida couldn't care less about Texas or Kentucky or skipped titles, as long as Florida gets it's share of the tax money, so just don't try and tell them you paid 5 bucks for it, unless you can back that up.
In Florida, having possesion of the oldest signed, legal, original title (no matter whose name is on it) and the vehicle, assures you are the owner. The rest are just tax issues.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Did this here in Florida about a year and a half ago.
Bill of sale did not need to be notorized and I did not take the car to be vin checked at the tag office.
All out of state cars brought into Florida will be charged an extra one time fee of around $250.00.
It might not be right, but Florida couldn't care less about Texas or Kentucky or skipped titles, as long as Florida gets it's share of the tax money, so just don't try and tell them you paid 5 bucks for it, unless you can back that up.
In Florida, having possesion of the oldest signed, legal, original title (no matter whose name is on it) and the vehicle, assures you are the owner. The rest are just tax issues.
Bill of sale did not need to be notorized and I did not take the car to be vin checked at the tag office.
All out of state cars brought into Florida will be charged an extra one time fee of around $250.00.
It might not be right, but Florida couldn't care less about Texas or Kentucky or skipped titles, as long as Florida gets it's share of the tax money, so just don't try and tell them you paid 5 bucks for it, unless you can back that up.
In Florida, having possesion of the oldest signed, legal, original title (no matter whose name is on it) and the vehicle, assures you are the owner. The rest are just tax issues.