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Ok I bought my 92 back in October, from a lady in Oklahoma. The title got lost in my house(pretty bad huh) I contacted her and she sent off for a new title. So i FINALLY got that in. Anyways I am selling the car now, my question is, Do I need to go ahead and get the title transfered in my name or should I sell the car and just let them right there name on the back of the title?? I am not sure how long it takes if I send the title off? Anyways thanks ahead of time
Well, being that the car will go on ebay I will probably just get it transferred in my name, and then sell it. Wow 780 in taxes on it lol.
If it will be on ebay, you should have the title in hand and ready to go, or if you can't, you have the responsibility to give full information about the title's whereabouts and present condition (no I don't mean ripped or torn and in the desk drawer), who is in title at present and supporting docs to show you have possession AND ownership (a notarized bill of sale to you would do it), and therefore the right to sell. All that clouds the title and makes for a lot lower bids! So it's always going to be better to do it right. Some states mail you the stuff and it takes time. Unfortunately if you don't have the title in hand, it's the same issue as above all over again.
Titles that have liienholders (lenders still needing a payoff, for instance) are a similar issue to buyers. Since ebay deals are likely to be at a distance, you may need to solve problems by paying an escrow company to handle the money and title as a neutral third party.
If you own the car outright (no loan or a lein holder on the title) you will have to show proof of ownership in order to sell it. That document would be a certificate of title in your name. Most states have laws that provide for some sort of monetary penalty if you do not transfer ownership within a certain period of time. It could be a flat fee or a percentage of the state motor vehicle taxes owed at the time you register the car.
How did you get plates for it? Your state would have required some sort of document that showed the previous owner had released their "legal interest" to you or a loan company if you took a loan out to buy it.
It sits in the garage. I am going to send off for the Texas title today. Car is paid off I am not in a hurry to sell it, so thats cool. Plus if I sold it it looks kinda weird I am selling a car that is in someone elses name. So thanks guys, I am leaving now to transfer it
It sits in the garage. I am going to send off for the Texas title today. Car is paid off I am not in a hurry to sell it, so thats cool. Plus if I sold it it looks kinda weird I am selling a car that is in someone elses name. So thanks guys, I am leaving now to transfer it
This information pertains to the State of Maryland.
I can tell you in Maryland, when you purchase a vehicle, there is no time frame or monetary penalty if you don't transfer the title to your name.
If you were to apply for license plates, at that time you would register the title in your name and pay any sales tax.
If you're going to sell the vehicle, no need to register it in your name and be forced to pay any sales taxes.
The original title (showing no lien) and the back of the title signed by the person whose name is on the title along with a bill of sale showing you purchased the vehicle is proof you own the vehicle.
The only compelling reason to transfer the title in your name, if you don't intend to drive the car, is if the person who sold you the car is a crook and at a latter date/time claimed you stole the vehicle and title.
Last edited by Hooked on Vettes; Mar 23, 2005 at 03:00 PM.
On Topic: For legal purposes (even though it'll cost'ya) register the car to yourself first, then sell it and transfer out of your name... this will prevent any "hickups" during your transaction(s).
I hope that you read this before you pay taxes and transfer your title. Stop by any car lot and find out what the rules are in your state. If, you have a signed off Clear Texas title and a bill of sale from the seller where the buyer info is left blank I believe that the new buyer will be able to put their name/address in the blanks and all will be well. There is nothing shady about this as you bought the car and garaged it and never took title as you never put the car on the street. It is the best way to handle the process if for example you bought the car for a grandchild at an auction, you would give them the car and the title to complete the registration in their name. For ebay you only need to have a CLEAR transferable title for the purchaser. You are right to get the replacement signed off new title to replace the lost one. If, your name is in as the buyer and not left open then you are stuck. regards
this just seems like there are going to be some legal issues here. especially because of taking the car out of state, there have to be some title and tax transfer issues. good luck! you may have some questions about legality from a new buyer too.
Most states have their hand open for the sales tax generated when a vehicle changes hand and therefore give you a certain amount of days to transfer title, without penalty (they don't tread lightly on sales tax avoidance.)
If you are not a car dealer, I am not sure how you would be able to sell the car (sign the title) without your name being on the title, even if you had a bill of sale (sales tax avoidance).
If I understand you correctly, you say you had the car "stored" and never licensed in you name. If the person who sold it to you signed the title but didn't write in your name as purchaser or date it, then all you would have to do is date it when you sold it (don't sign it) and the sale would then appear as being between the person you bought it from and the person you sell it to.
If your name appears as puchaser then I don't know how you can avoid not applying for a title in your name, before you sell it.
(don't say it..I know I'm.. wordy)
Last edited by PierEagle; Mar 24, 2005 at 02:22 AM.