Registering a car without a title

[afgarcia86]

I am finally seeing a car on Sunday I have had my eyes on. The seller says they think the have the title and the previous owner has passed. It was last registered in the 70s.

Should I make sure he has the title? Does anyone have experience with something like this. I wonder if a bill of sale will be sufficient. I guess it depends on the state. I would be looking to register it eventually in VA but this would be a project that won't be on the road for some time.

[Bob Andrews]

Yes, definitely varies by state. Consult your DMV. In NY, it's no problem.

[afgarcia86]

Thanks Bob, do you know if I need to consult both states? Or only the state where I plan to eventually register the car.

[StudeMichael]

If you buy a car from a no title state for old cars, like GA for example, the DMV wants to see a copy of the cars registration showing the sellers name matching the bill of sale made out to you.

[StudeRich]

There is definitely NO QUESTION, whatever State you Register it in, you are always better off with a Title than Without.
Always try as hard as possible to get one from the State the last Plate, Title and use was in.

On deceased title holders, it is usually best to have the executor of the Estate sign it off with a copy of his Power of Attorney.

[Corvanti]

you are right - all states vary in their DMV laws.

i didn't have much of a problem with the '51 coming to NC from GA since Georgia doesn't use titles for older vehicles. i would suggest, if your state allows a bill of sale, to have it notarized by the seller - and you will probably have to tell the DMV clerk to look up the seller's state regarding bill of sale vs. title.

there are a business or two that will issue a "title" for a hefty fee. but i'm not sure it will be accepted in your state.

hopefully some Virginia folks can give you better info.

EDIT: oops, late on my post. also, if you presently live in PA, or a family member does, you might want to check their DMV laws...

[glen]

You may also need to be prepared to provide both the current and the previous bill of sale (if available and no title), notarized, as well. Which was my case in the "Zone," for a 64 Daytona which I brought in from Alabama. After that was accomplished, a piece of cake!

[afgarcia86]

Thanks everyone. I am going to call the Virginia DMV tomorrow. I am hoping he has the title, but I am worried it wont help much since its in the deceased previous owners name. Hopefully there wont be a need for much of a run around like StudeRich is mentioning.

[Bob Andrews]

Thanks Bob, do you know if I need to consult both states? Or only the state where I plan to eventually register the car.

It only matters in the state where you intend to register it. Just worry about what they want.

[Corvanti]

good luck with your phone call. (tomorrow is Saturday, BTW - are the phones "manned" on weekends?).

once you get an answer, if you wait about an hour - call back - and if you get another "operator" at the DMV, you may get a totally different answer! kind of like the IRS...

you may want to browse their website online. if you find a result that is favorable, print it and take it with you when trying to get a title, (or reference it) when you call...

[53commander]

I know in New Jersey a notarized Bill of Sale and a previous registration will get it done. If the seller has power of attorney then they should be able to easily get a duplicate title.

[57pack]

Also in NJ you need a tracing of the serial number.
May help in Virginia?

[jimmijim8]

If you're going for a 62 Hawk, I have a Va. title and serial number and cowl tags jimmijim

[ken-renda]

I am finally seeing a car on Sunday I have had my eyes on. The seller says they think the have the title and the previous owner has passed. It was last registered in the 70s.

Should I make sure he has the title? Does anyone have experience with something like this. I wonder if a bill of sale will be sufficient. I guess it depends on the state. I would be looking to register it eventually in VA but this would be a project that won't be on the road for some time.

Here is what DMV told me in December regarding VA title for non-titled car: (the alternative to DMV advice is to pay $995 to a private company who will TRY to get a VA title, but will not guarantee positive results, and note the DMV wording that when you have provided all that DMV requested they will CONSIDER a title which suggests they might want to inspect car for compliance with VIN plate procedures). My advice is if the choice is having a tooth pulled or dealing with DMV, go for the tooth, DMV, while polite, is limited by VA code:
"Whenever an applicant for title/registration is unable to present a certificate of title because the title has been lost, unlawfully detained by one in possession of it, or it is otherwise not available, DMV "will accept the application and investigate the circumstances". When DMV is SATISFIED that the applicant is entitled to the title/registration, the title will be issued.

You will need to submit the following:

* Bill of Sale, out of state registration card, and any other supporting documentation such as tax receipts, contract marked paid, foreign documents, etc., as evidence of ownership from the seller.

FORMS
* VSA 17A "Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration"
* Proof of Address (if applicable)

For your convenience, you may download the required forms by clicking on the web link below:

http://www.dmvnow.com/webdoc/forms/index.asp

FEES
* $ 10.00 Titling Fee
* 4% Sales and Use Tax on the sales price or $75.00 min.
* Registration fee
* Contact the Commissioner of Revenue in your city/county for personal property tax information and to see if a city/county decal is required for the vehicle."

[SN-60]

If you're going for a 62 Hawk, I have a Va. title and serial number and cowl tags jimmijim

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