Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with car and title

I didn't want to wait in that line anyway.

sophist — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:52:47 -0800

If I fill out all the paperwork, can I have someone else go to the DMV and hand them in to my registration and plates? I am in Massachusetts, just bought a (used) car from a private party. I have the title and RMV-1 forms filled out with insurance stamp (do I need anything else?). Because I have to work on Monday, and need this done ASAP, I am wondering if I can give a friend of mine the money and paperwork and have him go do it for me. Or, is there any reason I would need to be physically present in order for them to hand over the plates and registration? Thanks!

How to drive home a car bought in another state?

HopperFan — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:01:41 -0800

So I bought a car from out of state...please help me with the logistics! I bought a Volvo on eBay for a good price, yay. It's about 6 hours away, though. (Ohio to Virginia)

I've read this question, and this, this, and several others - but I still have questions, because there seems to be some conflicting information.

Step 1 : Insure vehicle. I'll be doing that tomorrow, I have the VIN.

Step 2 : Go to Virginia, meet seller with car. Make sure VIN on car and title matches with what was posted on eBay.

Step 3-4-.... : ?

The questions I've thought of so far are:

1. Does the seller need to have access to a notary? Otherwise, how would signing the back of the title and the bill of sale be valid?

2. Is it true that with a signed over title and a bill of sale, I could drive this vehicle back to Ohio and placate any police officers that happen to stop me?

3. It seems like a very bad idea to fedex payment down without a title in hand, trusting he'll send me the title in exchange, just so that I could obtain temp tags here before driving down. He hasn't asked me to do that, anyway.

The car does not currently have plates. I checked auto shipping companies, but the cheapest quote is around $300. This may or may not be worth it, depending on what I learn about this registration process.

Out of state used car headache

zvs — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:44:26 -0800

I'm looking into buying a used car, and found a pretty good looking one from a colleague in New Jersey. I live in Brooklyn. How the heck does this work? Parking and title questions follow... I've never bought a car before, so it's all new to me. If I buy this car, the original owner has to take the plates off -- then I guess I'll need a NY in-state temporary plate to get it to my house.

Problem 1: Do I just leave it in NJ until I manage to get NY plates? Do I have to get title to get a transfer plate, or does that include title? The website is less than clear.

Problem 2: Where the heck do I keep it? Will I get ticketed if it's on the street? Will I get ticketed for moving an unplated car during street cleaning?

Problem 3: Where do I pay sales tax?

Anybody done this before?

Help us transfer our plates!

PhoBWanKenobi — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:19:24 -0800

Florida DMVFilter: what's the easiest (and cheapest) way to register Mr. WanKenobi's car in the state of Florida? Mr. WanKenobi just moved in. Yay! He brings with him a nice, newish RAV4, which he owns outright and is currently registered in the state of NJ.

Since I hardly use my own car, which is registered in Florida, and since we certainly don't need two cars, I've just sold it on craigslist. I have the plates and all of that.

Now we're trying to figure out the best way to register Mr. WanKenobi's car. I would just send him over to get his own plates, but the state of Florida charges you an extra hundred bucks the first time you register any vehicle in the state, whereas transferring the plates would only be four dollars. We have no problem sharing the ownership of the car--we'll both be using it, after all--but I can't find anything on the website about transferring the title to a new co-owner, if that makes any sense. Do any of your Florida mefites have any experience with this? We'd like to avoid paying that hundred dollar "initial registration fee" again if at all possible!

What do to with a car with no title

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:37:07 -0800

My boyfriend doesn't have the title to his car. BMV says there's no way he can get the title short of legal action. What can he do with this car? (asked anonymously just in case he decides to get a lawyer involved)

My boyfriend, before I met him a year ago, bought a car from a friend. Friend said he would send him the title, and he never did. My boyfriend called his friend to get it but he never returned his calls.

We did a Carfax and VIN number lookup and it turns out the guy he bought the car from never owned it in the first place. Not only that, but the last official owner couldn't even have technically sold it because there's a lien on the car.

My BF applied for a court ordered title but was denied because the car has a lien on it.

I called our Clerk of Courts and they said they can't override a judge's decision on the title. I called our BMV and they said the same thing. The person I talked to suggested we contact the judge who made the decision and ask him what to do with the car.

I've looked up the name of the woman who owns the car and called the two numbers available but they were disconnected.

The car is a '96 and would be worth about $6000 if in excellent condition, which it isn't.

The history of the car shows a previously issued damaged title, rebuilt title and a salvage title.

So, after all of that, I basically have three questions:

-- Should my boyfriend sue the guy who sold him the car?
-- What can he do with a car that he doesn't have the papers to? Can he junk it/sell it for parts/donate it to charity without those papers?

The car's never been reported as stolen or abandoned, by the way. I would assume the owner who has a lien on this car doesn't want anything to do with it anymore.

(Yes, I realize my boyfriend probably shouldn't have bought this car in the first place, so practical answers as to what to do now are most appreciated. Thank you.)

Throwaway email: notitleanon@gmail.com

Is paying off an $11k auto loan with a credit card a bad idea?

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:31:28 -0800

Tricky car loan situation. I'm thinking about paying off the remainder of a car loan with my credit card. Is this a bad idea? My boyfriend and I have spent over a year trying to figure out the best way to get his car officially titled in his name. He's had the car since 2003 (new) and has been faithfully making (loan + insur.) payments on it. However the loan is completely in his ex-girlfriend's name (and he is listed on her auto insurance). The bank is the title holder, which means that the loan needs to be paid off in order for her to get the title and transfer it to us.

We both have really good credit (mine is over 800, his is above 675), but we also both have significant student loan debt. Consequently, we have repeatedly been turned down for a loan necessary to pay off the ex's car loan (so that she can receive the title and sign it over to us).

Here's the solution I came up with the other day:
1. Draft a contract stating that I will pay off the loan with the bank. When that occurs and the ex receives the title, she will sign it over to my bf (essentially selling the car to him for $1). We all sign.
2. I will draft a second contract, between bf and I, stating the terms of paying back the loan. We both sign.
3. Bf will register and insure himself and the car here in this state (CA), ex-gf will remove him from insurance policy, etc.

I am comfortable taking on this much debt ($11k at 11.99% APY). The car loan rates we were quoted were not any better frankly. My credit card limit allows for this purchase. Also, fyi, the car is not worth nearly that much, but its very reliable. He definitely needs to hold onto it for work, etc.

Leaving the situation as-is is not an option. The current loan is absolutely terrible. He is unable to register or insure the car in this state, or in his name. Its risky to have this situation go on with this sort of liability; I can't legally drive the car ever, and if anything happens to him or the car, it screws over his ex-girlfriend. We'd like to not make this her problem, and just get everything legit.

Is there anything wrong with this plan and/or paying off this loan with a credit card? I am worried about recent reports of people being 'dumped' by their credit card companies. Or other things, like random rate changes. Are these valid concerns, and is there anything else I should be worried about?

Fyi, I am most definitely not worried about making this sort of loan/$$ commitment to my boyfriend. We are in it together, for as long as I can foresee, and things are great. Also, he has borrowed significant money from me in the past and has paid me back on time, every time. This question is about any hidden drawbacks to paying off the loan on a credit card.

He left behind medical bills and a very sensible car

*s — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:29:38 -0800

What is a fitting end for a ghost car? My friend died a few years ago without a will, leaving behind a 2001 tan Toyota Camry. Due to the hassle of getting the title (friend had hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills), my friend's wife would prefer to get rid of the car, rather than make it legit. Most people probably do not want to buy a car without a title that has an expired registration and environmental inspection that cannot be renewed.

As a result, my friend's wife wants to do something different with the car. What's something cool she might do with it? The weirder the better.

(We're already considering donating it to NPR, assuming they take cars without proper papers.)

Fees to transfer a vehicle?

unclejeffy — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:51:04 -0800

How do I go about trading cars? So, it's finally happened. A craigslist reader has finally taken me up on my offer to trade vehicles. I'm feeling great about the particulars of the trade (it's a good, even trade), but it just dawned on me that I don't know a thing about the particulars of making this happen. (I'm in Florida.) I'd go the licensing bureau, but it's nearly 5:00 on a Friday, and I'll never make it there in time. Can you help me out? I'm assuming that there's no sales tax involved, since there's no sale, but I don't know that for sure. Are there other fees involved? I've been looking at the websites for the appropriate departments, but I can't seem to find where this is addressed. I'd appreciate any help I can get. Thanks.

car registation nightmare

MillMan — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:37:57 -0800

Help me get my car registered in the state of California. I am at a loss. Here is the history:

Car was purchased new in the state of Minnesota.

Car loan was paid off while living in Massachusetts.

I now live in California, and am attempting to register the car here. The title was lost in the move (and I can't remember which state was listed on the title). According to the DMV here in CA the car can't be registered here without the title (if someone knows that to be false, let me know).

I applied for a duplicate title from the state of MA. They mailed the request back, saying "[loan company] must release the title." I called the loan company, and they said "all we can do is send you the lien release." I received that, but a rep from the state of MA on the phone still says the loan company has to "release" the title. I can't get anything beyond this conflicting info. Anyone have an idea of what to do here?

Two days of platelessness?

purplefiber — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:27:29 -0800

Bringing a car from British Columbia to California- complicated title transfer situation. I am being given a car by my parents who live in B.C. I live in California, and plan to fly up and then drive the car back down here.

The complicated part is- the car is currently registered and insured in BC in my parents' names. Ultimately it will be registered and insured in California, in my name. Where and when do I need to do the title transfer (or is there paperwork in both places)? How can I be covered for the in between time (during my trip down) for insurance and registration? Should I keep the BC plates on for the trip, or get some sort of temporary plates?

Thanks!

I don't want a pickle...

sourwookie — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:00:01 -0800

How to recover a lost title for a scooter I would like to purchase from someone who got it in another state? I'm in Missouri, the title was in Illinois. Simplicity is a priority. I normally wouldn't hassle, but it is mint and the price is better than right. Additionally--I've heard rumor about some mysterious trick involving Arkansas--that just may make everything easier. My barber has a scooter that his father-in-law would like him to sell here in Missouri--AND I WANT IT. The problem is it's 80cc (therefore requires licensing) and has a lost title from Illinois. It is showroom-perfect, like a time machine version of a 1995 Honda.

How do I go about getting a title for it, with minimal involvement from father-in-law (the whole reason he is selling it so cheap--he's a cranky old cuss--is that he wants his involvement with recovery, DMV fees--all hassles really--kept to a minimum)?

Can I buy it and then apply for lost title in Illinois? Can I buy it then get a new title in Missouri? Does he have to get a title, then transfer it over to me? If so, how do I do as much of that as possible for him?

Also I've heard of a way to just get a new title sent to me from Arkansas--a loophole, if you will. Anyone know of any truth to that?

Selling my car in Oklahoma, but it's registered in Texas. What do I do? The sale might happen today! Help!

jimmyhutch — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:11:43 -0800

Selling my car in Oklahoma, but it's registered in Texas. Can I get some advice on what to do here? More details inside, and this sale could happen today! I live temporarily in Oklahoma (moving back to TX as soon as we sell our house), but I am still registered in Texas with the car. I am selling the car for a little less than I owe on it, but paying the cash for the remainder of the loan to the loan company (Capital One Auto - I know, I know) isn't an issue.

I called Capital One Auto, and besides telling me repeatedly that they'll release the title to the new owner after I pay off the balance, they were extremely unhelpful.

So, how this stands is that I am selling my car for cash in Oklahoma, and the car is registered in Texas. Which state do I need to deal with in this situation? Obviously I need to let Texas know that I no longer have liability on this car (via this form) once I sell it to the guy, and then get a registered payment to the bank so that they will overnight the title.

What else am I oblivious to in this situation? Have I left out something for forgotten something that is gonna screw this up?

Thanks for your help, in advance!

selling vehicle without title

diode — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:07:49 -0800

I've got a vehicle whose title is in the process of being transferred to me. I've got to do the reregistration by mail from Oregon to California. I've had an offer on the vehicle. The potential purchasers say a bill of sale and them putting the vehicle on their insurance is sufficient to let them drive legally. They also mentioned a temporary registration, which I've never heard of. Is this a bad idea, or a practical one to get the car sold now. I've got a vehicle in my possession that belonged to a deceased relative. I'm a resident of Oregon, the car title is in California. I've sent the title and paperwork down to the California DMV in Sacramento and of course there is some glitch that means the paperwork will have to come back to me and then get resent down there.

In the meantime, a couple have made an offer on this vehicle, a good one. Since the title is in limbo at the moment, they are saying we can do a bill of sale, then they put the vehicle under their insurance and I transfer the title when I get the paperwork completed.

I'm not clear on the potential downsides of this. Given that they look like solid citizens and will pay with a cashier's check, so it's not an issue of money, what happens if they get into a wreck? The vehicle title is soon to be in my name, then I have to re-register it in Oregon, then sign it over to them. That's probably at least another three weeks minimum if nothing goes awry.

While the paperwork is getting completed, they'll have the vehicle. My worst fear would be that if they got into a smashup, the title would point to me and I'd be named in a suit. Is that a reasonable fear or am I just being too paranoid?

It would be nice to have the car sold now. It's a Pontiac Aztek, 2001, with only 18,121 miles on it. There's no problem waiting though until the title is completely clear before doing this if that's the best course of action.

How long can I drive a car before turning it over to the insurance company?

tss — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:07:15 -0800

Someone hit my car. Their insurance company wants to total it. How long can I drive it before they take it away? I hope you'll bear with me. This will take some explaining:

Here in Pennsylvania, my '97 Nissan Sentra was fender-bent by a nice person who left a note under my wipers. As an older vehicle, the Nissan's repair costs are higher than its value... by a little bit. I had the car checked and it's mechanically sound, safe, and even capable of passing an ordinary PA state inspection. However, the insurance company wants to declare it a total loss and take it off my hands.

I could buy it back from the insurance company after they pay me for it, but then the car would be considered a "reconstructed vehicle". Here in PA that means a special, expensive, rigorous inspection designed to keep hucksters from selling totaled lemons to grannies. Passing that one could be hard for any ten year old car, I gather.

On the phone with the insurance company I've noticed that the representatives have been, well, coy about putting a date on when I have to decide what to do with my vehicle. I've been warned that waiting too long and building up mileage on the car will lower its value and hence diminish the eventual insurance payout. Which brought the question:

Me: So, ah, hypothetically speaking, what happens if I drive it around for, say, two years and then make up my mind?

Rep: I don't like to deal in hypotheticals...

She went on to say that the claim would be closed and reopened, and then repeated her warning about the car's value dropping with more mileage. But she didn't fit a deadline. Does this mean that, basically, I can drive my car around until I was planning to get rid of it anyway, and assuming I don't have an accident, the insurance company is obliged to buy it when I'm done with it for what it would be worth without the big dent? Here are the questions I need help with:

First, see question above. Then, assuming the answer is yes,

Is it ethical? Some thoughts about who's involved: the insurance company would be paying me anyway---now they can hold onto the money longer and invest it, then pay me less money in the end. The company might also choose not to raise the rates of the at-fault party until the payment---good for the at-fault party now, but perhaps an unexpected surprise later on. I'm owed money for my loss, but if my plans haven't really changed, how much of a loss is it? (Trade-in value, I suppose...)

Is it legal? This I can't answer... perhaps there's a statute of limitations? But the claim is already filed... it's just on hold. (YANAL, I know...)

Minnesota Sales Tax on a Gifted Vehicle

Coffeemate — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:11:31 -0800

Did I have to may Minnesota sales tax on the car my mom gave me? Mom bought the car new in April 2007. She gave it to me in December. We completed paperwork with Mazda America Credit to transfer the loan to my name.
When I transfered the title today, I was charged 6.5% sales tax on the value of the remaining payments (about $12,000). Since it was a gift, should it have been taxed?
Minnesota Revenue says:

The transfer of a motor vehicle between individuals is exempr if the transfer is a gift for no monetary or other consideration, or other expectation of consideration.

Is my taking over the loan "consideration"?

Was I born every minute, too?

metaculpa — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:57:49 -0800

Buying a used car from a dealer who bought it at an auction - and he doesn't have the title. Heya,

I'm buying a used car from a dealer who bought it at a dealer auction. I've had the car checked out mechanically and whatnot, and I'm comfortable with that side of things. The title is "in transit" from the owner, and so the dealer doesn't have it. He says he'll complete a temporary registration in the meantime, and pass on the title when it comes.

This seems a little weird to me, but I havn't bought a car this way before. Thoughts? Preferably quick thoughts?

Thanks!

How do I state the purchase price of a vehicle acquired in a trade?

ganzhimself — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:36:36 -0800

Wisconsin Car Title Filter: I'm trading my vehicle for another vehicle plus cash. Wondering what to do about titling the new vehicle. Here's the story. I have a big, gas thirsty SUV that I can't afford to drive and I have someone who wants to trade me a Honda Civic and some cash for the SUV. I'm a bit miffed as what to do when I title the car. On the title and plate application it asks for a purchase price (to levy State and Local Tax), and says it's illegal to understate the purchase price. If I am trading my SUV for the car and cash, I'm not really paying anything for the car, right? What should I put for the purchase price? I don't want to have to answer to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue as to why the purchase price is $0.

Now serving number 948392038409301....

divka — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 12:32:35 -0800

Has any one used a title agent in Maryland instead of getting a title and registration at the Motor Vehicle Administration? I moved to Maryland last October and it took me several months to gather up the millions of pieces of paperwork needed to get a driver's license in Maryland. Now that I've finally got my car inspected--I really, really don't want to go back to deal with my title and registration.

And of course, you can only get title and registration done on a weekday--weekends are for driver's licenses only. Ugh.

Has anyone used a title agent and found it a pleasant experience? I'm willing to pay more if I don't have to take a day off from work to languish at the MVA.

The car wants to be mine, but...

Smarson — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 06:17:26 -0800

How do I register my vehicle in a new state without a title or a bill of sale? I was fortunate enough to inherit my uncle's less-than-new/ better-than-scrap-metal car when he moved overseas earlier this year. My problem is that I've relocated to a different state and now need to register said junk heap. I don't have the title or even a bill of sale and I'm seriously doubting my uncle saved either when he left the country. So how do I go about obtaining a new title for the car in order to transfer it to my name and register it in a new state? The car is insured in my name, but in the previous state and on a 6 month pre-paid term. I'm hoping to insure it with a different company once the 6 month term is up, but again, I'm guessing things like a title and bill of sale will be needed. What are my options?

Salvage my car?

ilyanassa — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:55:51 -0800

Salvage title or new-to-me car? I rear-ended the car in front of me at about 15 mph (I was passing on the left and he stopped suddenly), hitting my front right side on his left rear bumper. My headlight and blinker were pushed straight back and the hood slightly accordioned. Thinking the damage wasn't that bad, I foolishly took the car to my insurance's recommended repair center,who decided that there was $3700 of body damage (which I think is ridiculously inflated, but they won't let me take the car for a second estimate). The car's blue book value is $5000 at best, so the insurance company declared it a total loss. I have the option of taking the whole settlement, or taking a salvage title to my car and the settlement minus the salvage fee.

The mechanics don't think there's any radiator or frame damage. The body damage includes a broken headlight and blinker, the inside dashboard lights no longer work (blown fuse?), dented bumper and grill, and slightly accordioned hood (still latches). I'm willing to live with some body damage, as long as the car is safe and reliable.

I'm not emotionally attached to my car, but I don't want to go through the pain of trying to buy a decent used car for $5000 (done it twice and it's just a LOT of work). Should I take the salvage title and fix up my car? Or is a salvage title not worth the bother, and should I just take the money?

Note: the car is a 2001 Chevy Prizm with about 104,000 miles, and I live in California.

Help on tracking down a lienholder

cleetus — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 08:27:51 -0800

I recently purchased a car from family member which, while paid off, still has a lien on the title. The original owner never anticipated that they'd ever want to sell the car, and never had the lien removed because the lienholder entity had been purchased and merged and re-purchased several times over. Now that I have the car, and need to get it registered, I need to track down the entity that actually has the lien on the car and get the lien removed. Any suggestions for tracking them down? Are there registries for this sort of thing? FWIW, the original lienholder was a Saab financing company in New York.

What catches are inherent in a salvage-title vehicle in California?

mhespenheide — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 09:11:56 -0800

I'm looking at used pickup trucks in California. Some of the listings on craigslist are described as having salvage titles. What precisely does this mean? Would a service like Carfax tell me why the vehicle has a salvage title? If this isn't something to be avoided at all costs, what should I ask a mechanic to look for in checking out the truck? Seemingly, the salvage title is something to be avoided. Or is it, if the truck appears to operate well?

Non-rationally, I like the body style of the mid-nineties trucks more than the more recent models; that preference added to a desire for a manual transmission has me looking through a limited pool. It seems like 10-20% of such trucks listed on craigslist have salvage titles.

Hooray I own my car

jclovebrew — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 15:05:29 -0800

Paid off my car. The bank sent me the title and a letter that tells me to submit the title to the DMV, who will then issue me a lien-free title in my name alone. The question is, what if I don't do this? Nobody likes going to the DMV. Also, I'm in NJ if that makes any difference.

Car title

terrier319 — Fri, 30 Sep 2005 07:30:39 -0800

What is the proper procedure for signing over a vehicle title and ensuring a kosher, risk-free transaction. This is a long-range deal where the buyer of my car is clear across the country, so a face-to-face deal is not possible. The buyer asks for a copy of the signed-over title in order to secure financing. If I sign over the title without my money in hand, am I leaving myself open to a possible problem? Note - there is no indication whatsover to be suspicious; I just want to protect myself.