Alright, to cut a long story short, I was wondering how do I go about retrieving a title that I've never recieved after purchasing a vehicle? I bought the car from a friend and the reason why i didnt bother asking for the title was because the car was registered in his name plus hes a close friend..I know for a fact the car isn't stolen or anything in that nature..But its been about 3months since I've purchased the vehicle and still no title..He isn't acting shady towards me or anything..The reason why i he hasnt giving it to me when i purchased it was because it was shredded accidently...He claims he has it now but its kind of hard to get in contact with him cause he was 3 kids and is going through a divorce..This isnt some random guy I purchased the car from, its a friend....So with that being said, I was wondering is there anyway I can go about retrieving this vehicles title even though its in his name? I have both the plates so I can always unregister his car..But if I do that what should i go about doing next to get the title?

J30

 

That's a strange one... you should really get on that.. cops might get suspicious if you get pulled over as well. If nothing else, the government is going to want its tax cut of that sale, which you're supposed to pay when you transfer ownership. I know in Ontario, there's a used car sales package you have to buy to sell a car - maybe things are different where you live. Either way, legally, it's his car, so the onus is on him to get that to you. If nothing else, you don't want to be screwed over if all of a sudden he choses not to be your friend and wants 'his' car back..

 

^Alright, ill make sure to get on top of that.

 

All good advice.

BTW It's a bit screwy in the states when it comes to buying a used car from a private party vs dealer. Every state is different, but yeah I had to have the original title signed over to my name, then I had to get it reg in my state, then get it inspected, pay sales tax, and then I got my new plates/title.

OHHHHH Dont forget your proof of insurance, which may be the kicker here. If he still has insurance on the car then it will show up in the system as being under two policies which I don’t think is legal. Or he cancelled his insurance and technically still owns the car, which is a definite NO NO. Either way, always cover your *** as friends often times make the best enemies.

 

if he has the title, all you need to get from him is a signature signing over owership as well as a release of lein if there ever was one. the rest (insurance, etc) is on your end.

at least with a signed over title if you get pulled over there wont be any issue of you having the car illegally.

the longer you wait to pay the sales tax and get it registered in your name the more it ususally is though.

you can actually pay the sales tax at any time (at least in texas) without having the signed over title. they will give you a reciept and you can avoid penalties later. then when you go back with the title they know you already paid your taxes.

 

Your friend needs to go to his state's DMV and request a new copy of the title.
There's usually a small fee (~$20). Takes a week or two (in NY anyway).
They will only send it to the registered address of the car.
Then he can sign it over to you on the back and get it to you however he wants.
Once you get that, it's all up to you to register, pay tax, get inspected, etc.

Maybe you can go online and order the copy for him?

I ordered a copy online here in NY a few months ago. Took only a few minutes.

 

you have to apply through the Sherrif's office. Better to get a hold of your friend.

 

go to dmv with him and request duplicate title. pay fee, they have his name and info in the system. did you already transfer ownership and release him of liability for the viehicle, do you have bill of sale? go to the dmv and ask them what is the best way to go through the process. i think they will know better

 

After months of waiting, I finally recieved the freakin' title..I was so close to claling the cops but luckly i called him at the right time! Thank you all!!!