How do i buy a car from a person who doesn't have the title in their name?

Answer 1

Answer

I don't think you should complete the sale, especially since you do not need the car for several months--it just doesn't sound like the guy really owns the car, or that there is something else going on in the background. The thing is, that this is a monetary transaction and not a friendship. You need to separate the two and not be "nicey nice" about the whole thing. By the way, have you had your mechanic inspect the car?

Both of you should visit the DMV together and find out what you need to do. It does sound like you have the story right (below), and it is just one move to get the title. But, you need to find out if this is still a "clear title" if you have bought it from an owner who never registered the car. Does he have a bill of sale (with the VIN and "paid") from the previous owner?? Then, you should also make sure that the car will pass the state's inspection so that if there is something wrong with the car you can avoid completing the sale.

More info on the Question

well from what i have been told (ive been talking with the seller for a few weeks now and he seems legit) the current seller purchased the car a few months ago, but was unable to get the title from the original seller until about a month and a half ago. the orig. seller has filled out the seller side of the title, but the current seller has not. therefore, he hasn't paid taxes on it yet, so the title is still in the orig. owners name. so could i just fill my information in on the buyers side of the title and then pay taxes myself?(i suppose if a date hasn't been filled in) or as long as i have the title, and a bill of sale, would that work? his uncle owns a car lot and said that his uncle would be willing to fill out the bill of sale with me(like his lot was selling the car to me) to kind of avoid any mistakes. I'm trying to figure out a way for this to work, without the seller having to pay the taxes and fees just to turn around and sell it to me. since he was not able to get the car registered his uncle was letting him barrow dealer tags to drive it. other than driving the car back home, i don't plan on driving it for a few months and wouldn't mind absorbing the taxes and whatever other fees i'd have to pay, i just would rather not pay them upfront.

any help/advice would be great!