Signed title but didn't send it in to change it over.

I had purchased a vehicle awhile back through face to face contact. The title was signed over to me but I haven't got around to switching it over into my name. Time passes and I end up having to sell the same vehicle with the title still not switched over. Can I still hand the title over when it sells or do I need to do something else.?

rand_7639

0 View listings

Posted 10 months ago·Last reply 10 months ago

18 comments

worldcoinauctions

·10 months ago

1014 View listings

I used to buy cars to flip, you can have the seller fill out a power of attorney giving you the right to sell their car, have them sign and not date the title and you can then flip it without the wait for your state DMV. Doesn't seem like it would help in this case though.

redlinear

·10 months ago

42544 View listings

@rand_7639 wrote:
I had purchased a vehicle awhile back through face to face contact. The title was signed over to me but I haven't got around to switching it over into my name. Time passes and I end up having to sell the same vehicle with the title still not switched over. Can I still hand the title over when it sells or do I need to do something else.?

1) When you bought the vehicle, IF the owner/seller signed the title in all the places where it says SELLER...AND you did not sign any place that says Buyer? You can then sell the vehicle, and sign nothing.
We call this an "open" title. Extremely common with older project cars
2) However, IF you signed/filled out the Buyer info on the title with your name when you bought it? You will then need to license the vehicle prior to selling it.
3) There are other methods (affidavits/forms for mistakes/corrections), but they tend to get a bit "messy" and stand a good chance of turning off potential buyers.

NOTE: Number 1).... If this has been done, you have a title that has all the sellers signatures on it, but none for a buyer. Whoever / somebody / anybody's name gets filled out in the buyer section? It's legally their vechicle. So be careful with that one.

tinsoldierunderground

·10 months ago

641 View listings

This is just a bad situation ALL around. On top of all the pitfalls everyone has mentioned, because the title has never been transferred, any accident occurring during a 'test drive', could result in civil liability for the previous owner of the vehicle. In the eyes of the law, that person is still the owner.

krazzykats

·10 months ago

5712 View listings

Called Title Jumping and is a federal crime in most US states

What is Title Jumping? - CarTitles.com

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meme6253

·10 months ago

3989 View listings

You need to go to your local DMV & one of you is going to owe money, I think most likely the seller, That it something that should not be put off from the start, It is important to get a transfer done immediately.

albertabrightalberta

·10 months ago

I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you.104 View listings

@rand_7639

Why skip titling is a bad idea:

It is illegal:
Title jumping is illegal in every state and can result in fines, imprisonment, or other penalties for anyone involved.

It causes legal problems:
The buyer could have difficulty registering the vehicle in their name and could face legal issues with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

It can lead to tax evasion charges:
If the intention was to avoid paying taxes, both the seller and buyer could face tax evasion charges.

It is a major red flag:
A car with a jumped title is a huge red flag for a potential buyer, and you should be very cautious when considering a purchase.

It can be used for scams:
Sellers who are trying to hide their identity or avoid their responsibilities can use title jumping to their advantage.

janet9988

·10 months ago

127 View listings

@rand_7639 wrote:
I had purchased a vehicle awhile back through face to face contact. The title was signed over to me but I haven't got around to switching it over into my name. Time passes and I end up having to sell the same vehicle with the title still not switched over. Can I still hand the title over when it sells or do I need to do something else.?

Just put the title in your name BEFORE you sell. It is very simple.

tobaccocardyahoo

·10 months ago

5542 View listings

@janet9988 wrote:
just put the title in your name BEFORE you sell. It is very simple.

A reasonable suggestion but often the reason owners do not register the transfer of title is that they do not wish to pay the transfer fee. This is part of why I would walk away from the transaction. It would make me wonder what other necessary action was not taken, relative to the vehicle.

janet9988

·10 months ago

127 View listings

@tobaccocardyahoo wrote:
@janet9988 wrote:
just put the title in your name BEFORE you sell. It is very simple.
A reasonable suggestion but often the reason owners do not register the transfer of title is that they do not wish to pay the transfer fee. This is part of why I would walk away from the transaction. It would make me wonder what other necessary action was not taken, relative to the vehicle.

The OP is the seller who wishes to avoid fees.

richard1rst

·10 months ago

53683 View listings

I recently bought 2 antique cars. The owner signed the title over to a dealer, who then signed it over to me. I had no problem getting re-registered in my name through the DMV since the title was clear to begin with.

There were several blocks on the back of the title which looks it could be transmitted several times.

Sort of like endorsing a check over to someone else. Then they endorse it, then another and another and another etc. Eventually as long as the funds are in the bank the check will clear regardless of how many endorsements there are.

I'm not sure your concern is valid.

More info here:

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=how+many+times+can+a+motor+vehicle+title+be+endorsed&t=newext&atb=v496-1&ia=web

tobaccocardyahoo

·10 months ago

5542 View listings

I would walk away from a seller who did not have the title in his name.

Many people would.

stuff4divas

·10 months ago

7575 View listings

@rand_7639 what does this have to do with eBay?

caldreamer

·10 months ago

4052 View listings

How to Transfer Your Car Title in Tennessee

onlinecentral

·10 months ago

15305 View listings

Circumventing the title, registration and licensing procedures opens up other issues.
Prospective buyers test driving the car without valid license plates or insurance.