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tlh5434 · May 22, 2012, 07:55 AM

I bought a car from a used car lot. Wasn't given the title and have went round and round with them for over a yr. According to the DMV the title was released to the dealership. The owner first told me he was waiting for it to be mailed to him then he stated that he gave it to me. I have called repeatedly, went to the dealership numerous times, and left numerous messages. Now the dealership is out of business. What can I do. I do not have money to hire an atty and now my son has gotten a ticket due to the car not being licensed. I don't know what to do... HELP!

jaytona500 · May 22, 2012, 07:59 AM

Whoever the vehicle was last titled to needs to furnish you an invoice and bill of sale. DMV should be able to re-title with a bill of sale. It can't be a dealership that owns it, there has to be at least one individual.

AK lawyer · May 22, 2012, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by jaytona500

... DMV should be able to re-title with a bill of sale. It can't be a dealership that owns it, there has to be at least one individual.

I find that hard to believe. That rule would be state-specific I assume. OP should indicate what state this is.

jaytona500 · May 22, 2012, 08:43 AM

Let me clarify, with a valid bill of sale, the DMV should be able to do a VIN inspection. At that point, if the title is clear and the car doesn't come back stolen or otherwise, a title shouldn't be hard to obtain. Although that is how it is in Colorado. I bought a classic that hadn't been registered since 1980, and with a bill of sale, and a VIN inspection, they sent me a new title within 2 weeks.

Fr_Chuck · May 22, 2012, 08:44 AM

The fact they are out of business will be a big issue. Normally you would have sued them.

So start with DMV and ask them is there a procedure or anything you can do though them

But you may have to try and find the owner and sue him.

Fr_Chuck · May 22, 2012, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by jaytona500

Let me clarify, with a valid bill of sale, the DMV should be able to do a VIN inspection. At that point, if the title is clear and the car doesn't come back stolen or otherwise, a title shouldn't be hard to obtain. Although that is how it is in colorado. I bought a classic that hadn't been registered since 1980, and with a bill of sale, and a VIN inspection, they sent me a new title within 2 weeks.

The bill of sale will not state if there is a new lien that needs to be posted.
And is the bill of sale notarized or somehow showing it is real, not forged.

I have never heard of getting a title to a car ( that is in someone else's name) from the DMV in YOUR name, You may get a copy of the title, in the current owners name, for them to sign over to you.

This would not work in any state I have ever lived in. In fact I know of several people who finally walked away from cars bought where the dealer went out of business and no title was ever gotten