How to Buy a Vehicle With an Open Title

An open title occurs when the seller of a vehicle signs the sale portion of the title but the purchaser side is left blank. In this circumstance, the seller maintains liability for the vehicle and whoever signs the title can claim ownership, regardless of whether they were the intended new owner. If you wish to purchase a vehicle with an open title, the steps are the same as with any other vehicle purchase.

Instructions

1

Bring the title to whoever handles title transfers in your state. In most states this is handled by the Department of Motor Vehicles, while others may have you go to the county tax assessor.

2

Gather the necessary title transfer paperwork. This paperwork varies from state to state, but usually includes a bill of sale, some sort of identification, current mileage and the VIN number of the vehicle. If the vehicle has an open title, you will not need the seller present to transfer the title.

3

Present the open title and correct paperwork to the representative at the state office and they will walk you through finishing the process.

4

Pay the tax required on the sale of the vehicle and sign the purchasing section of the title to complete the transaction.