How to Buy a Car With No Title

Buying a car with no title is always a risk. The car might have been stolen, there may be defects in the title that the seller is trying to conceal form you, or the title may simply have been lost. If the car has "clean" title but the title document has simply been lost, the procedures for having a new title document issued and registering the car in your name are fairly straightforward.

Instructions

1

Obtain the vehicle's VIN by physical inspection of the vehicle (the location varies by make and model, and it may even be located on the engine). Inspect the vehicle yourself - do not rely on the seller's statement.

2

Run a free online check on the VIN to determine if the car has been reported stolen, and whether it has a title. If the car has a "clean title" (not a "salvage" or "junk" title, for example, and not reported stolen), proceed to the next step.

3

Print out the VIN report and download a duplicate title application form from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or its equivalent. The seller and a representative of any lien holder (a bank representative, for example), will have to provide notarized signatures on this form.

4

Have the seller visit the local DMV and turn in the signed and notarized duplicate title application form. A duplicate title should be issued promptly for a nominal fee.

5

Purchase the car using a written purchase agreement signed by both you and the seller as well as any lien holder (a bank representative, for example). The agreement should include the car's odometer mileage.

6

Have the seller and any lien holder endorse the duplicate title. The odometer mileage should be recorded on the title if there is space for it; otherwise a special form for reporting the odometer mileage is required by some sates. This form can usually be downloaded from your state's DMV website.

7

Visit your state's local DMV office to register the car in your name. You should bring the duplicate title, the purchase agreement, and the odometer mileage form (if applicable). You will have to pay a nominal fee.