Car title question.

Twista

Diamond Member
Jun 19, 2003
9,646
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I just brought a car from someone and i have the title in hand. Can i go to the DMV/currency exchange and get it switched over to my name by myself.


OR

Do i need the seller with me?
 

Crusty

Lifer
Sep 30, 2001
12,684
2
81
This sounds like something you should have asked before you bought the car....
 

Twista

Diamond Member
Jun 19, 2003
9,646
1
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This sounds like something you should have asked before you bought the car....

:hmm: Well, im asking now. 1st time buying a car from a private seller and the sellers 1st time selling a car.

So :eek: .. Can you please answer the question???
 

JDMnAR1

Lifer
May 12, 2003
11,984
1
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I am sure regs (and title forms) vary as they are state-issued documents - so you might wanna try your state DMV or some such agency for the most accurate info. Here in AR, as long as the seller has signed the title properly, they don't need to be present for you to title it.
 

geno

Lifer
Dec 26, 1999
25,074
4
0
Yes, you usually need to have the signed title with you when you attempt to register the car. Be sure the section (usually on the back) to transfer the title is filled out properly and you'll be fine. So, no, you don't need the seller with you. Not sure about other states, but here in MA, you bring the completed title with you (along with the completed transfer form I get from my insurance agent), they take it and you get a fresh title with your name on it a few weeks later. Until then, your registration serves as proof of ownership.
 
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BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,411
14,816
146
Your profile sez Illinois...

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/vehicles/faq.html

"How do I apply for a Certificate of Title for my vehicle?
You will need to submit an Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190) along with the $95 title fee, applicable tax form, and a surrendered title or manufacturer's certificate of origin signed to you by the seller. Other supporting documents may be required."
 

Twista

Diamond Member
Jun 19, 2003
9,646
1
0
the back of the title is still blank. The illlinois title has nothing on the back but blank lines for dealers. It has 5 places for, something that says, "DEALER ONLY"


Here an example.. =] check if i missed anything.
28lf6hh.jpg


Illinois_2006_back.jpg
 
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BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,411
14,816
146
The "Assignment of Title" section is the appropriate place for the information.

Seller's name and signature, YOUR name and signature, mileage of vehicle at the time of sale, and date of sale.

As long as there's no lienholder listed, that SHOULD be all you need, along with a proper bill of sale, signed and dated with the selling price. (you may have to pay sales tax on the sale...depends on state law)
 

MJinZ

Diamond Member
Nov 4, 2009
8,192
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Drive to the DMV and ask for all the forms necessary. There is usually a "Questions/Sign in" counter for these purposes...
 

MJinZ

Diamond Member
Nov 4, 2009
8,192
0
0
The "Assignment of Title" section is the appropriate place for the information.

Seller's name and signature, YOUR name and signature, mileage of vehicle at the time of sale, and date of sale.

As long as there's no lienholder listed, that SHOULD be all you need, along with a proper bill of sale, signed and dated with the selling price. (you may have to pay sales tax on the sale...depends on state law)

Sales tax on a used product? That's insane. I would like to know what crazy state will double tax.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,411
14,816
146
Sales tax on a used product? That's insane. I would like to know what crazy state will double tax.

From the Illinois FAQ link I posted above:

Is a person required to pay sales tax when purchasing a vehicle or being given a vehicle from a relative?
Yes, the RUT-50 sales tax form must be completed and submitted with the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (VSD 190). For applicable tax amounts, contact the Illinois Department of Revenue at 1-800-732-8866.
 

mrjminer

Platinum Member
Dec 2, 2005
2,739
16
76
The info you show in red should be all you need. I live in IL and have done it before, but it's been a while. You don't need it notarized or anything, just make sure their signature and printed name are in the sellers box, that you have your info filled in where it asks about the buyer, and that it's dated.

Be prepared to pay whatever fees there are.. I think it was about $100 or so the last time I did it (~5 years ago), but I'd guess they've found a way to charge more for it now.

Ouch... I don't recall having to pay sales tax or submitting a form when I did it, guess I did though... extremely lame
 
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waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,143
10
81
long as they signed it and you sign it you can take it to the DMV and they will send in for a new one.
 

daw123

Platinum Member
Aug 30, 2008
2,593
0
0
It seems like a protracted process for registering a car to a new owner.

Do you guys have to get a bill of sale when you buy a car?

I always get a handwritten, signed and dated receipt from the seller, but there is no legal requirement to do this and I'm sure there are plenty of others in the UK who don't bother.
 

Twista

Diamond Member
Jun 19, 2003
9,646
1
0
It seems like a protracted process for registering a car to a new owner.

Do you guys have to get a bill of sale when you buy a car?

I always get a handwritten, signed and dated receipt from the seller, but there is no legal requirement to do this and I'm sure there are plenty of others in the UK who don't bother.

Yes, we both wrote out a paper stating he sold the car to me (i signed i brought the car) and dated and mileage of the car. It looks cheap and generic, but we both have a copy of this.
 

mrjminer

Platinum Member
Dec 2, 2005
2,739
16
76
It seems like a protracted process for registering a car to a new owner.

Do you guys have to get a bill of sale when you buy a car?

I always get a handwritten, signed and dated receipt from the seller, but there is no legal requirement to do this and I'm sure there are plenty of others in the UK who don't bother.

I always did if I was the seller just to make it clear that it was in no way warrantied/being sold as-is. When I was the buyer, I always brought a bill of sale with me in case the seller didn't have one, too.
 

Twista

Diamond Member
Jun 19, 2003
9,646
1
0
Thanks guys/gals. You cleared up this pretty much for me.

Time to go get the new to me 5.0 stang in my name
 

waffleironhead

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2005
7,077
577
136
Sales tax on a used product? That's insane. I would like to know what crazy state will double tax.

Try other states that tax you yearly on the car. IE colorado.

FWIW I dont know of any state that doesnt tax a car purchase new or used. Where do you live that it isnt?