Buying truck with no title?

[Nightrider]

found a truck for sell and the guy that has it never picked up the clear title from the original owner. If the truck was not cheap and straight I would normally walk from it. From the way it sounds the 1 st owner just cannot find it. How hard would it be to get a new title? Advice from the clan!

[Hottrucks]

write a bill of sale from me to you.... in New Hampshire they don't tilte anything more than 15 years old.....tell them to call if they have any questions....hint hint wink wink..

[71tahoe]

Having the original owner apply for a replacement for lost title is the easiest way.

[68lwb292]

In Florida you have to have pay and file for lost title. I always had to have the owner who's name it was in go to the title office with me, because I think they have to file for lost title.

[LockDoc]

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Original owner applies for lost title in Iowa too...15 bucks. That's what I would try to do.

LockDoc

[Tx Firefighter]

I do it a different way here in Texas. I have my buddy impound it in his towing yard for 45 days. He sends certified letters to the last owner of record during that 45 days allowing them to come claim it if they care to. Since the bill is at least 1000 dollars for fees and impound storage, they of course never reclaim them. At the end of it he gives me legal impound papers that allow me to have a clean, blue title issued in my name.

Of course, I pay him for his trouble and paperwork fees. I currently have another 63 SWB in his yard waiting for this very process. I should have it by next week.

[cdowns]

olny buy with title or with the expectation of parting it out as soon as you get it

[Nightrider]

If I can talk to the original owner to get him to apply for lost title or go with mechanics lien. What a hassle.

[1lowdiesel]

why not just get one off the internet at one of the title places or from a swap meet?

as long as it's not stolen lol you'll be fine.

[LONGHAIR]

Since someone almost always does.....Please stay away from suggestions that are illegal.

[Hottrucks]

now my feeling is hurt!!

[sameyrasmea72]

If the titled owner is unwilling to spend 10 min. and $10(you should pay the $10 as a gesture) to get a duplicate title printed up instantly, you can take the VIN # and it would help to know who’s name the truck is titled to, to the DMV and tell the clerk that you want to buy this truck but the owner lost the title. She should (if she is good at her job) do the leg work and give you the paper work to have the owner sign. Then she will tell you to get a copy of his driver license and that is all you need in Texas.

[72lb4x4]

If you're buying from the person who's name is on the title, you can get a form for them to sign that gives you power of attorney to get a replacement title, and transfer it to your name.

You can also do a title search for about $2.00 to first verify whose name the title is in.

You can download the forms and print print them to save a trip to the DMV.

Try dmv.org (I think) and/or a web search of Texas lost title via your friend google.

[Diablo de la Noche]

I bought a car for my kid at an estate sale. I had title in hand, but the DMV office wouldn't title it without the PO's signature, signing it in front of her. If I could do that, that would make a heck of a magician, since the PO was dead and gone. I explained this to her, and she said in Texas you have to go to a vehicle title hearing, yes in court. (It got cleared up once I was able to get the signature of the executor of the estate, in Florida) Call one of those title companies and get the low down. It only takes a minute to call and save yourself tons of headaches. Just don't be too surprized if there are some "issues" with ownership. Have the VIN available so they can run it, that way you know if what the seller says is true. Also, you might want to think about writing up a contract that states you will purchase the truck ONLY if the title is clear. There is always a way around the paperwork, except for DMV paperwork. Maybe try calling DPS, they might be able to run it for stolen.

[sjarrett71]

1st thing is to get the vin and call the cops to see if it's stolen. Then I would try to track down the last registered owner to get a replacement title.

[1956cameo]

I have done the bonded title route. It is not the cheapest route, but it is the most legit way of doing it in Texas. I spent the $100 and had a title company do all the work for me and just send me forms to sign. This is really the only way you can do it unless you can get ahold of the last titled owner, or have a connection. When I checked Texas DMV website they wouldn't let you do a history title search unless you met certain qualifications which were pretty strict.

[Zumo]

Always deal with a clear title.

[72lb4x4]

I did a bonded title the last time and they did the title search without batting an eye.

www.dot.state.tx.us for forms and info on the various ways to get a title.

Form VTR-275 is a "Request for Texas Motor Vehicle Information."

[sweet70beast]

In Idaho you can fill out a power of attorney, ie vin, vehicle info etc. It takes 2 seconds for them to sign their name and you take it back to the dmv spend 8 bucks for a new title with their name and your name on it. As soon as the new title shows up take it back in pay 8 more bucks and take their name off. As long as the guy on the title is willing to sign it and doesn't cost him time or money he probably won't care. I've done this many times and haven't had a problem.

The best way is to call your DMV and ask them, different states do different things.

[Nightrider]

Thanks guys for all the infor, as always the best people are here!