We've all done exactly what you did. We are so excited to get that new car into our hands that when we hand over the money the title becomes secondary. We just kind of assume it is ok, maybe give it a quick look over, and then head off into the sunset with our new find. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't, and we get into a paperwork nightmare.

Like I said earlier, each State views these things differently. Some require you and the seller to appear in person and attest to the fact this car is legit and sellable. Some States don't even use titles on older cars. But the correct way to do it is know YOUR State's rules, and then before you hand over your hard earned cash make sure the title is exactly as it should be. Is is signed and dated in the right spot, and by the actual person you are dealing with?

Without a title, you have no car, and could be guilty of receiving stolen property, in an extreme case, I suppose. Like I said, you aren't alone in doing this, we all have, and I have had a few headaches in the past trying to straighten out a title after the fact.


Don