I might have made a bad move yesterday by buying a car from a non citizen..I'm concerned about title transfer.

Question

I understand that each state varies. But this being my first time buying a car from a private seller I wasn't thinking about every detail during the transaction at the time of negotiation during purchase..Heres the worst part about my grand move. I was only able to pay him 3/4 of the cash today but I took the car home with me. I promised to bring him the rest tomorrow after an inspection. After that he would then give me the title..This is where the problem lies..He is not a citizen and doesnt have any kind of legal identification other than his foreign ID..Im concerned that I will have difficulty transfering the title and possibly getting the car re registered if he is unable to file a proper sell form with the DMV.  I would like to know if anyone has done this before and can maybe give me some advice or tell me a different aproach..
I also ask that there be no racist comments or uneccisary remarks. Especially concerning immigration issues.I will have no problem reporting you. Thanks

fisherwoman · Accepted Answer

Have you seen the actual title? If the title is properly released by all registered/legal owners of record, there shouldn't be a problem. As for the inspection, is the car a salvage/rebuilt that needs a state inspection, or do you mean you wanted to take it to a mechanic for an inspection? If it is titled in another state, it would also require an inspection in your state. Just make sure the releases are signed exactly as the name is stated on the title. Make sure there are no liens placed(the DMV can provide the info to you over the phone)If the car is less than ten yrs old, mileage must be disclosed. If the title is not released, do not go through with the deal. When you contact the DMV to check for liens, verify that the title you have is the most current, give the title number to the DMV, they will verify if this is the last title issued for that car, if not, there will be problems.

brian d · Answer

A state vehicle title is legal no matter the status of the owner of the title. If the title is properly signed and dated the DMV doesn't care or ask about a person's citizenship. I have changed titles where the person had died and their spouse signed it. the seller doesn't have to be there for you to transfer. Hope this helps.

Salsa4Me · Answer

What I would do is possibly hold him off until Monday, at which time U may both be able to head down to DMV together. I haven't yet had the experience of needing to do a title transfer. One thing I can say is that a friend just purchased a vehicle that was advertised on Craig's List. she thought she had all the neccessary paperwork and then drove off on her merry way. When she got to the DMV she then realized she had only photocopies of the paperwork .

Moral of the story....remember to get your originals!

Anonymous · Answer

Yikes.....You let him take CASH with no title?? Hopefully this will turn out well for you, But I hope this is a lesson learned as well. NEVER give cash without the title. As far as the immigrant, Hopefully they are here legally and just want to sell THEIR car. But their is a scam where a Mexican will steal a car, take cash for the car, and disappear. I hope all turns out ok for you

artgrantz · Answer

As long as the car has a valid title and the seller has valid ID his nationality shouldn't have anything to do with the registration.
Enjoy your new car.

I might have made a bad move yesterday by buying a car from a non citizen..I'm concerned about title transfer.

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