When most people go to a dealership or auction their mind is focused on the condition of the vehicle they are getting; rather than the details of the title for the vehicle.  It's natural to just assume or believe that dealers or auctions have the title to the vehicle that they plan on selling you, and that they will not only handle the title work but will do so properly and will give you a title as well.  Unfortunately, this isn't always the case and as a result, there are individuals that buy vehicles from dealers or auctions without getting their title work done or titles rendered; and to add insult to injury the customer sometimes will find that the dealership or auction has gone out of business without giving them a title.  In this segment, I will discuss: A. The obligations that dealers/auctions have regarding your vehicle title/registration and B. What to do if you don't get a title from the dealer/auction.

When it comes to the title and registration side of your vehicle purchase; dealers and auctions have the following obligations:

1. To ensure that they issue you a properly transferred auto title and registration in your name (Mistakes do occur and the wrong individual can sometimes be on the title work).

2. To ensure that the lienholder (if being financed) is recorded properly on the title/paperwork.  Note: Depending on your state and or lienholder, normally you won't receive a title until you pay the vehicle off.  However certain states will release the title to the buyer with the lien on it.

3. Must comply with motor vehicle title/registration processing deadlines.  Note: Most states require vehicles to be titled and or registered within 30 days of purchase. However some states give shorter timeframes or even more; it just depends on your state requirements.

4. Dealers/auctions are to collect the applicable motor vehicle fees (title, sales tax, registration fees and any other applicable taxes) on your behalf and submit to the DMV accordingly.

If you don't receive your title/registration from the dealer/auction and they happen to go out of business; the following tips are critical in determining whether or not you will get a title:

1. Get a bill of sale, buyer's order, odometer disclosure and other documents pertaining to your purchase.

2. Get a temporary registration and plates

3. Ask the dealer/auction do they have a properly assigned title to your vehicle.  If so ask to see the title.  If the dealership/auction lacks the title' ask them for a document/affidavit in writing providing the reason why they don't have a title, how and when they plan to obtain the title.

1. Wait past 30 days to inquire about your title and registration from the dealership.  If a dealership/auction goes out of business; it's harder to get recourse for your situation if you wait too long!

2. Don't resell your vehicle (thinking that this is a quick fix to get rid of the vehicle-SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND AND WANT TO SELL DUE TO TITLING DELAYS FROM THE DEALER/AUCTION) Should you try to resell, while you don't have a properly reassigned title, this will cause a title skipping situation.

If you bought a vehicle from a dealer/auction and you haven't received your title, getting the run around about your title work, etc.; Wisdom & Authority Title Solutions LLC is able to assist you .

The DMV made a mistake on your auto title?  While the DMV may not be quick to acknowledge that they made an error on your title; there is the high possibility that they could've made an error due to the realm of clerical errors and omissions.  Before you march to the DMV demanding a change; read this post first!  In some of my other postings, I've highlighted auto title errors that are usually made by individuals (buyers, sellers, dealers, etc.), however the focus here will be on the DMV making errors on auto titles.  With that in mind, I will address the following matters in this post: Types of errors that the DMV make on auto titles, tips for preventing and spotting DMV errors, actions to take regarding DMV title errors.

The following are the most frequent errors that the DMV make on auto titles:

Time is the main tip in preventing and spotting DMV errors is to check your title and or registration before leaving the DMV or when receiving it in the mail.  Doing this immediately is key, because the data is still fresh (same day-a few weeks old) and the DMV will be able to change the information quickly.  However, should you wait to look over your credentials; there could be a delay regarding the need for a correction.

Another act of prevention is to make copies of your title and paperwork beforehand, that way if an error occurs; you can cross-reference it with what DMV has.

What should you do if you believe that the DMV made an error on your auto title?  Regard the following, if there is a DMV related error on your title:

Wisdom & Authority Title Solutions LLC is the vehicle title expert in basic and complex title matters.  If you are getting the run around with a DMV title error, submit your request for assistance at:  [email protected]

Received a jumped auto title?  At least that's what DMV told you and is the reason why they rejected your transaction.  Skipped titles, jumped titles, flipped titles are all the same, and create problems with auto titles.  If you aren't aware of what a jumped title is or perhaps you need more insight; this post is for you.  A jumped auto title takes shape in one of two ways: A. there is no title present, but the vehicle in question is passed along from person to person, or B. there is a title present; it just hasn't been transferred properly.  Also in this case, multiple parties have signed and passed the title along from person to person as well.  In essence a jumped auto title is when proper and legal ownership of the vehicle hasn't  taken place.  In this post, I will share examples of jumping auto titles, discuss why jumping auto titles is illegal and how to avoid being a victim of a jumped auto title problem.

Examples of jumped auto title scenarios include:

Jumping auto titles is illegal for the following reasons:

The following are tips you should adhere to if you wish to avoid being a victim of a jumped auto title problem:

To sum it all up, there is only one legitimate reason why you shouldn't receive a title when buying a vehicle, and that is if you are getting the vehicle financed-THERE IS A LIEN ON IT.  If you owe the lienholder (whether an individual, dealer, or financial institution) money on the vehicle, they aren't obligated to give you a title, until you satisfy the payment agreement.  To prevent  title delays as well as potential financial loss later; it is wise to ensure that you are receiving a properly assigned title from the very beginning.

 

Wisdom & Authority Title Solutions LLC, is the vehicle title expert in basic and complicated title matters.

In this sixth part series of Serious Auto Title Problems, the veil will be lifted off of culprits that cause DMV rejection, delays, and or financial loss due to title mishaps.  You are encouraged to follow these series from start to finish; as you or someone you know may encounter one or more of the situations covered.

At a glimpse, the first two segments that will be covered are: