Every car owner in the United States needs to title their vehicle with their state. The majority of states require all vehicles to be titled when purchased or brought into that state. It means that if you moved from another state, then your old title is not sufficient documentation for you to register or sell your vehicle. It can be pretty problematic when you can’t find title to car.
A few states allow an owner to sell a car without a title if the vehicle is old and has been classified as ‘off-road’ or ‘non-operational.’ If you do not live in one of these states, you can still use other methods to sell your car without a title.
The following article will give you an idea of how to sell your car without a title:
What Is the Value of Your Car?
If you have ever tried to sell your car without the title in hand, you know that many buyers are hesitant. It isn’t easy to price or value your car when you cannot provide proof of ownership.
A potential buyer will want documentation showing them that they are not buying a stolen car. If you are asking for a significantly higher amount than the car is worth, it may be worth it to get the title before trying to sell the vehicle.
How to find your missing title?
If you are the car’s current owner but can’t find title to car, then it is time to call the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Each state has different laws surrounding lost, stolen, or missing titles, so know which procedures to follow for where you live. Many states allow owners to apply for an affidavit of ownership to apply for a replacement title.
Is There Anything Wrong With the Car?
Perhaps you are selling your car, but you have not mentioned something wrong with it to the potential buyer. It could be anything from an issue with the engine to even just minor cosmetic damage.
If you cannot provide proof of ownership, then they may not want to buy your car. It might be best to get the title and go through a few repairs before selling it again.
How to Sell Your Car Without a Verified Title?
If you have exhausted all of your options for selling your car with documentation and you do not live in one of the states that allow you to sell without a title, there are still other ways.
You can attempt to find a private buyer who is not as concerned with the legalities of car selling or post your car for sale on a website like Craigslist or eBay Motors. When selling online, be sure to include as much information about the car as possible and take pictures. Most reputable websites will allow you to upload a car history report and vehicle inspection report.
If you still cannot find a way to sell your car without the title, then the only other option is selling it at a lower price than what it is worth or just keeping it. You can try selling it again in the future when you have the title in hand.
How Much Will It Cost to Receive a New Title?
The cost of getting your car titled will vary depending on your state’s regulations and fees. Typically, the charge is between $10 and $50. If you are only missing a small part of the paperwork or your documents have been misplaced, you may only have to pay a processing fee. If there is an issue with the title (such as it being lost or damaged), you may have to pay a higher price to get a new one.
Can You Try to Sell the Car ‘As Is’?
If you cannot get a new title for your car, you may be able to sell it as is. It means that the buyer is aware that they are not buying a car with a clear title, and they take full responsibility for the purchase. When selling a vehicle as-is, you should price it significantly lower than the actual worth to account for the potential headaches a buyer may face down the road.
Is a Title Transfer Required to Sell a Car in Your State?
When you reside in a state that requires a title transfer to sell your car, you will have to go through the process of transferring it over. The easiest way for an owner to transfer their car title is to trade in or sell their car at a dealership. The dealer will file the paperwork for you in most cases. If you are considering selling your vehicle, it would be best to make sure that you have a clear title beforehand.
When you can’t find title to car, the most important thing is to be prepared for the difficulties you may face while selling your vehicle. Also, know that if you cannot find a buyer, there are still options available to you, such as selling it ‘as is or with less paperwork than usual.
