If you recently bought a car from a dealership that is no longer in business, you might have an issue getting the title transferred to your name. Unfortunately, when a dealership is getting ready to go out of business or having financial troubles, they’ll sell vehicles that they don’t have the title for or can’t obtain the title for without paying off a lien first. This way, they avoid extra fees for registration and/or liens since they’re going out of business anyway. So where does that leave the new owner? The dealership is hoping that this will now be their problem, but there are still ways to get your car title from a closed dealership.
States like New Jersey have a clear process for acquiring a car title, should the dealership go out of business before you get the title. If you bought a car without a title from a dealership in New Jersey that went out of business prior to issuing your car title, you can apply to acquire a title from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC). This is a 14 step process that allows for emergency application for vehicle title in the event that your dealership has gone out of business prior to issuing your: title, plates, and/or registration. Each state handles this process differently, be sure to check your state’s requirements before proceeding with any official application.
Other states, like Indiana, have a different process requiring you to contact the dealership directly. If your state requires you to contact the dealership directly, the first step is to look up the business in your state’s Secretary of State database and search for the principal name, registered agent, and addresses. Next, write your letter clearly stating what you need from the dealership and send it by certified mail to the principal, registered agent, and any additional officers listed. Before sending any letters, it’s important to review your state’s requirements to ensure all of the criteria are met and that the correct parties will receive your letter. Sending your letter to multiple contacts within the company increases the likelihood that you will receive a response and provides proof that you attempted to make contact.
Car buying might be one of the most exciting experiences of your life. But if you’re scammed, it can quickly become unpleasant. The best way to prevent yourself from buying a car with no title is to ask for the dealership to show you the physical title. While they may not be able to hand over the title at that time, they can show you that they physically have it. If they’re a reputable dealership, they’ll show you the title. Even if you’ve already bought a car without a title, there are still ways to get the title you deserve.
If you’re looking to buy a pre-owned vehicle and want to get it at a lower price than buying from a dealer, you may want to consider purchasing from an auto auction. However, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before you start your search.
When you’re buying a vehicle at an auto auction, make sure that the auction has the necessary licenses to conduct business in your state. This information should be available on their website or when you call to inquire about the auction. Some states require that all businesses collect sales tax for items sold at an auction, so be sure to ask if this is required before bidding. Be sure that they have a license to sell cars and not just general parts or merchandise.
Before you bid, be sure the price of the vehicle reflects its value. If the price seems too high, the auction may be trying to overvalue the vehicle. If the price seems too low, the auction may be attempting to hide problems or damages. Vehicles sold at auction can be in great condition, but it’s more likely that they’re not.
Don’t just read the description of the vehicle, make sure that it matches the actual car being sold. If there are any problems with the body or a history of mechanical issues, they will be noted in this section of the auction. Compare the mileage, colors, and other specifications listed in the auction with those on the vehicle itself. If you have any questions about the vehicle’s history or condition, ask the seller in advance so that you don’t uncover issues after you’ve purchased it.
A VIN, or vehicle identification number, is a 17-character code that identifies a vehicle and includes information about the manufacturer, model, and serial number of the car. Some older vehicles may have fewer than 17 characters but still be considered valid. A VIN reveals whether a vehicle has ever been rebuilt or salvaged. You can’t tell if a VIN is salvaged by just looking at it, so you’ll need to run a VIN check through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information system (NMVTIS). If your VIN is listed in NMVTIS, you won’t be able to get a title, even if the seller signs one over. Additionally, make sure that the decoding process reveals information that matches the vehicle you’re buying. If it doesn’t match the vehicle, it could indicate red flags of a scam.
Some auctions feature military vehicles up for auction. It’s important to note that some states do not allow these vehicles on the road and that government-owned vehicles may have different paperwork details than civilian vehicles. Check to see what type of title transfer you will receive, whether the Standard Form SF97 or Transferrable Title is typically the title form provided. The title will provide info about your rights as a new owner, including whether you can keep it on the road in your state. In some states, such as Florida, forms other than the Standard Form SF97 cannot be transferred and must be returned to the original owner. If your state doesn’t allow these types of military vehicles to be on the road, you will not be able to get a title.
When you’re buying a car, don’t underestimate the importance of doing your research about the type of vehicle you want and anything you need to know about your local auctions. Auto auctions can be great places to find deals on cars and trucks. But before you head out to an auction, make sure that you know what you’re bidding on and have enough money set aside for repairs. Also, test drive any vehicle before buying it—you want to make sure that it runs well. With careful preparation and some insider tips, you can buy your next car at a great price at an auto auction.
Was your car title lost or stolen? If so, you may need to obtain a duplicate title to prove ownership of your vehicle. A duplicate title is a document that’s needed when the original title is lost, stolen, damaged, or mutilated. It’s imperative that your vehicle is titled in your name because if your name isn’t on the vehicle title, you don’t own it.
The first step to applying for a duplicate title is determining who was that last titled owner. If it’s your name, you can apply for a duplicate title. If your name was not on the original vehicle title, you will not be able to obtain a duplicate title.
Each of the 50 states will have its own set of fees for duplicate title processes. If you are applying by mail, it’s important to check your state fees prior to submitting your paperwork. Most state DMVs accept checks and money orders, but do not mail cash. Many states offer this process for a very small fee, for example, in Minnesota the duplicate title fee is $7.25, while in Texas the duplicate title fee is a mere $2.00.
Once you’ve located your DMV and have your funds, you can prepare your application for duplicate or replacement title. Many states, such as Colorado, require that your duplicate or replacement title application be notarized prior to submission, be sure to check with your state regulations prior to submitting your application.
If you’ve recently moved to a new state and need to get a duplicate title, you will need to apply for a duplicate title in the state where the vehicle was last titled. For example, if your vehicle was last titled in Florida but you now live in Georgia, you cannot get a duplicate title from the Georgia DMV. Similarly, if your vehicle title shows a lien, you will first need to get your lien released before you are able to apply for a title.
If you’re the legal owner of a vehicle and simply need to get your lost title replaced, the duplicate title process is likely for you. Be sure to check your state’s fees and document requirements prior to submitting your application to get a title. Click here for more information on this title process and how CarTitles.com can professionally prepare your title documents.
If you’re wondering, “How do I get a lien release from Santander Consumer USA?” you’ve come to the right article.
The process of vehicle lien release is very common. When a lender provides a loan to a borrower in order to purchase a vehicle, they place a lien on the title. The presence of the lien indicates that the loan has not yet been paid off in full. Once the borrower has paid off the loan entirely, the lien can be released. Thus, the lien exists to indicate ownership and secure payment on the loan. Your lender will remain printed on the front of your certificate of title until you have paid off your loan in full; at that time, you can get a title from DMV for your car or sell it or trade it in.
If your loan has been paid in full and your lender is Santander Consumer USA, this section will describe how to obtain your lien release. If your lender is not Santander Consumer USA, these instructions may also work, but first, verify with your lender to ensure other documents are not required.
In order to release your lien, you must submit a request in writing to Santander. This process cannot be done over the phone or online. Your lien release letter should include your vehicle information and VIN, your information, and your request for the lien to be removed due to loan satisfaction. You should include a letter of non-interest in the event that there is additional money owed, the lender can decide to remove their security interest. Additionally, we highly recommend that you also include pre-stamped envelopes for your lender to use. Their office likely has envelopes and stamps, but providing this for them may result in a quicker response. By making it easier for them, you’re also making it easier for yourself.
Once your documents are created and organized, make three copies. Keep one blank copy for your reference, and mail the other two copies to the following addresses:
Main Address
Payment Address
Santander Consumer USA Inc.
P.O. Box 961245
P.O. Box 660633
Fort Worth, TX 76161-1245
Dallas, TX 75266-0633
Most lenders won’t have an employee standing by to release liens. Employees of the company who have this responsibility also wear other hats. By sending two copies, you’re more likely to reach someone who is able to help rather than hoping one person finds your request and is able to fulfill it.
After Santander sends you back a signed lien release or letter of non-interest, take that letter to your local DMV and apply for a title. Most states will use their state title application for this process but verify with a DMV agent before proceeding to ensure all paperwork is completed.
If it’s your car, you deserve your name on the title. If you have a vehicle loan from Santander Consumer USA that is satisfied, you are likely eligible for a lien release. CarTitles.com is an expert at contacting lenders for lien release requests and can help you with your Santander lien release. For specific questions about your lien, contact Santander Consumer USA by visiting their website here.
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Being required to handle the paperwork to transfer a title from a deceased owner can be frustrating and overwhelming. It’s important to know that you are not alone when it comes to dealing with a lost title in this situation. Fortunately, each state has its own process that can help you understand how to correctly make the title transfer. By following the necessary steps, you’ll be able to get through this time of grieving with minimal delays and headaches.
If the vehicle title has survivorship, then the title is automatically transferred into the survivor’s name. This is because there is only one person listed on the title as the owner of the vehicle. If there are two owners listed on the title with survivorship, then both parties will need to sign to transfer the vehicle from one owner to another.
If there is no survivorship, will the estate be probated? Meaning, has the deceased owner left a will that will go through the court system for the vehicle? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, then you will want to talk to an attorney or a probate specialist who can help you through your next steps. The transfer process may be more streamlined and defined in the official documents or will.
If there is no survivorship and there is no will or probate needed, then you will have to seek permission from all other legal heirs (other family members) before transferring ownership of any property into your name.
In many situations, the vehicle does not have survivorship nor will the estate require probate. To apply for a new title from a deceased owner in most states, you’ll need to provide the following items to the department of motor vehicles in your state:
Not all states require the death certificate to be included in the application for title. However, be sure to check your state’s requirements prior to submitting your application.
The inheritance affidavit is a document needed when transferring ownership of a vehicle from a deceased owner. This document outlines the ownership of the vehicle as assigned by all of the surviving heirs of the property/vehicle. In order to transfer ownership, all heirs must sign this document and it must be notarized.
The bill of sale is your receipt of the transaction for the purchase of the vehicle. Make sure that the bill of sale accurately reflects the vehicle and is signed by all heirs. For more information, check out our article on how to write a bill of sale.
Every state has its own title application that can be found on their department of motor vehicles’ website or in person. Your state may have additional paperwork requirements to transfer the title from a deceased owner, be sure to check with your state department before proceeding.
The odometer disclosure provides an accurate representation of the mileage on the odometer of the vehicle at the time of purchase. Some states include this on their state title application, while other states like Maryland, may require an additional form.
If the car title of the deceased owner has a lien, you must obtain a vehicle lien release from the lienholder/lender before transferring the title. For more information on vehicle lien release, check out our article on how to clear a lien on a car title.
Transferring a deceased owner’s vehicle title can be challenging, especially when you are dealing with the grief and loss of a loved one. Remember to take care of yourself in addition to caring for your deceased loved one’s property. If there is an estate or survivorship, consider consulting or hiring a lawyer to assist you in this process. We always recommend getting good legal advice when transferring a title from a deceased owner, as the DMV cannot provide legal advice.
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