When you think of the DMV, “fast” may not be the adjective you choose to describe them. Before dragging the DMV too much, there is one simple tip that you can use to get your car title processed faster. Like most businesses in 2021, the DMV heavily relies on computer automation for its processes. To get your car title processed faster, appeal to the automated processes and type your documents.
The old ways of manually filling out your title application are phasing out and technology is taking over. Today most DMVs use a computer processing system to read documents called optical character recognition (OCR) to recognize the characters and upload them into the DMV database. If your title application is typed, the OCR system typically has no problem reading your application and has the ability to speed up processing times. While most DMVs still allow handwritten applications, OCR systems may have trouble deciphering certain characters resulting in manual processing. With your application now in the hands of a DMV employee to be manually reviewed, your processing time will likely be much longer.
Most state title documents are available on your state’s DMV website as a PDF. Many programs allow for PDFs to be edited, check out this article for ways to type into a PDF. Automation is what makes title processing faster, make it easy on yourself and the DMV by typing your title application.
What happens when you buy a car without a title from a dealership that has gone out of business? Unfortunately, this happens much more often than you may think. Oftentimes, 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 paying additional 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 specific process that addresses how to get a car title from a dealership if they’re out of business. 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 (NJMVC). 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 that requires you to directly make contact with the dealership by sending a demand letter for your car title. If your state requires you to contact the dealership with a demand letter, the first step is to look up the business in your state’s Secretary of State database. Next, search the database for the principal name, registered agent, and addresses. Then, write your demand 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.
Buying a car is one of the most exciting purchases you can make, but it can quickly become unpleasant if you’re purchasing from a bad dealership The best way to prevent yourself from buying a car with no title and avoid being scammed by the dealership is to ask for the dealership to show you the physical title prior to purchasing. While they may not be able to hand over the title to you at that time, they can show you that they physically have it. If they’re a reputable dealership, they’ll show you the title. If you’ve already bought a car without a title, there are still ways to get the title you deserve.
Did you buy a car with no title? If you have, you’re not alone. Navigating the auto market can be tricky, but it gets even more so when you find your vehicle is missing its title. Whether you’re planning to sell a car without a title or you’re buying a car with no title, it’s imperative to know ahead of time that buying or selling a vehicle without a title is actually illegal in most jurisdictions. Typically, vehicles cannot be registered without a title and if your vehicle cannot be registered, you cannot legally drive it.
However, just because there’s no title doesn’t mean you can’t still get one. The first step in obtaining a title for a car without a title is to determine if the car was legally obtained or if it was stolen. One way to check the history of your car is through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) by searching your car’s VIN through their database. This database not only can tell you if your car was previously stolen but will also tell you if it has ever been junked. If your car’s VIN is found in the NMVTIS record as junk, you may not be able to get a title. If your car’s history is clear and you have the necessary documentation to obtain a car title, here are four methods for title recovery for cars without a title:
A bonded title can be obtained if you have a car with no title and limited documentation. The bonded title process requires the vehicle owner to purchase a surety bond for the vehicle which typically is under $100. The surety bond allows for protection for the lender if someone else were to prove ownership of the vehicle or otherwise invalidate the bonded title. Once you have your bonded title, you can register the vehicle at your local DMV. Be sure to check your state laws as not all states accept bonded titles.
The Vermont title loophole has been used for years as a way for vehicle owners to get a title for a vehicle over 15 years old. Vermont is a non-titling jurisdiction, meaning they do not produce titles for vehicles over a certain year. The loophole is that just about anyone, not just residents of Vermont can use this method if they have a bill of sale and a car over 15 years old. By registering your 15+ year-old car in Vermont, the registration itself is the state’s version of a car title for that age of vehicle. After you register your car in Vermont, you can then transfer the registration to a title in your home state.
Were you the last titled owner of the vehicle? If so, this is the easiest way to get a new car title. Simply visit the DMV in the state where you were the last titled owner, provide the necessary documentation and identification, then they’ll reissue you a title. If you’re applying for a duplicate title, please note that you cannot apply for a duplicate title in a state other than the last titled state. For example, if your car was last titled in Florida, but you now live in Colorado, you must contact the Florida DMV to obtain your duplicate title. Similarly, if you were not the last titled owner of this vehicle, this title recovery method will not work.
If you’re buying or selling a car with no title, typically you won’t want to file it as an abandoned vehicle. In most states, the property owner who reports the abandoned vehicle must intend to dispose of the vehicle afterward. However, in some states like Virginia, there are some exceptions. In Virginia, abandoned vehicles are considered abandoned after 48 hours on private property without the property owner’s consent. If the situation meets the Virginia Abandoned Vehicle Process (AVP), the Virginia DMV will take action to contact the prior owner in order to remove the vehicle. If no owner is found and the vehicle is not removed within 15 days, the property owner is authorized to post the intent for vehicle auction and sell the vehicle within 30 days of the original notice.
If you’re considering an abandoned vehicle process, be sure to check your state’s timeline to file.
Using any of these methods may be beneficial to get you a car title, make sure to check with your state and local laws to ensure these methods are valid in your location. The vehicle title provides proof of ownership and if you’re buying a car, getting the title in your name is the best way to ensure your asset is safe. Need assistance getting your car title? Our Title Experts can prepare documents for any of the listed title recovery methods whether you’re selling your car or buying one. Not sure what type of title best fits your situation? Text TITLE to (402) 698-4853 or (402) MY TITLE.
Abandoned vehicles are a serious problem for automotive repair shops and storage facilities. Not only are they often left with the unclaimed or abandoned vehicle, but they’re also often left with a hefty unpaid bill from the customer. It can be frustrating and seemingly impossible to track down the vehicle owner to pay their invoice; so what can be done? If you’re a licensed automotive repair shop or a storage facility, you may be eligible to file for a mechanic’s lien or storage lien to recover the costs.
A mechanic’s lien is a process afforded to licensed automotive facilities in order to recover costs for repairing a vehicle. Individuals who are not a licensed automotive facility or similar entity can not file for a mechanic’s lien. The mechanic’s lien process is a tedious legal process that should only be used if absolutely necessary as it’s not an easy way to title a vehicle. If you’re an authorized entity and you need to file a mechanic’s lien, the first thing you need to do is to check your timeline. Every state has a different timeline of activities that must be completed to correctly file a mechanic’s lien.
For example, when filing a mechanic’s lien in Texas, the mechanic or repair shop only has a 30-day window from when the charge first accrued to file. Then on or after the 31st day, the shop can hold a public sale or auto auction. If all of the proper documents have not been submitted within that time frame, the mechanic’s lien may be invalid.
In addition to a potentially strict timeline, mechanic’s liens that are done improperly can bring financial penalties to the mechanic or repair shop. For many years, mechanics and auto repair shops will sometimes abuse the mechanic’s lien filing system by overbilling for work done in order to take ownership of a vehicle. DMVs across the country are going out of their way to crack down on bogus and wrongful mechanic’s liens. For example in Oregon, HB4087 states that if liens are not placed properly, the vehicle owner can bring an action to recover without demand $2,000 or an amount equivalent to twice the value of the vehicle plus the owner’s reasonable cost up to $20,000. Similarly in Texas, vehicle owners can bring action against a shop and recover up to $10,000 if a lien is improperly placed on their vehicle.
The DMV is working to make it easier for vehicle owners to fight mechanic’s liens. If you’re a licensed mechanic, be sure that the mechanic’s lien process is absolutely necessary for the situation. Always attempt to contact the vehicle owner or prior owner before taking further action and make sure you’re aware of the timeline in your state.
A storage lien is a process afforded to an automotive storage facility or similar entity in order to recover costs of vehicle storage or disposal. Similar to mechanic’s liens, not all parties are eligible to file a storage lien. A storage facility or similar entity is one that is involved with storing, repairing, or otherwise caring for automotive vehicles. Each state has its own process to file a storage lien and the timeline varies depending on the geographic location.
For example in California, if a vehicle is valued at $4,001 or more at a storage or self-service storage facility, the storage company only has 30 days from when the lien arose (aka when the registered owner was billed). Therefore, if they fail to file within that 30 day period, they will not be eligible to file a lien on that vehicle.
Abandoned vehicles are vehicles that are completely abandoned by their registered owner with no intention to collect the vehicle and/or the prior owner is unable to be identified through DMV records or other official records. Most abandoned vehicles aren’t necessarily a “finders keepers” type of situation. Typically most states require that at the end of an abandoned vehicle process, the vehicle must be disposed of rather than titled with a new owner. The abandoned vehicle process is not designed for purchasing and titling junk vehicles.
Not every abandoned vehicle will qualify as such, but just about anyone can file an abandoned vehicle if they are able to meet their state’s abandoned vehicle requirements. If you’re an individual who has an abandoned vehicle on private property, check your state’s abandoned vehicle laws to see if your situation qualifies.
For example, in Indiana, to request a junk vehicle without a certificate of title, you must have attempted to contact the prior owner with a certified letter. After contacting the prior owner, the applicant must provide proof of lien release if applicable, complete abandoned motor vehicle forms, and state how the vehicle came into your possession. If the vehicle is determined to be abandoned after these documents are submitted, the applicant must then dispose of the vehicle.
These methods of title recovery are tedious, time-consuming, and can be challenging to navigate. Before pursuing one of these methods, determine if your situation calls for it and check your state’s timeline. Many times vehicles are able to be titled using a different method such as a bonded title. If you’re looking to file a mechanic’s lien, storage lien, or abandoned vehicle, CarTitles.com may be able to help. Get in touch with us today at [email protected] and learn more about how we can help you file.
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Junkyard and salvage auto auctions are great sources for finding cheap vehicles, but buyers beware that not all junk vehicles or junk parts can be titled. Even if the vehicle is in perfect condition, if the VIN is found in the NMVTIS database, you will never be able to title that vehicle.
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is the federal database that records every vehicle that is ineligible for a title. Once a vehicle’s VIN is registered with the NMVTIS, it is legally considered junk or parts and no title can be issued by any state for the vehicle. To enter the NMVTIS database, a junkyard or similar entity must deem the vehicle as junk and report the VIN to the NMVTIS. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice cracked down on underreporting from these entities in a memo stating that these entities are now required to report the VIN of junk vehicles within one month or pay $1,000 per vehicle that is not reported.
Fortunately, every DMV abides by this law and there are no exceptions. This law isn’t designed to prevent individuals from purchasing a vehicle from a junkyard or auto auction, but it is designed to protect buyers from unknowingly purchasing a vehicle with an invalid VIN. If you’ve purchased a vehicle from a junkyard or auto auction such as Copart or IAAI, make sure you perform a VIN check. We recommend checking the VIN of the vehicle prior to purchasing to ensure you have all of the accurate information about your vehicle. The NMVTIS makes it simple to check your VIN here.
One of the most common calls we get at CarTitles.com is from customers who bought a vehicle from a junkyard that has an NMVTIS history. If you’ve got a junk vehicle or junk parts, or you’re looking to purchase one from an auction, we highly recommend checking the VIN against the NMVTIS database. If your VIN is in this database, there’s only one way to get a vehicle title. To title a junk vehicle, you must obtain a new VIN from the DMV as an assembled vehicle. For more resources and assistance in getting a title for a junk vehicle, check out JunkTitle.com.
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