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Car buyer has not applied for his title. What can I do?

I sold the car a month ago, signed the title over to him in front of a notary. He's not applied for the title in his name, but is instead driving it around with no license plates, unregistered, uninsured.

If I remember correctly, I'm still the legal owner of the thing, and if HE gets stopped by the constabulary or has an accident, then I, not he, is the one in trouble. He refuses to listen to me, says, "Don't get all worried about it."

What recourse do I have? How can I stay out of HIS trouble?

20 Answers

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  • 4 years ago

    This happened to me, theres nothing to worry. Just to the dmv and fillout another form to release the car. U have proof too so take it with u.. They will help u out. That way whatever tickets or bad things happen after the date u did transfer it doesn't go to u. All liability will go to the person driving or in possession but not u.

  • 4 years ago

    Every state I'm aware of has a notice of transfer form you fill out and mail in when you sell a vehicle which removes your liability.

    Here is the CA form. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/nrl/nrlApplication.do

    Since you filled one out and kept a copy of that and the bill of sale, you have nothing to worry about.

  • 4 years ago

    Take your notarized proof of sale to the DMV and file the paperwork declaring you sold it. Never trust the buyer.

  • 4 years ago

    Get the police to find him and charge him.

  • 4 years ago

    What country/US state are you in? There is no way he is driving around without any license plates on the car.

    This is one reason I will only sell a car at the title office, no exceptions.

    Some places allow the seller to file a form informing the DMV that they sold the car.

    See if your area allows that.

  • Mr.357
    Lv 7
    4 years ago

    I live in a free state. Once the owner signs the title as seller, they no longer own the vehicle. We get to keep the plates in the state that I live in, so you have proof if you have the plate or take it in to get a refund.

  • D J
    Lv 7
    4 years ago

    Report it to the tag office or the police.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    4 years ago

    Tell him he needs to get the car put into his name or you will report the car as stolen. You can be held financially liable for damages. Hopefully you have a signed bill of sale.

  • lucy
    Lv 7
    4 years ago

    It would help, if you would state (where) you live, be it the US or another country.

    As a general rule, once you sell a vehicle, you sign off as the seller and the buyer signs as the new owner on the title. Now in most states, then the buyer must apply for a new title to be in the (new) name.

    IF, he has not done this, then in "effect" the "system" shows that you are the owner not him, so could be held liable for any accidents/tickets that he causes.

    Registered means plates, but to get plates then you must be the owner. He can't get insurance (unless) he is the owner of the vehicle. To driver around with NO plates means he will stick out like a sore thumb to the police, but that is not the problem, since he has no insurance and is unlicensed.

    Most states and guessing in many countries, you must notify the DMV/BMV (whatever) that you have sold the vehicle to (who) with name/address, so that they can take (you) off the record of ownership of this vehicle you sold, then (if) anything happens, it is (his) problem not yours.

    Look up (what) requirements to take you off as the owner of the vehicle.

  • 4 years ago

    You reported the sale to whoever handles titles in your country, didn't you? That IS the answer to your question.

    Note: Even if you can be held civilly liable for damages cause by use of the car, HE is the one that would be in trouble for ALL violations of the law.

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