Registering a car - lots of problems

npaulseth · 08-01-2006

Hey guys, I'm looking for advice on this. I bought a car from a guy in WI (where I currently live) and lost the title before I could register it (obviously my fault). Now I have contacted him telling him I need him to fax me a letter saying I have permission to get a replacement title, and he is refusing (we had a fight over some parts that were bought/sold, totally unrelated to the sale of the car). What can/should I do if the car is still in his name, and he won't help me get a new title? He lives like five hours away so I can't exactly go to his house and talk to him in person either. I am planning on going to the DMV tomorrow to see what they say. Kind of a funky situation, eh?

Thanks for any advice.

iceminion · 08-02-2006

looking in a technical manual, finding and replacing all of the vins on your car would be completely illegal...

Enes · 08-02-2006

Call his local police department, tell them he sold you the car and wont give you the title. I had a same issue except i didn't loose the title i just never got it.

I called, and ended up talking to the chief of the police after i mentioned the last name of the person, (ended up being kids father) Well, lets just say i had the title in my hand certified mail 2 days later.

-E

**Tachyon** · 08-02-2006

Wow this is freaky. I too bought a car in WI and lost the title before I could get it transferred. What I did was sent the person the m1 form for replacement title and a money order to not only cover the cost of obtaining the replacement title, but an extra $50 just to grease the process a bit. After a little while he sent me a new title in one of those spiffy, padded manila envelopes. Since it is your fault, a case of I scratch your back, you scratch mine might do the trick.

Steeltwo · 08-02-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tachyon

Wow this is freaky. I too bought a car in WI and lost the title before I could get it transferred. What I did was sent the person the m1 form for replacement title and a money order to not only cover the cost of obtaining the replacement title, but an extra $50 just to grease the process a bit. After a little while he sent me a new title in one of those spiffy, padded manila envelopes. Since it is your fault, a case of I scratch your back, you scratch mine might do the trick.

i second this

**Goat Blower** · 08-02-2006

I wouldn't involve the cops, since I'm guessing it's been a while since you bought the car and they'll ask why you didn't transfer the title right away. It is illegal to not transfer within a certain timeframe.

desolate · 08-04-2006

What would work best is if you knew someone who worked at the DMV. They'll hook you up like no other.

**Goat Blower** · 08-04-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by desolate

What would work best is if you knew someone who worked at the DMV. They'll hook you up like no other.

Yes they will. I'm getting a title for a boat that I bought as "no title ever, parts only".

npaulseth · 08-04-2006

I am actually making some progress with the guy. When I told him the DMV said he legally needed to get me a replacement title ASAP, he actually started cooperating. Thanks for the help though guys.

As for not registering it right away, it is deffinately illegal. However, the last car I bought I didn't register for quite some time, and I paid a $7 "late fee" for it at the DMV.

Steeltwo · 08-04-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by npaulseth

I am actually making some progress with the guy. When I told him the DMV said he legally needed to get me a replacement title ASAP, he actually started cooperating. Thanks for the help though guys.

As for not registering it right away, it is deffinately illegal. However, the last car I bought I didn't register for quite some time, and I paid a $7 "late fee" for it at the DMV.

i've done that too.

my personal favorite is when I paid the "late" fee.

and two weeks later they sent me a check for the late fee amount :-D