Can You Buy a Car With the Title Already Signed?
You shouldn’t buy a car with a signed title until you’ve resolved the issue with the seller at your local DMV. Learn the steps to take here.
Written by Pat Roache
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you buy a car with the vehicle title already signed, you won’t be able to register it in your name. Try bringing the seller to your local DMV to resolve a signed title before purchasing the vehicle.
Also known as a
certificate of title
, a car title acts as proof that you are the owner of the vehicle. It includes important information like the vehicle identification number (VIN), the car’s odometer reading at the time of sale, and the names of any lienholders if the vehicle is financed with a car loan
.If you’re buying a car with the title already signed, just follow this easy guide from
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison shopping app. We’ll cover why a title might be signed already, what to do to resolve the issue, and more.Can you buy a car with the title already signed?
It is possible to buy a car with the title already signed, but you won’t be able to register the vehicle in your name until the error has been fixed. Drivers need a valid driver’s license,
proof of insurance
, and vehicle registration
documents to drive legally, so obtaining a clean title is crucial.The easiest way to resolve a signed title is to take the seller to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to explain the mistake and request a new title before you purchase the car.
Always go through the proper channels to resolve an incorrectly signed title. Do not try to fix the error with White Out and ink.
You can still resolve the issue on your own if you realize the title was signed after purchasing the car, but it requires you to do a bit more work. Start by going to the state DMV with your bill of sale, the seller’s name, and any other additional information that you might have about the seller.
However, it’s even more helpful if you can bring the seller with you to explain any mistakes.
Key Takeaway Head to your local DMV with the seller of your car to fix a signed title before you purchase the car.
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Why would a car title already be signed?
No matter why a car title has been signed already, it’s important to get the issue resolved before you purchase your new or used car. Here are the most common reasons why your car’s title might be signed already.
A different buyer fell through
The dealership or private seller may have had a different buyer lined up for the vehicle. They could’ve gotten all the way to the title signing before the prospective buyer walked out of the deal.
This is more common than you’d expect, but it’s up to the seller of the vehicle to get the original title corrected at the DMV.
Title jumping
Title jumping is a bit more of a red flag. This occurs when the current owner of a vehicle is not listed on its title before trying to sell it.
If there’s no way to prove that your vehicle’s previous owner was actually the titled owner, this is considered fraud and may introduce issues when you go to register the car, insure it, or sell the car down the line.
Check the current owner’s name against the name on the title to make sure they rightfully possess ownership of the vehicle they are selling. If the names do not match, you’ll need to resolve this with the seller before agreeing to buy.
An honest mistake
Things happen! The seller of your vehicle may have misprinted the buyer’s name or mixed it up with another customer’s. Other common mistakes include a misprint of the date of sale, inaccurate odometer readings, or using the wrong address.
Regardless, the seller of the vehicle is responsible for correcting any mistakes at the DMV and getting a duplicate title for a clean sale.
What is a transfer of title?
Once you’ve signed the corrected car title, it’s time to take your documents to the DMV to
complete a transfer of title
!A transfer of title becomes official once you register your new car at your local DMV. It completes the transfer of ownership by confirming that the title is now in the buyer’s name and is no longer the previous owner’s responsibility.
Check your state laws for any deadlines regarding the title transfer when you’re buying a new car. For example, the deadline for a title transfer in California is 10 days.
Why is a title transfer important?
A title transfer acts as a release of liability for the previous owner. With all the strict laws and regulations surrounding cars, a new owner must complete their transfer of title, so the DMV has an accurate record of ownership of the car.
MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car
How to find cheap car insurance for your new-to-you vehicle
A signed title can throw a wrench in your plans whether you’re buying a used car or a new car—but the issue is solvable. You can still move along with other parts of the car-buying process while you wait for the problem to be resolved, like shopping around for the most affordable car insurance.
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app to shop for a new car insurance policy before buying a car. It only takes 45 seconds to get started, then Jerry handles the rest. A licensed insurance broker
, Jerry finds the most competitive quotes for your preferred level of coverage from a quick search through its network of over 55 of the nation’s top providers.Once you pick your new policy, Jerry’s team of insurance experts will help you switch over without any hassles or long forms. Users save an average of over $800 a year on car insurance thanks to Jerry!
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FAQ
Does a signed title mean the car was stolen?
Not necessarily. The seller could be attempting to title jump a stolen car—meaning they’re selling it without ever having completed a title transfer themselves. But this is only one scenario.
Other reasons why a car title may already be signed include honest mistakes while filling out the title or previous buyers who signed the title and then backed out of a deal at the last minute.
No matter why a car title has already been signed, you should always try to get the issue resolved with the seller at the DMV before agreeing to purchase the car.
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