Do any of these sound familiar?
The car’s last owner signed the title in the wrong place
You signed your car’s title over to a different buyer
There is an error made or something incorrect written on the title
These are common problems people face when buying and selling cars. All of them make that paper title null and void, but luckily these problems have easy solutions. A damaged title is one that has errors or problems, and just like a car, a damaged title can be repaired with a little time and effort. Today we will talk about how to fix a car title with errors on it. We will look at this issue from the perspective of both buyer and seller to get a wide perspective.
There is a Title Error and You're the Seller
It is always best to deliver a flawless title to the next owner whenever possible. If as a seller you encounter a problem with a title or you make a mistake on it, fix it before selling the car. If you must sell a car with a title error be sure to notate the error on the bill of sale. These are the most common ways a seller could end up with a damaged title.
You made a mistake filling out the title
Solution: If you made a mistake while filling out your car title, don’t use white-out or cross anything out. Instead take the title to the DMV and explain what happened. You may be asked to pay a nominal fee or complete a form asking the DMV to correct the mistake by issuing you a new title or notating the error with an official marking.
The wrong buyer signed the title
In this situation, a buyer signed the title but the sale didn’t go through. Maybe you decided not to sell to them or maybe they backed out. Whatever the case may be, the wrong buyer’s name is now written on the title.
Solution: If the wrong buyer signed your car title, correct the issue by going to the DMV. You may need to pay a nominal fee and some paperwork may be involved to replace your title with a new one.
The title is still in the previous owner’s name
In this example, the title was never transferred into your name. Maybe you forgot to title it in your name or maybe you intentionally avoided doing so. While this scenario is common for a variety of reasons, it’s technically against the law. Skipping an owner on the title is called Title Jumping and while doing so might seem harmless it could have unforeseeable effects down the road.
Solution: If you discover that the car you’re selling is still titled to the previous owner, the title was never transferred to you. Have your local DMV correct the issue. It is illegal to sell a car that is titled in someone else’s name. This process is known as title jumping.
There is a Title Error and You're the Buyer
If a car’s title was already signed before you bought it, that’s not good. If a car title has someone else’s name listed as the buyer, that’s even worse. But it’s all fixable! If at all possible, ask the seller to correct the issue before the sale is finalized. Here are the most common reasons a buyer will encounter a damaged title and how to fix them.
You bought a car with a title error
Mistakes happen! It is possible to fix this issue after buying the car but it would be easier for the seller to do it beforehand.
Solution: If a mistake was made while filling out a car title, don’t use white out or corrective marks. Acknowledge the error on the bill of sale and take the documents to the DMV and explain what happened. You may be asked to pay a nominal fee or fill out a form asking the DMV to correct the mistake or issue a new title.
Another buyer signed the title before you
It is much harder to fix this problem after the sale. Have the seller correct this issue by going to the DMV, wait for them to get a new title in the mail, and buy the car then.
Solution: If the car title already has another buyer’s signature, ask the vehicle owner to correct the issue at the DMV before you buy the car. If the sale has already been finalized, explain the situation to the DMV with your bill of sale in hand.
The Title Skipped an Owner
If the seller’s name on the title is not the current seller of the car, you’ve encountered an illegal practice called Title Jumping. This commonly happens by mistake but can also happen for a variety of nefarious reasons.
Always have your guard up for scammers, shysters, and schemes. The seller could be passing off a serious issue as a minor problem if they’re involved in title jumping. If the seller's name doesn’t match the name on the title, it is illegal for them to sell you the car. This could be an honest mistake or they could have met a legal exception for which they could provide additional proof.
If the seller did this intentionally, several things could have occurred.
The seller could have made an honest mistake
Assuming positive intent, the seller may have simply forgotten to title the car in their name.
Solution: Before you buy the car, ask the seller to correct the issue by sending off for a new title in their name. There could be back taxes owed on the car and you shouldn’t be responsible for them.
The seller has avoided paying taxes
In many states title jumping will result in the next buyer (you) paying incorrect taxes when they title the car. People will often jump a car title to avoid paying taxes. This can result in the next titled owner of the car paying the wrong amount in taxes.
The seller is not legally tied to the car
If the car has a problem down the road, the named seller is the only one on the hook. The fallout of this can be devastating.
The title could be false or illegal
The car could be stolen, the seller could be lying about their identity, the title could belong to another car, or any number of things could be happening.
Solution: Vet the vehicle and the seller to the best of your abilities.
Run the car’s VIN using a VIN Check
Inspect the car for any signs of theft
Ask the seller to send off for a new title in their name
Dirt Legal Can Help with Car Title Problems
We’re seasoned professionals in the world of car titles. Ask us anything related to titling a vehicle! Contact us if you have any questions about a car you’re buying, selling, or considering. And always remember, if you have any doubt about a buyer or seller for any reason, walk away. It's just that easy.
Need a title? Our Title Services can fix car title errors by replacing your title with a new one.
We also offer VIN Checks to give you peace of mind to avoid title jumping.
We are not attorneys. This article is not legal advice.
About the Author
As an automotive journalist, motorcycle racer, SCCA member, and collector of anything with wheels, Justin Dake makes a living out of being a professional car nerd. As a former employee of the State of Missouri, he knows how complex and convoluted state processes can be, and that experience underlies his role as the Editor of Dirt Legal.