Q: A person who bought my car won’t give me info to fill out legal documentation. What do I do?
I recently sold my car, but it was my first time selling one and I wasn’t aware I was supposed to fill out a special form to confirm it has been sold. I thought I just had to fill out the title for the next person and that’s what I did. I have reached out to the purchaser to get their info, but they won’t return my messages or calls. I am worried there’s something sketchy going on, but I can’t fill out the form without their info. What do I do from here to protect myself and get my name off the title?
A:
In a situation like yours, it's important to take prompt action to protect yourself. First, document all your attempts to contact the buyer, including dates and methods of communication. This record can be useful if legal action becomes necessary.
Next, you should notify your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) about the sale. Explain the situation and provide them with all the information you have about the buyer. The DMV might have procedures for cases where buyer information is incomplete or unavailable.
Additionally, consider consulting with an attorney for legal advice tailored to your specific situation. They can guide you on the steps to ensure you're no longer liable for the vehicle.
Lastly, for any future vehicle sales, ensure you understand and complete all required documentation at the time of sale. This helps in avoiding similar issues. Remember, thorough documentation is key in such transactions.
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