Q: If liability of a car was released to me but the car is not in my possession and i don’t have a title do i own this car
In the state of California
A: The true owner of the vehicle is the individual who's name appears on the title. If your name is not on the title, then it is not your car. It doesn't even sound like you have possession of the vehicle, so I cannot see how you could be the owner of it. As you know, typically when a car is sold or transferred to a new owner, the parties will complete the title paperwork at that time which will transfer title of the vehicle from the seller to the purchaser. That paperworks is sent to the DMV for processing, then a new title is issued in the name of the new owner. If those steps weren't taken, then it will be difficult for you to say that you are the "owner" of the vehicle.
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