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?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
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.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
