Hephzibah, GA asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Georgia

Q: If I have been given a vehicle, can the original owner come retake possession of it before the title is transferred?

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: No. Once the original owner signed the certificate of title over and delivered it to you as a gift, the vehicle became yours. You have thirty days to register the transfer of ownership with the State. The original owner cannot retake possession once the gift was completed by signing and delivering the certificate of title to you.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If you have been given a vehicle, the original owner might still have the right to reclaim it before the title is officially transferred to your name. This can depend on the specifics of your agreement and the laws in your jurisdiction.

Until the title transfer is completed, the original owner remains the legal owner of the vehicle. This means they could potentially take it back if there’s a dispute or change of mind.

To protect yourself, make sure to get a written agreement from the original owner that clearly states the transfer of ownership. Completing the title transfer as soon as possible is crucial to ensure you are the legal owner.

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