Overhaulin'

Is it possible to get a title for a classic car?

I want to buy a classic car but the seller doesn't have a title. Is it possible to get one legally and if so how much would it cost? Is the process complicated or do people do it often?

Public Comments

1. This would depend on the state that you are in. Some states do not issue titles for vehicles that are over a certain number of years old. Your best bet would be to check on-line with your state dmv or bmv and check under their titling procedures. Or call them. Each state usually has a procedure for titling a car if there is no title avaiable. Might depend on the circumstances too, for example how much is the car worth or how much did you pay for it.
2. You don't mention your state or the seller's state so I can't be very specific but here's a great website to get you started: www.dmv.org It gives high level overviews of the processes for all 50 states. You can go here and check out what process (if any) your seller is responsible for in selling the car to you without a title and then what process you are responsible for when it comes to titling in your own state. Note that it is important to know what the seller must do! If he doesn't so his part correctly and you show up at your DMV without the proper paperwork you could be in a big mess. Don't let this keep you from purchasing a classic car though. The processes are very straightforward. If you don't get the full details you need from the website above, you can go to Yahoo search and find the website of the DMVs that you need and get the full scoop there. Drive that classic when you get it! :-)
3. Depending on the year of the car, Broadway Title in Alabama can get you a legal title. Alabama used Bill of Sales for many years. I know for any Antique or Vintage automobile and also for some classic cars they can get you documents to legally title your car. You can look them up on the internet and they will show what years they can title cars. I have used them several times to get me titles for 1920 and 1930 cars and cut through all the red tape most states put you through to title classics or antiques with no titles. It costs about $100 to $150 dollars to get all the paper work, but they provide everything you need.