Overhaulin'

When selling my car, should I cash the check first?

If someone pays with a check, should I deposit it and wait to get the money, and THEN give them the title so they/we can go to the DMV/SOS. Cause say if they give me a check, and I give them the title and they change it to their name, and then it turns out that the check bounces, won't they then just get the car for free? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Tell them you will take a money order or cashiers check. If a personal check make sure it clears the bank before you let them have the title or car. Also dont let them have a bill of sale because they can apply for a lost title and you could be stuck. Tell them you prefer cash or a money order.
2. NEVER TAKE A CHECK......EVER. If they can write you a check, they can turn around and stop payment on the check and then you are out of the money. If you do take the check, do not deliver the goods till you are able to get the funds from the bank....when it clears. Rule of thumb. CASH ONLY.......if the have the money tell them that you will take a small check like 100 bucks and then ask them to go get cash from the bank. then return their check when they come back with cash. Too much can go wrong with a check Cash is king!!!!!!!
3. NEVER take a check of any kind for a vehicle. The only safe way to insure the funds are good (including counterfeit money or a phony Money Order) is to have a direct transfer from their bank to yours. "Charles" is way wrong. A money order or cashiers check can be fake. Giving a bill of sale does NOT give a way to get a title. It does not establish ownership. It only states the conditions of the sale.