Title help!

[moparmama]

I have a car that has been on my property for many years. I do not have the title and it was never titled to me.  The car was bought by my Ex (for me to be my car) and never titled to him, he has died.  I am in Texas.  I would like to sell it as its a pretty cool Mopar.  What can I do? I went to the DMV and they said I would have to do a bond and the car is valued at 20-30k! Because they have to go by online prices and those are the restored Mopars. That is insane $$.  I am moving to New Mexico but would like to not have to haul it there. 

Can I do an abandoned car title? lien? Can I sell it after?

I don't know any insurance adjusters who can come and give me a quote??

Someone mentioned a Sheriff can come verify it's not stolen and on my property?

�They said if I do a salvage title, it can only be sold for metal?

�Please help. I am so lost.

[Spikedog08]

I'm pretty sure every state has their own rules . . Sorry not much more help.   

[Racer57]

Only guessing.... have an major company insurance adjuster make an appraised value for the car. Then go to a different DMV in a smaller town. Then tend to not be as picky. 

[cuda hunter]

Yes, Every state is different. 
Joe Biden and his administration closed the "loop holes" allowing us car enthusiasts to get car titles slightly easily through New hampshire, Georgia and Florida.  A few other states as well.
I got a title in 2019 for 500 bucks just before ole briben biden got in and closed all that up.  VERY UNFORTUNATE.
  Now it is very difficult to get titles and it is causing a lot of good cars to become parts cars.  Subsequently dropping the value of these cars drastically.
  A bonded title will require a state patrol vin check, small money.
Then you would have to go to an insurance company and they declare a value to the car, probably way more than what it actually is (since insurance is a scam anyway).  Then you have to hold that bonded insurance for a year or two depending.  Then you can apply for a title but would have to do a public notice as well.
  I'm working with a guy in Kansas that has gotten a few of my friends titles for these old cars.  Not sure how, but I think he is in the business of repoing cars so he has an "in".  550.00 sent to him sight unseen.  No recourse if something goes wrong.  But I need a title to get a car on the road so I'm going to do it. 
  The title game is a LOOONg  up hill battle. 

[mtull]

loop holes" allowing us car enthusiasts to get car titles slightly easily through New hampshire, Georgia and Florida.  A few other states as well.

if you come across the 'Vermont loophole' that's been closed as well.

[mtull]

M @moparmama have you done a Google search for classic car clubs in your area?  Perhaps an email to some of clubs will help you find a member who's had personal experience in this area?  Regarding an abandoned title, there are Video's on YouTube discussing the con's and possible solutions.  Please keep us updated on your progress.
 

[torredcuda]

Most states have a way to get a title using a mechanics lien or abandoned vehicle reason so I would look into that.

[torredcuda]

Might be a good idea to call a lawyer and they could help.

[mtull]

Then you can apply for a title but would have to do a public notice as well

Can you expand on your statement please?  I'm not sure I fully understand what all that entails but it sounds scary.

[Fern]

If you have an old registration, some states that's enough.

[HP2]

I assume this is the Challenger you were asking about in your other thread? Neat car, but definitely not a $20-30k vehicle.

So, agreed with others, this process varus from state to state. I'll also add that the DMV people are not always the best resource for correct information and you might want to examine the option of a lein or Law Enforcement inspections.

Example: I recently purchased a cool old Mopar that came with a title, that was signed in 1984. When I presented it and my bill of sale to the DMV clerk, they noticed the name on the title did not match my bill of sale. I explained the situation around how that happened and they were not amused. Basically said this amounts to having no title at all. They gave me a pile of papers and told me the same thing you heard-get it appraised, post a bond, get an official inspection from the State Patrol (I had already gotten a basic VIN verification from a car dealer since this was an out of state car) and we'll issue the title. So  I took their pile of papers and began looking through them and researching each step in the document as it applied to my situation. About 3/4s of the way down, I found a caveat that the State Patrol has jurisdiction over the DMV for inspections and if I present a "roadworthy" vehicle, which has a very liberal definition, then they can issue the document for a title transfer without the need for appraisal or bonding. In my case, lacking an engine and trans, it excludes me from appearing "roadworthy" at the moment, but I can dump any engine and trans in it and present it as such and avoid the bonding.

Of course, if there is not a way to work with Law Enforcement to work around your DMV, then you would need to find an appraiser who will provide you a document more in line with the actual value of a'73 318 Challenger with some rust and vinyl top issues that doesn't run. The bond, which is typically only a percentage of value, is much more palatable for an $8000 car than it is for a $30,000 car.

[cuda hunter]

Then you can apply for a title but would have to do a public notice as well

Can you expand on your statement please?  I'm not sure I fully understand what all that entails but it sounds scary.

  Sure, In Colorado along with all the other stuff we have to post in our local news paper a public notice that calls out the car and if anyone has a grievance with the poster titling the car they have to come forward.
  My DMV is kind of rural and will talk about the options with me.  We don't have long lines and they work with me well.  However I have gone to actual rural Colorado and I get way more cooperation.   Just sayin. 

[1970Cuda]

I'm in CA, and I am pretty sure it's one of the more difficult states to get a title in ... that being said, I recently picked up a new project and went through what we call here a VIN Verifier - someone certified by the DMV to verify the VINs on vehicles that aren't in the system.

If you do have an old registration that does help, but I would see if you can locate someone who can act on "behalf" of the DMV in your state. And definitely shop around and gather as much information as possible on - like has already been said, it's a huge hassle.

[HP2]

So your deceased husband bought the car, but never title it. Were there issues that prevented him from doing this or did he just not get around to it? Do you still have a bill of sale or the old title? You will have a combination of problems that could fall under lost title, survivorship, or abandoned property.

FYI on bonding to other members reading this, according to Texas, bonding must be 1-1.5 times the vehicle value and the value is solely determined by the Motor Vehicle Department, according to TxDMV in Section 8.

Abandoned vehicles may give you a means to transfer if you have some documentation. See section 22.

Mechanics lien may not be an option unless you can produce a receipt for repairs, fees for storage, or agreement to release vehicle for fees due. Storage lien may have some flexibility to apply for this purpose. Section 23

Texas DMV manual is here: https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/body-files/Motor_Vehicle_Title_Manual_Book_451.pdf

[torredcuda]

I'm in CA, and I am pretty sure it's one of the more difficult states to get a title in ... that being said, I recently picked up a new project and went through what we call here a VIN Verifier - someone certified by the DMV to verify the VINs on vehicles that aren't in the system.

Here in New Hampshire they don`t automatically issue titles on older vehicles but you can apply and get one. To register an old vehicle without a title (either from NH or another state) all I need to do is get a vin verification filled out and signed by an inspection station or a LEO. I just call the local police and they come over usually same day, I then take that and the bill of sale to get it registered = nice and easy.