What to Do if You Lose a Car Title Before Registration

If you have recently purchased a car and have lost the title, it can be a daunting situation. Here are steps and strategies to follow to resolve the issue and ensure your car is registered under your name.

Steps if You Have a Bill of Sale

First, check if you have a bill of sale. If you do, you can typically go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and request a title in your name. Having a bill of sale provides a clear record of the vehicle purchase, which can make the process smoother.

What to Do if You Don’t Have a Bill of Sale

If you do not have a bill of sale and cannot locate the seller, you may need to take legal action. In states like Indiana, you can file a small claims suit against the Department of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to request the issuance of a title.

Here’s how to proceed with a small claims suit in Indiana:

Steps for Indiana

Bring a small claims suit against the BMV to order them to furnish a title. Attend the hearing and present clear evidence that you are the legitimate owner of the car. This can include a legitimate receipt or a clean “not stolen” statement from a police officer. Be prepared with a compelling narrative and documentation to support your case.

Pro tip: The BMV rarely sends representatives to contest such claims in small claims court. However, being well-prepared and convincing is key.

What if You Cannot Find the Seller?

If you cannot locate the seller and the vehicle was impounded, it is essential to verify the BMV records. Even if the previous owner has submitted a title release, you may still need to file a claim to obtain the title.

Steps to Take:

Go to the DMV and check their records with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and license plate number. If the previous owner submitted a title release, it may be enough to have the car registered under your name. If not, you may need to file a claim for abandoned vehicles or take legal action as previously discussed.

Another strategy is to:

Leave your ID in the glove box of the car and visit the DMV with the VIN and license plate number. They may have a solution or suggest the next steps. Follow the conventional procedure for abandoned vehicles, which can be found at your local license branch or online.

Contact the DMV

It is crucial to verify the status of the title with the DMV. Even if the previous owner has sent in a title release, the record may still show the original owner until it is changed.

Visiting the DMV and bringing the VIN number and license plate number is a straightforward way to check the status and potentially obtain the title. They may also direct you to the correct procedure if the title is still in the previous owner's name.

In conclusion, if you lose a car title before registration, take proactive steps to resolve the issue. Whether it involves a bill of sale, legal action, or claiming an abandoned vehicle, there are methods to address the situation and ensure your car is properly registered under your name.