Thread: Acquiring a Title

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I bought my project 7 years ago from a guy about 1800 miles away in Wisconsin. I was a 23 year old rookie, so all I got from him was a simple bill of sale. Turns out, that was fine to get my car registered, but I don't have a title. I have a VIN, but I've had some difficulty finding out what I need to do to get a title. The only piece of info that I have gotten is something about a notarized bill of sale. That's pretty much impossible at this point. What are my options? I'm sure they vary by state, but what's the best way to get this done?

What does everyone do when they go pull a junker out of the scrap yard? Surely they don't all have titles.

A friend bought a car at a salvage yard and they gave him a bill of sale which he took to the DMV along with a tracing of the VIN. The DMV issued a new title, registraton and plates. He then had to have the car inspected.

I would suggest contacting your DMV. Go there, if you can, and speak with someone about your situation. They usually can be helpful. Calling them on the phone will likely get you less satisfaction.

I had an out of state title for my car, but no VIN plate. VIN number on title was wrong (actually a motor s/n). DMV recognize the problem, gave me hard way to go for 6 weeks, then issued a new VIN plate and title. It was a pain, but it worked out, plus I didn't have to commit fraud.

Andy, what Bob is saying is good advice. Mississippi has the same, incompetent DMV people that all the other states have.

Here's a tip: if the person at the DMV sits behind a counter, they don't know jack. Find out where the inspections are done... like where the salvage rebuilder cars are inspected by the DMV to get retitled. Usually, these guys are pretty good about their info.... take a picture of your car...a lot of them are car guys and will try to help.

Stay away from the counter folks....McDonalds and DMV use the same personnel!!

http://www.mstc.state.ms.us/title/forms/79013021.pdf

You can get a title under bond. See the form above. Also, go find a street rod builder in the area or a club and ask how they may have done it.

This advice might be too late for you, but to anyone else "make sure you get your DMV paperwork done and in your name BEFORE you rebuild your car".

Worse case, if the DMV were to determine the car was stolen at some point in it's LONG history (very posible when building from swap meet parts and abandoned pieces) the car would be impounded and given back to the original owner. Your 37 looks like a very nice car with a lot of work in it.

Thanks for the tips. I may try the title bond route, but the thought of dealing with our DMV (Miss. Highway Partol) gives me nightmares. The lady who helped me get it registered is actually at the tax collector's office.

What do these inspections amount to? What are they looking for?

I've asked a few guys around here, and they really don't know what to tell me.

Suggest you go to a Highway Patrol substation and ask an inspector or a trooper. I've always found them willing to help.

As others have said, don't listen to all the guys with the quick and sly methods as it can cost you a bunch of $$$$$ and grief down the road. Check out the state's web site and see what kind of information you can find there, study it, then go to the appropriate state offices and get it all done legal......

Dave,

That's usually a great suggestion. Unfortunately Mississippi's website sucks swamp water. Dept of Taxation and Dept of Public Safety are both involved. I searched their website to try to help, and got pretty much nowhere. I couldn't even find the inspection form to download.

A quick stop by an inspection station would probably be worthwhile for Andy.

Yeah, I've done a lot of searching on the net, but all I ever found was the title bond form with no other explanation or instruction besides what is on the form.