The car title is the most crucial legal document to prove that you own the vehicle. However, it could be a huge problem if mishandled, especially if there is a change of ownership.
We have identified ten title and registration tips to avoid the mistakes related to car title problems-
1. Avail of a Title Whenever You Purchase a Vehicle
Always purchase a vehicle with a title. If you don’t receive any, then you need to go through a lot of hassles to get one. Till then, there’s no assurance that the vehicle is legally yours.
2. Immediately Sign and Date the Title
When you purchase a vehicle for reselling it, you may be allured to renounce signing or dating the title in the interim. This method of title jumping is dangerous and illegal. A lot of states will penalize you for this activity. Never float a car title. If you transfer a car title without signing it is a criminal offense. It is called floating a title.
3. Never Lie Regarding the Selling Price
As you list the selling price on the title and bill of sale, never lie. You may wish to save on taxes and fees, but it’ll be a felony to produce a false selling price on any of these documents. You may even lose your driver’s license in California.
4. Sell the Vehicle, Retain the Plates
It could be easier to leave the plates on a vehicle you sell. However, doing so may backfire on you. Can you imagine what may occur when that vehicle gets a ticket down the road with some other person behind the wheel? Only you are liable for the penalty. Never forget to remove the vehicle’s license plates during its sale.
5. Complete a Release of Liability Form
After selling your vehicle, most states mandate that you file a Release of Liability within a few days. A Release of Liability secures you from any property damage, injury, or lawsuits due to the new owner’s use of the car you gave them. If they commit a crime before their title transfer, then you will not be liable. Complete this formality before visiting the DMV office.
6. Carry Authentic ID to the DMV
After you wait for a long in your local DMV office, you don’t wish to find that you don’t have the right ID. Check online before your visit and find out what all are required of you. You’ll need to carry your driver’s license. However, often you need to prove residency too. Check the local guidelines first.
7. Update the Address
If the address listed on your title happens to be the one you presently reside at, then it’s fine. But if you shift, then you must report your new address to your state’s DMV. Most states have laws about the time frame you need to complete this. You may require proof of your new address too.
8. When a Duplicate Title Has Been Issued, Apply It
Any time the actual title is destroyed, illegible, or lost, it becomes nullified. Then, a duplicate title must be issued. Once you find the original after the issue of the duplicate, then you must destroy it. Never act smart by using it. Else, you will cause a lot of title trouble for yourself.
9. Bring the Right Paperwork
This may comprise a power of attorney paperwork, lien release, probate court documents, or an inheritance affidavit. Particularly if you wish to sign a title for someone else, you better have the proper paperwork that empowers you to do so.
10. Sign All Documents Within the Time Frame
Often, we forget to sign important documents within time. Before you try to transfer a vehicle's title, ensure that your signatures are in the right places.
Inference
This was a guide for your vehicle registration renewal in California as well as tips to prevent any trouble. Follow the protocols properly.
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