Selling my car w.o. a TITLE?

Question

Hi,
I am selling my car, only to not find my original TITLE! =:-o
How / if can I obtain a LOST TITLE for my car without incurring a cost (through my local / state DPS)? - I am transferring the ownership tomorrow (Monday) morning.
Does the state of TEXAS offer a FREE Lost Title-service? How / who should I contact for this (free) service and how soon can I expect this paperwork?

Answer 1

Will cost you the replacement title fee as you are responsible for this being the registered owner. However this is a relatively simple procedure as even though you can no way get a title in that short of time, you can have a notary exercise a "power of attorney" to handle transfer of vehicle on your behalf and have the paperwork mailed directly to them. We had this done all the time in Louisiana and worked with Texas as well. What is done is that both you and the seller go to the notary with the appropriate bills of sale and such and in front of the notary you all execute your sale. You also execute a power of attorney with the notary so that when the title comes to thenotary in a few weeks in the mail, the notary then can sign for you and hand it to the purchaser. that is done so that if something happens to you, or if you had any intention to commit fraud, etc. the buyer would be protected. This takes that out of your hands so that the buyer doesn't have to worry about hunting you down to get a title later. Any notary should be familiar with this and in Texas I think there is also a tax form that has to be filed out as well if memory serves. Still very simple transaction as the car can be sold, you get your money, the buyer gets the car, and you have no worries about it further, and the purchaser gets their title directly from the notary once the state mails the "duplicate replacement" title to the notary.

Answer 2

Now I not real sure. I think it would cost for another Title and it may take a while to receive. You may be able to just give them a Bill of Sale and they use that to transfer ownership and receive a new title in their name. This mainly a thought, I not sure if it work.

Answer 3

Nothing theses days are free.

Lost Vehicle Titles

If you misplace your vehicle title, you can get a certified copy by following the steps below. (If a lien is recorded, the lienholder should complete the application for certified copy of title.)

By Mail:

Download and complete a certified copy of title application [pdf, 2 pages, 138kb].
Enclose a copy of the owner's valid photo ID and $2 mail-in fee by check, cashier’s check or money order (no cash accepted) payable to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Mail the application to your vehicle titles and registration regional office. Mailing addresses are located on page two of the application.
In Person:

Visit the nearest vehicle titles and registration regional office.
Complete a certified copy of title application [pdf, 2 pages, 138kb].
Provide a valid photo ID and $5.45 fee for walk-in customers.
Valid Photo ID

Acceptable photo IDs include state or U.S. Government issued photo IDs, such as Texas or other state driver license, identification card, U.S. passport or military identification.

Verifiable Agent of Owner or Lienholder

In addition to the requirements above, an agent of the owner or lien holder must also provide a letter of signature authority on original letterhead, a business card, or a copy of the agent's employee ID.

Power of Attorney

If the title application is signed with a Power of Attorney, in addition to the requirements above, the following must also be provided:

a photo ID of recorded owner/lienholder signing the power of attorney, and
a photo ID of the person signing the application.
NOTE: Businesses given power of attorney are required to provide a letter of signature authority on original letterhead, business card or a copy of employee ID.

If you have other questions regarding lost or destroyed titles, please call our Vehicle Titles and Registration help line at [phone].

Answer 4

you are going to have to go to the DMV or court house ( who ever does the registering of your car and title in your county)

You will have to apply for a lost title, and there will be a small fee, it will not be free. They will mail you one, so you will not be selling it tomorrow, it will take a couple weeks at best to get one back.

And no you can't sell it without your title.

Answer 5

if your car is over 10 year of age a title is not needed. sell the car with an as is policy and note there is no title

Answer 6

In Texas you can get another title in a couple of days via internet but it will cost you more. If you live near Austin you can get it the same day but like I said above it will cost more.

Answer 7

You need to apply for a new title and there is a cost, nothing is free.

You may be able to sell the car and go to the DMV to swap there.

Answer 8

The lender has the title, so the loan must be paid off before you can sell the vehicle.