Have you ever had the state DMV reject acceptance of a title for whatever reason? please explain?

Question

Got a nice Cadillac one time. My state DMV would not officiate transfer of title because the title was missing a "digit" from the vehicle identification number [VIN#]. The car was returned to the seller with an explanation.

Received a 1970 GMC pickup. The DMV rejected the title on the fact that the title looked like someone had carried it around in their pocketts until it looked all "ratty tattered"... [was barely legible]

Bought a flat bed utility trailer. DMV refused transfer of title because about 6 people had signed and passed the title between them. Trailer returned to seller because of improper titling.

So what all experiences have you suffered over titling issues with your DMV?

Thanks, Tim

Answer 1

Having worked for car dealerships and even the DMV in my state, I know better. Just consider that a title is a legal document and has to be good condition, proper and legal.
The Cadillac, was probably titled before all the computer stuff and the missing digit was a typo. A paper tracing of the Vin from the dashboard would have enabled the original owner to get a replacement title with the proper information. Pretty much the same with the GMC. The owner could have gotten a replacement title before they sold it, and you would have been fine. The trailer simply was "skipping title" each person had to title it in their name, and pay the taxes.
I wouldn't even consider buying something with the paperwork in that disarray. But I know what to look for. If I had any doubts in my mind, I would check with the DMV before paying for or considering it.

Answer 2

Personally, no I haven't. But that is because I wouldn't accept a VIN with 16 digits because I know since 1981 it requires 17, nor would I accept a title that was so tattered as to be not readable, nor would I buy anything without a clean title, and then only after checking it out first.

For example, if you claimed to have lost your title and got a new one, then found your old one, and then borrowed against the car and another title was issued listing a bank as the legal owner. You might use the old clear title to try to sell it to me, knowing there was a loan on the car. That's just one example of why you check first.

Answer 3

When I was in the Army, I bought a 1954 Chevy in Oklahoma. I live in PA. The DMV would not accept transfer of the title and wanted a tracing made of the VIN. In those days, the VIN was stamped into a small piece of sheet metal and riveted to a door frame. The plate was missing. The PA state police refused to inspect the car for a hidden VIN.

Answer 4

None, Tim, but since vehicle is practically useless without a PROPER title, everyone, not just you, should be positive it is in order before purchase, especially on the VIN#.. Seems though, even it was "barely" legible, it was still legible and shouldn't have been rejected. I've heard before of trouble with multiple signatures though. The DMV has it's rules and though they may cause us trouble at times, I think they are there to help protect the honest citizens.

Answer 5

Mine was almost rejected because the Lien Holder could not identify WHERE on the back of the title to write their information down. She kept getting confused because it said "Purchaser's Name", and thought it was supposed to be my name on there.

Now that I think about it... I probably should have LET HER put my name on that field, and maybe the car would've been mine!

Answer 6

insurance card name not matching up to registration