My dad signed the title but never regiestered it and now he is giving it to me. What do I do?

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My dad bought a car from a friend and signed the back of the title, thinking he was going to go and put the title in his name, but he never did. He moved away and left the car and the title to me, but I still have the original title with my dads signature on the back. Can I put the title in my name if his signature is on it, or does he have to be with me and tell them to put it in my name?”

Asked June 5, 2018

1 Answer


If your dad signed the title but never registered the vehicle and now he is giving it to you, there are five steps you will need to take to register the vehicle in your name.

  1. Obtain the title: Your dad will need to give you the signed title to the vehicle. If he has lost the title or it was never issued, he will need to obtain a replacement or duplicate title from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state.
  2. Complete the title transfer: Once you have the title, you will need to complete the title transfer process with the DMV in your state. This typically involves filling out an application for title transfer, providing proof of ownership, and paying any applicable fees.
  3. Obtain insurance: Before you can register the vehicle, you will need to obtain auto insurance that meets the minimum coverage requirements in your state. You can contact an insurance provider to obtain a quote and purchase a policy.
  4. Pass any required inspections: Depending on your state, you may need to pass a safety or emissions inspection before you can register the vehicle. Check with your local DMV to determine what requirements apply in your area.
  5. Register the vehicle: Once you have completed the title transfer, obtained insurance, and passed any required inspections, you can register the vehicle with the DMV in your state. This typically involves paying a registration fee and obtaining license plates and registration stickers.
It is important to note that the specific requirements for registering a vehicle can vary by state, so it is important to check with your local DMV for guidance. Additionally, if there are any outstanding fees or penalties associated with the vehicle, such as unpaid registration fees or parking tickets, you may need to address those before you can register the vehicle in your name.

Answered June 11, 2018 by FirstLight

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