I found a nice resonably priced truck for sale, but the guy lost the title. What does it take to get the title replaced.Time wise and money-wise. Is it a real headache, or no big deal.
I’m in New York
So can I buy the vehical, then go to the DMV, or does the owner have to do it?
You can NOT get a duplicate title, ONLY The registered owner recorded at the NY DMV can do it.
The owner HAS to provide you with the title, otherwise you will not have any legal rights over the vehicle until you are the registered owner at the NY DMV.
Without the title, you don’t know if the vehicle was ever salvaged and then reconstructed or if there are any liens or other title issues.
To obtain a duplicate title, it can be done by mail using form MV-902 (MUST be signed by the owner) the mailing address is on the form.
It can be done online: http://dmv.ny.gov/title/default.html
or
The owner can go to a NY DMV office.
The fee is $20.00 and it could take 10 days if the duplicate title is obtained online or at the DMV office; by mail takes longer 6 weeks of more.
Have the owner call at the NY DMV at (518) 486-4714 with the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to make sure there are no liens agains the vehicle.