When you sell or purchase a car, the title must be transferred from the seller to the buyer. There is always a lot of paperwork involved. When the time comes for this to be done, you must make sure it is done correctly so the new ownership becomes legal. Sometimes the seller might be missing some of the documentation needed to do this. If they need to replace documents such as the car title, this should be recognized early on in the transaction so it can be replaced, allowing enough time to get the title transferred correctly.
When a document is lost, you have two options. The first one is to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and request a replacement. You can also contact a title transfer service to request a replacement. Since you might have to spend a significant amount of time at the DMV, it may be in your best interest to use a title transfer service. These types of companies are quick and efficient because they go through this process daily. Obtaining a title through a governmental agency yourself can be a quite daunting task if you are unfamiliar with this process. For a small fee, Escrow.com is a good source to use when trying to transfer a title.
It is also a good idea to verify a car you are considering purchasing has a warranty. If it does not, you can purchase an extended car warranty to protect your investment. This service is offered through CARCHEX.
