How can I resolve this Car title fiasco?

Question

I purchased a car and the original owner never transferred the title into his name. The car was purchased after a lease so it was registered in his name but not titled. The car is titled in IL and the original owner now resides in TX. Is he going to have to go to IL to get the car in his name so that I can title the car in mine? By the way I live in GA and I have been to the DMV to try and resolve but no luck so far.

Answer 1

He probably didn't title the car in his name because he didn't want to pay the sales tax on the vehicle.  He has to title the vehicle in his name, pay the taxes before he can transfer it to anyone.  He can title it in any state he resides, but he will have to pay the sales tax to get the title in his name, and he has to do it.  You can't do anything until he gets the title in his name.  Ga DMV can' t help you.  

Answer 2

You need from the previous owner the "purchase order" or "bill of sale", that proves that he BOUGHT IT, so he actually OWNS it. The lessor would have sent him that after he paid for it.

You can check through the lessor if you know who it is, but they likely won't help you due to privacy issues.

Once he proves he had owned the car, then transfer to your name becomes much simpler.