Selling car but Title (pink slip) is not available for a few weeks.?

Question

I just paid off my Nissan and have not yet received the Title, which releases it to me. I want to sell this vehicle but it'll be another 4 to 5 weeks (typically) until I receive the Title. Can I still sell and give the car to the buyer before receiving it? I will of course, send it to the buyer as soon as I receive it in the mail and I am aware of the Notice of Transfer/Release of Liability form that I must send to the DMV.

I live in California. Not sure if other states have different rules. Any advise on what I can do? Thanks.

Answer 1

In Texas if you have all the release of lien and ownership documents and are not afraid of lines you can get a quick title issued by the state at several regional locations these are generally for lost titles but dealers use them to get "clean" titles -no liens- all the time. I would think California would have a similar service.

In your case you can claim the title was lost in the mail and you need a new one--be sure to destroy the old one when it finally comes in.

Answer 2

Yes you can legally sell it, but you need to explain to potential buyers why you do not have the title in hand. I believe you could go to the DMV and give the buyer a release of interest which would immediately transfer ownership to them. You could call the DMV and ask how to do this.

Answer 3

Most people won't buy a car unless the title is in hand.