Sold a car last year, title is still in my name.

[JohnPowers]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum so please excuse me if this is not the proper place to ask such a question.

I sold a car to one bastard who ripped me off for 100$ and turns out the cars VIN is still in my name, knowing the buyer he probably didn't change it on purpose as a safety net in case he gets into trouble.

I was wondering if I would be able to get the vehicle back since the title is still in my name (He has the title however) since it has been 1 year and he has not yet changed the title.

If so how would I go about locating the vehicle and if not what should I do to get the vehicle off my name? I do not have a bill of sales or any proof that I sold it but I did turn in the plates the next day.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
-
John Powers

[carbuyhelp]

If the title is still in your name, then the transfer of ownership is null and void or incomplete. In the state of NY:

"The seller must complete and sign the section of the title certificate that transfers the ownership, or provide some other documents that prove ownership and indicate the transfer of the ownership.

"The buyer must pay the sales tax or provide proof that the transfer is exempt from the sales tax; must apply for a new vehicle registration, vehicle plates and a title certificate. The new owner does not use the vehicle plates or the registration items of the previous owner."

Therefore, you can report the VIN to the New York State DMV and they will charge a penalty to the buyer who holds the title of the vehicle like you said. The status of your vehicle is the same as it were lost or stolen. This also means the buyer / the new owner was illegally driving the car the entire period. So I don't know how he's been driving this thing. So call the New York State DMV now to double check. Tell them the full story and maybe you can get your car back. Here's their hotline: 1-212-645-5550 or 1-718-966-6155

Another question: How did you turn your plates in? This is from the NYSDMV website, read this: "If you surrender your vehicle plates during the first yearof a 2-year registration, you can request a refund of part of the registration fee. The amount you can receive is 50% (one year) of the 2-year registration fee. You cannot get a refund if the second year of the registration has started. A processing fee of $1 is subtracted from the refund amount. If you surrender your vehicle plates at a county-operated DMV office, you must pay an additional processing fee of $1 to surrender your vehicle plates."