I'm looking to sell one of my cars. A buyer wants to come up and potentially buy it this weekend - it's a 6 hour drive for him. Thing is, I don't have the title in hand yet as I'm waiting for the state to mail it back to me. The buyer asked if we could just write up a receipt and that I would mail him the title once I got it. I'm a little concerned about any liability I would have while waiting for the car to be signed over to him, or whatnot. Any advice?

Thanks

 

A Bill of Sale with signed parties usually works in the interim. If you're that legally concerned have it notarized. The rest is self explanatory.

Take payment, sign Bill of Sale, when title comes in you sign it off and send it to him, done. Fairly simple process.

 

I'd be more concerned if I was buying about not having the title. I too would sign a simple bill of sale, but you should check if the buyer needs to be present for you to sign the title to him - some states require both parties and a notary to sign over a title.

Maybe he gives you a good faith deposit and when you get the title, then he comes to get the car.

If the buyer doesn't need to be present for you to sign over the title, there are plenty of mailing options that are more secure than first class - certified, return receipt, UPS with required signature, etc.

 

Yeah, shouldn't be any problem, in CA you can fill out a "release of liability" online so that you have proof that it no longer belongs to you, never had to test it in court but its somewhat reassuring. What you are asking about it 100% normal though and actually takes a leap of faith on the buyers part since you will technically still own the car until the title is in his hands.

Also, when you pay off your loan, the DMV sends you your title so, titles get mailed all the time, I wouldn't worry to much about that part of it, just put it in a nice cardboard mailer and pay for Delivery confirmation (I think its automatically included in first class)

 

He is taking the risk, you aren't - you should be happy he is willing to do that; I'd never leave without a title unless I knew you personally and had a long relationship with you.

Additionally I wouldn't want to drive back again for 6 hours to get the car, one trip is sufficient.

Sell it, sign a bill of sale etc. etc.

 

A notarized bill of sale will work fine. I had this when I bought my last car, as a lien had to be satisfied, then the title had to be retrieved from storage. I received it 2-3 weeks after the transaction and I took possession of the car. The bill of sale allowed me to get temporary registration in the interim.

I would recommend sending it registered or certified mail. It would be quite a headache to have a signed title get lost somewhere along the way.

 

Agree, this is an extremely common process. Just FedEx (overnight) the title when you receive it and require a signature. Really no big deal. Even if FedEX lost it, the title can be replaced (a little bit of a PITA but again no big deal).

 

If the buyer is cool with it, what do you have to lose? The risk is on him. As long as the money is cleared... If you want to meet him half way. Take a good deposit from him, sign an agreement, and have him come take the car once you get the Title.

FedEx'ing the Title as others have mentioned is common practice. You are holding the cards on this one.