I think most states have a title where there can be a lienholder specified on the title. You can't transfer it without a release from the lienholder, but at least there is an indication that the person actually "owns" the car.

I'd be very suspicious if there were no title in evidence at all.

But, as a previous poster noted, check with your particular state. I'm sure that a call to your DMV could resolve many of your questions.

 

I think you can have the owner talk to his finance company and have them put you as the new owner of the car to title transfer purposes.

I recently sold a car and I was able to get them to speed up the process of getting the title in my hands. I paid off the loan with a certified cashier's check and then I called the finance company to expedite the process. I got my title from the DMV 1 week after paying it off.

 

thank you guys for the infos... yeah Im going to hold on to this bill of sale just so that I know im safe...


Unison21:
according to the seller he paid off the car just like the way you did, by sending a cashiers check and he was told that he will get the title in 7 days max. and its been 5 days so far. I guess Ill have to wait until he gets it then I just get it from him on the day of purchasing the car.

thanks a lot guys.