Georgia “Duplicate Title” question
 

Pretty sure I know the answer to this, but maybe I’m wrong.

Looking to buy a used car.

Seller bought it a month or two ago. He never registered it in his name. He bought it from a guy in GA and took it to AZ.

He has the GA title signed by the seller, but otherwise left blank.

I’m in California.

Not ideal, but I think that wouldn’t be a problem if I bought and registered in California.

The problem is I ran a Carfax and the signed GA title that he’s holding was issued 7 years ago. Since then, Carfax shows that GA issued a “duplicate title” a year ago.

I’m going to assume that invalidates the earlier title. And when I go to register it in California, that is going to cause a problem. Yes?

The scenario doesn't match the paper trail. I wouldn't touch it. Unless you're getting a great deal on what will become a parts car / race car, move on. Paper ownership always trumps physical ownership.

I've had a few duplicate titles in the past but can't remember if the title number is the same on both of them and one just says "duplicate", or if they are two different numbers.. Then, it would be a problem..

I’d say pass. What happens when you go to transfer the title and there’s a problem that requires the sellers help? You have no idea who the seller actually is. Sorry man, this wreaks of trouble. There’s other legitimate cars out there. Unless your guy in AZ can provide you with a clean title in his name, pass.

Walk, run, or crawl...as long as it is away...jmo.

I've bought and sold cars where the title was 'floated' but the signature and date from the owner is in the same ink/ hand writing...........which is very important. The Nazi DMV in Virginia is very strict and if in doubt may require 3rd party proof between the buyer / seller.

A few years ago I was in Pa at one of the huge car / parts swap meets looking for a car or truck to buy then flip. So I chat up a guy that a '63 Nova done in a 60's gasser style. We agreed on price after some time and then came time for title...........there was none. Car came from NJ where apparently there is no title for cars 25+ years old. I passed. No way I'm going through the hassle with Va DMV.

He obviously was heart broken. I gave him my number, told him if he obtains a title, give me a call. He didn't. I later saw it on Ebay multiple times

+1
My brother bought a car that was later found out to be stolen 2 owners earlier. Physical ownership meant nothing and the police said he had to go after the seller. Your seller may be honest but the guy before him may be a crook.

It's the same in NY.

Transfer of ownership is done by signing over the "Pink Slip", registration certificate.

Hence the term, racing for pinks.

Admittedly that may not have made dealing with VA DMV any easier.

No way would I buy a car like that.

One big problem in Oklahoma for many years is buyers paying for a used car, and never registering it. The former owner would get tickets in the mail, and turnpike charges. The new owner never would get insurance. They just changed the law, now the tag must be removed before the sale is final. The car will have no tag, and hopefully get flagged bu the cops quickly. So the tag now stays with the owner not the car.

It might be totally fine for some reason, but that'd be a deal killer to me, and I'd pass.

There are too many people around today who are smart and creative about their scams. If it smells like it might be bad, you're better off not testing that.

Thanks all.
Yes, as shown on the Carfax, the title numbers are 2 different numbers. The one he is holding is the old numbered one.
No deal unless/until he has an AZ title in his name, period.

This.

When he can produce a title that has current tags and registration in his state, then it might be OK. He is trying to avoid years of registration fees and penalties at the minimum. Or sell you a stolen car at the worst.

+1

No penalty or forced retroactive registration fees in Ohio. $25/30 for title plus the sales tax. Current registration not required either to transfer title.

That's Ohio and not another state's requirement.

You can't transfer a title here without the seller's sign-off being notarized which is surely common.

This is too much work and I think the GA guy has to get involved. I would bail.