What should I do before buying a vehicle from an individual?
Agency:
Secretary of State
Test-drive the vehicle and have it inspected by a mechanic.
Check the odometer's mileage accuracy. The mileage for most vehicles
must be provided when ownership changes. Vehicles older than 10 years are
exempt.
Make sure the vehicle has a valid title and that the owner named on the
front of the title is the same person signing it over to you.
Match the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the title with the
number on the vehicle's dashboard. The VIN should be visible through the
windshield.
Check the title to be sure that there are no liens (such as bank loans)
against the vehicle. If there is a lien, it must be released by the
lienholder in the appropriate signature space or by attaching a lien
termination statement from the financial institution to the title.
Never take possession of a vehicle without the title signed by the owner
or owners named on the front of the title. If more than one person is buying
the vehicle, you all need to sign the new title application.
If possible, the buyer and seller should go together to a Secretary of
State office to complete the title transfer. The transfer must be filed with
the Secretary of State within 15 days from the date of the sale to avoid a
late fee. Unless exempt, tax is due when you apply for the title.
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