can a car dealer buy a car without a title

[Peggy]

No, a reputable car dealer should not buy a car from you without a title. The certificate of title is the primary legal document that proves ownership. For a dealer, purchasing a vehicle without this document exposes them to significant legal and financial risks, including the possibility that the car is stolen, has an outstanding lien (loan) against it, or has a tampered history. While there are narrow, state-specific exceptions for replacing a lost title, a dealer will almost always require a clear title to complete a purchase.

The core issue is chain of title. A dealer needs a clean, transferable title to be able to legally resell the vehicle to another customer. Without it, they become stuck with an asset they cannot legally dispose of. If the title is missing, the process doesn't end with the dealer simply taking the car; they will guide you through your state's procedure for obtaining a duplicate title before any money changes hands.

Here are some of the major risks a dealer assumes by buying a car without a title:

• Stolen Vehicle: They could be charged with receiving stolen property.
• Undisclosed Liens: A bank could repossess the car from their lot, resulting in a total financial loss.
• Title Washing: The car might have a salvage title from severe damage that was "washed" clean in another state, misrepresenting its true condition.
• Fraudulent Sale: The seller might not be the legal owner, making the sale void.

Some states have procedures like a bonded title for situations where a title is lost, but this is a lengthy and costly process that most dealers will avoid. The table below outlines the general stance and alternatives in various states.

State	Typical Dealer Stance on No-Title Purchase	Common Alternative Paths
California	Will not purchase without title.	Seller must obtain a duplicate title via REG 227 form.
Texas	Highly unlikely without title.	Bonded title process or using a VTR-130 form (Application for Certified Copy of Title) if no lien.
Florida	Strictly requires a title for transfer.	Duplicate title application (HSMV 82101) is the only path.
New York	Will refuse purchase without the title.	MV-902 form (Application for Duplicate Title) must be completed by the seller.
Illinois	Not permitted for a legal sale.	Seller must file for a duplicate title (Form VSD 190) with the Secretary of State.

If you're selling a car and the title is lost, your first step is always to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency to apply for a duplicate. A legitimate dealer will insist on this proper documentation to protect both their business and future customers.

[VanVivienne]

Absolutely not. Walk away if a dealer offers to buy your car without a title. That title is your proof that you actually own the thing. Think about it—if they're willing to skip that step, what does that say about their operation? It screams "problem." They might be hoping you don't know the car has a loan against it or worse. A trustworthy dealer will always, always ask for the title. No title, no sale. It's that simple.

[ThomasLynn]

As someone who's been around cars my whole life, I see this as a major red flag. A title is like a car's birth certificate. Without it, you have no real history. A serious dealer knows they can't turn around and sell that car to someone else legally. The only time it might be somewhat plausible is if it's a project car destined for parts, and even then, the price would be next to nothing. For any vehicle meant for the road, a clear title is non-negotiable. It’s just basic, legitimate business practice.