What to Do If the Buyer Doesn't Transfer Ownership After Selling the Car?
2 Answers
If the buyer delays transferring ownership after selling the car, you can file a lawsuit. You can sue the buyer to compel them to complete the ownership transfer procedures. Once the car is sold but the ownership isn't transferred, the original owner is no longer liable for any accidents involving the vehicle. In case of an accident, the original owner won't be held responsible, so it's important to keep the signed sales agreement. Here's some relevant information about vehicle ownership transfer: Introduction: Vehicle ownership transfer refers to changing the name of the vehicle's owner. When buying a used car, besides checking the car's condition, the most crucial step is completing the ownership transfer process. Principle: Every car has a fixed registration, which records the owner's name, address, and other relevant vehicle parameters. Transferring ownership certifies that the car belongs to the new owner and has no history of accidents or violations. If there are issues with the car, such as involvement in an accident, failure to undergo annual inspection, being a stolen vehicle, or being smuggled, the normal transfer process cannot be completed.
Selling a car but the buyer doesn't transfer ownership can be really frustrating. As the seller, you need to realize the car is still under your name, and you can't shake off the responsibility—if an accident happens, you're on the hook. First, promptly call or message the buyer politely to ask about the situation; they might have forgotten or run into some trouble. If there's no response, don't just wait—prepare a written notice as soon as possible, detailing the transaction date, vehicle information, and transfer requirements, and keep a copy for evidence. The next step is to report it to the local DMV or traffic police with all transaction documents, such as payment records, contracts, and photos, requesting their assistance in enforcing the transfer. If necessary, hire a lawyer to send a legal notice or file a lawsuit—it might cost some money but is more reliable. The whole process could take weeks, but with solid evidence, it can be resolved. Don't be afraid of the hassle—take proactive steps to handle it, and next time, add a transfer clause in the contract to prevent similar issues.
