Is there a way to register a vehicle without title, and not been the owner?
 

:hustler:

This friend of mine who is in the military is selling me this car that used to belong to a roommate. He does not have a title, the owner transferred and stated was gonna come back for the car. It seems the original owner got out of the military and is nowhere to be found.

The car is legit, it is not stolen or nothing, just gathering dust in the driveway of his townhouse. My friend wants to get rid of it and is selling it to me for cheap.

Is there a way to get a title for the car? Like stated I am not, neither my friend, the orignal owner of the car. From what I have heard is to use the car for parts, and sell it/ donate to a jy that takes vehicles without title.

It is not in bad condition, some TLC and would be a perfect DD beater car.

Any suggestions?

If you do a title search on the original owner and contact the dmv their should be a proccess to notify the titled owner that you believe its abandoned. If they don't reply within a specified time you can retitle it.

Apply for a title bond. Basically an insurance policy against the risk of someone showing up with a valid title and claiming they own the car. Should cost $200 or less.

What year is it and where do you live? Anything over 15 years old out here (Maine) you don't need a title (I think it's 10 years in NH). If you found a friend in another state to register it, all you would need in your state is the old registration and a bill of sale.