If you have been told that you have insufficient documentation or evidence to obtain a title for a vehicle in your name, a “Court Ordered Title” may be an option you have available to remedy your title problem.
While the titling division (DMV, Secretary of State, Department of Transportation, etc) may not be able to issue you a title with the limited documents that you have, the court may be able to override the title office and force a title transfer to your name.
This is a good backup method to consider if other methods have not worked out -Bill of sale, bonded title, prior owner contact, etc.
Most courts charge a small fee for filing typically under $100.
The court has the authority to direct the title office to give you a title no matter what
You can do the process yourself, you do not need to pay anyone for a title
This works in all 50 states, without restriction
Take the title decision out of the hands of the DMV/title office
The court has the power to wipe out liens on a title, at their discretion
The process normally has 5 steps you must follow
Depending on the court schedule, and how fast you do the steps in can take several months
There are 3611 counties in the US, and each one does it different, so there is no one set process
You will need between 4 and 6 forms completed
The final decision of you getting a title is up to the court. (Although they normally say yes unless there is some issue with the vehicle; stolen, suspicious paperwork, objections, etc.)
If you would like assistance, we can prepare a court ordered title document package for you. The package contains the basic forms you need for the process, already filled out. Keep in mind that we are not a law firm, and can not provide legal advice. In addition, while we provide an example of the court petition you might need, it is for use as a template only, not legal preparation, and it is likely that your county might advise you to re-word it slightly. Court ordered title package description.
1. File a notice with the court to commence the court-ordered title process.
2. Request the title records from the motor vehicle department.
3. Mail certified letters to the prior owner and security interest on file.
4. Sign an affidavit of ownership.
5. Schedule a hearing date.
6. Present your documents to the court clerk.
7. If approved, receive the summary judgment.
8. Bring the summary judgment and state application to the DMV to get a new title in your name.
We respond within 48 hours We answer all email and requests as they come in. If this assistance would be of use, you can order this by fill up the form.
This is an example of how most counties work the process. You can see links below of a few specific examples.
Schedule a consultation with a court-ordered title expert.
