How to Get a Title to an Abandoned Car

Contributor

By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (6 Ratings)

Abandoned cars are everywhere. Whether it is on a street in front of your house or whether it is in your business parking lot, an abandoned vehicle is a nuisance and an eyesore. Fortunately, you may be able to get a title to an abandoned car and see some financial reward for your inconvenience.

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Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Learn about the abandoned car laws in your state. Because abandoned car laws vary significantly from state to state, you should understand what your rights are under the law before you begin this process. Your Department of Motor Vehicles or Secretary of State can provide you with this information.
Step 2

Contact your local law enforcement authorities to report the abandoned car. The law enforcement authority runs a check on the vehicle's VIN number to see who owns the vehicle.
Step 3

Communicate with the owner of the abandoned car. Generally speaking, you will need to convince the owner to sell the car to you in order to get a title.
Step 4

Consider a lien sale. If you cannot locate the owner of the abandoned car and the car is on your property, you might be able to put the car up for auction. A lien sale is a public auction and anyone may show up to buy the abandoned car. If no one bids on the abandoned car, however, the vehicle may become yours.
Step 5

Register the car in your name. This completes the process and will finally get you the title to the abandoned car.