The Expert Podcast

So, if all else fails and you're struggling to get a title for a vehicle, every state has a method you could use that's called a court order title. Some states call it declaratory judgment, some states call it magistrate title. So, what happens is if the titling agency in your state—normally it's called the Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Transportation—if they're not able to give you a title because you don't have the right paperwork, their laws and their rules don't allow them to deviate from that, right?

The person who works at the counter can't make an exception for you just because, you know, you seem like you're a good person. They have to go by what the rules are. However, the court in your county—they can override that, and they have a procedure for this. This is an example of how that works. This is an affidavit and title application. Now, it's normally not a pre-done form like this. It's just one example. But you fill out four or five documents.

In the meantime, remember you have access to live one-on-one consultation, undivided attention of a licensed certified expert in this subject and many others. We want to listen to your story. We want to hear your questions and give you expert advisement of your options. We want to tell you what we know about your situation and what options you have.

Now, back to your video. An affidavit, a complaint for declaratory judgment—you have to fill in all these blanks. You have to fill in an affidavit of diligent search and inquiry. You have to go through all these steps. You'll also have to get a judgment granting vehicle ownership. So, you have to go through this process along with some affidavit, declarations of interest, and some other documents.

The good news is the court has more authority than the DMV. The court can override the DMV. So, if you're struggling with getting the DMV to not give you the runaround and not give you a title, look—you want one of these, right? You want to get a title certificate in your name. And if the DMV can't do it, you can bypass them, go over their head, file documents with the court, and you'll be in good shape.

Now, keep in mind that the court normally doesn't have forms where you fill in the blank like this. You have to type it up yourself. However, at least you know you have a resource and a backup option to get a title if the DMV will not cooperate with you in giving you a legal title certificate for your vehicle.

If you like this video, be sure to click on a few others on our channel to see if there's other information that might be helpful to you about this same subject or maybe even other related subjects that could assist you with your resolution of your issue.