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Abandoned Property
If an auto has been stored on private property for a number of years, is it possible to sell the auto without a title? The o...

If an auto has been stored on private property for a number of years, is it possible to sell the auto without a title? The o...

Q: Can I sell a car that has been left on my property?

Yes, you can sell a car that has been left on your property, but you must follow legal procedures. In California, you should report the vehicle as abandoned to local authorities. If the owner cannot be located or does not reclaim the vehicle, you may then be able to apply for a title through the DMV and sell the car legally.

Full question:

If an auto has been stored on private property for a number of years, is it possible to sell the auto without a title? The owner of the auto has not interest in it.

Category: Abandoned Property
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Texas

Answer:

See http://www.dot.state.tx.us/forms/vehicle_titles/vtr_265_s.doc

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What is the CA law on abandoned vehicles?

In California, a vehicle is considered abandoned if it has been left on public property for 72 hours or on private property without permission for more than 18 hours. If you find an abandoned vehicle on your property, you should report it to local authorities. After proper notification and if the owner cannot be located, you may be able to obtain a title through a process that includes filing a request with the DMV. Always check local regulations for specific procedures.

Can I sell a car that has been abandoned on my property?

Yes, you can sell a car that has been abandoned on your property, but you must follow specific legal procedures. In California, you need to report the abandoned vehicle to local authorities and wait for them to confirm ownership. If the owner cannot be found, you may then apply for a title through the DMV. Ensure you comply with all local laws to avoid potential legal issues.

How long can a vehicle sit on your property before it becomes yours?

In California, a vehicle can be considered abandoned if it has been on your property without permission for more than 18 hours. However, simply having a vehicle on your property for a long time does not automatically grant you ownership. You must follow the legal process for abandoned vehicles, which includes notifying authorities and possibly obtaining a title through the DMV.

How long can a car be stored without being used?

In California, there is no specific law that limits how long a car can be stored without being used. However, if a vehicle is left unattended on public property for 72 hours or on private property without consent for more than 18 hours, it may be considered abandoned. It's important to check local ordinances for any specific regulations regarding stored vehicles.

Can I sell a car that has been left on my property?

Will car ownership be a thing of the past?

While it's difficult to predict the future, trends suggest that car ownership may change due to the rise of ride-sharing services, public transportation, and autonomous vehicles. However, for many people, owning a car remains a necessity. Legal frameworks around vehicle ownership will likely evolve with these changes, but the concept of ownership is not expected to disappear entirely.