Can someone walk me through buying a car from an individual?

The current owner needs to have both the registration and title for the car. They will need to have their signature notarized on both.

The buyer will need to have an insurance card in their name for the specific vehicle they want to register.

You then take these documents to the DMV and get the registration switched to your name. You will also need some cash. Don't count on them taking checks or credit cards.

If the sellor is smart thhe will accompany you to the DMV to make sure that you get the registration switched. Until the new owner has changed the registration the old owner is legally liable for the vehicle. They also may not be able to cancel their insurance on the vehicle.

If you are lucky you might get the change done in an hour. If it is busy the system isn't working then more like a half day. Also if they are really busy or really lazy they may tell you that you need to come back another day.

Jim

Thank you Jim, that's super helpful.

They also are now requiring a copy of both the seller 's and the buyer's drivers license! So I hear.
You could hire one of the local facilitators that would help alleviate most of your problems, because you also need to go to the Lt Gov,'s office in Sugar Estate to make sure there are no liens on the car as well.

RL

Check with the East End Secreterial service in Red Hook for a resource that can do all of the processing of the transfer tags and stickers for you for a fee - it is worth it - mine got done, as are most, in one day and you don't have to do anything except meet with this person, give him the current registration, proof of insurance and agree to his fee - he then takes care of things as quickly as he can - mine told me when he would meet me and it was the next day. Rarely when someone tells you he or she will meet you at 9:30am do they arrive on time - this gentlemen did - both meetings! It is a legal and legitimate way that 'things work'.

Also, I believe you need to check if the seller has any outstanding traffic tickets as they transfer with the vehicle not the driver - please someone correct me if I am wrong, but the last I knew this was still the case.

Pia

Also Amalie car rental is right next door to the DMV and they are a notary and provide services to register vehicles, however, they are closed until the end of August.

You can check for the tickets at the MVB itself as well as the courts. Best to hire someone like Island Paul says again as I said too. Try KJ Courier Services 340 771 2469

RL