Purchasing a car from a private party

You can go into BMV with owner to do a lein check on vehicle registration.
You have to have registration notarized before you can change over into your name at BMV.

It's been so long since I've done this, I can't recall if there's anything else you need to do.

You'll need to have it insured and bring an insurance card for their files. You definetly need to go with the seller. In STX there's usually a notary parked in a red Ford Explorer near the entrance to the parking lot. She has a sign on her car.

Yes. I am on St Croix thanks.
Is the lien check for tickets as well?

Yes, right at bmv.
Window 1.
You can call BMV and ask what the process is to be sure you've got everything covered.

You can go into BMV with owner to do a lein check on vehicle registration.
You have to have registration notarized before you can change over into your name at BMV.

It's been so long since I've done this, I can't recall if there's anything else you need to do.

Both parties sign title and have it notarized. The registration is not signed, even though they continue to print the back like they used to in the days before titles (us older folks remember when we didn't use titles in the VI)

Both parties sign title and have it notarized. The registration is not signed, even though they continue to print the back like they used to in the days before titles (us older folks remember when we didn't use titles in the VI)

I sold my car just a few months ago and there was no title signing - just signing and notarization of the registration.

Both parties sign title and have it notarized. The registration is not signed, even though they continue to print the back like they used to in the days before titles (us older folks remember when we didn't use titles in the VI)

I sold my car just a few months ago and there was no title signing - just signing and notarization of the registration.

Interesting. On STX I just sold 2 and signed and notarized the title only.

That IS odd. I've sold many cars here over the years and never signed the title, only the registration. Maybe things have changed in just the last couple of months?

I can only guess that if you want the title, you can request and pay for it when you change over the registration at bmv. Best to call.

So much contradictory information.
Went to BMV today to renew a registration and while there asked about this.
Information window said:

Title signed by both parties and notarized.
Bring that and old registration in.
If you wish to check for tickets you need to bring the registration to the government building.

Now at the registration window is a small sign about transferring a vehicle to a new owner.

Signed and notarized title
Signed and notarized registration
BOTH parties come to DMV with ID.
No mention of checking for tickets(which is not necessary technically for transfer).

Wheeee

When one renews a registration, they always check for unpaid traffic tickets at window 1. If there's any outstanding, you must pay before being able to continue. At least, that's been my experience at BMV, here in STT.

To obtain a lien check, go to Lt. Governor's office

Yes but we'd be transferring not renewing.
They said they would to the lien check at BMV and ticket check at "the government building".
Though they also said the title would show any liens. which seems odd.

Let us know how it all works out.

It would be really nice if the BMV would reinvent a website to provide all the updated information. The site "usvibmv" is up for sale!

It can be very confusing.

To check for tickets on a car you call or go to the superior court traffic division. Make sure the plates on the car match the registration. You can check for tickets at bmv however all they will tell you is if the car has any tickets and the ticket number. You will have to go to superior court traffic division to get the amounts and pay them. Ive seen cars with over 2000 in tickets.

If the vehicle had a bank loan and its still listed on the registration you are supposed to have a lien release letter from the bank even though you have the title signed in front by the lienholder showing that its paid off.

You do not need to do anything with the registration. They still print the back for you to sign but it is no longer necessary.

Title is mandatory for transferring ownership. Only the seller signs the title and it must be notarized. You also need a copy of the sellers license to turn in to bmv.

It can be very confusing.

To check for tickets on a car you call or go to the superior court traffic division. Make sure the plates on the car match the registration. You can check for tickets at bmv however all they will tell you is if the car has any tickets and the ticket number. You will have to go to superior court traffic division to get the amounts and pay them. Ive seen cars with over 2000 in tickets.

If the vehicle had a bank loan and its still listed on the registration you are supposed to have a lien release letter from the bank even though you have the title signed in front by the lienholder showing that its paid off.

You do not need to do anything with the registration. They still print the back for you to sign but it is no longer necessary.

Title is mandatory for transferring ownership. Only the seller signs the title and it must be notarized. You also need a copy of the sellers license to turn in to bmv.

(tu)

In over 40 years here I have never had a 'Title' for any car -- how does one go about getting one , does it need to be renewed like registration and are there businesses/services that can do a whole car transfer title instead? Thanks!

When I purchased my truck in 2000, I paid for a tittle at BMV here in STT which I never received. In those days, they'd send everything to STX who would send it back, eventually....or never.

When I was registering vehicle last year, I saw Mr. Olive while I was there and explained that I never received my title and asked how should I go about getting it?
Well, he just had them type one up for me, handed it to me, no charge.
I was quite simply astonished as this was accomplished within 5 minutes.
I thanked him and that was that.

If they had a functioning website you could look it up but just call and ask what you need to do. People working at BMV, at least here in STT have been very nice, easy to deal with and helpful.

If they had a functioning website you could look it up but just call and ask what you need to do.

Since you have a relationship with Mr Olive, could you maybe find out from him why they have no website/when they plan on getting one up? I'm no master website builder but it seems like a pretty uncomplicated site to put together and it would be a huge help. The last one kept crashing but surely now they're all hooked into the wonderful new network (!) they could get one up and running?

I don't have any relationship with Mr. Olive.
The first time I ever spoke to him was the day he helped with my title.
I do appreciate the positive changes that have been made at BMV that has turned the experience into something easy and user friendly as opposed to the dreaded ordeal it used to be.
If you're interested in information about the website or lack thereof, you call and speak to him, yourself. He's approachable, at least. Get it straight from the horses mouth.

My apologies. I misunderstood and thought after reading several of your posts commending him and appreciating his help that you actually knew him. The whole subject doesn't affect me personally any more but I'll certainly drop him a line in the next few days and see if any moves are afoot to get a site back up and running as it would obviously be a tremendous help to the community.

No problem.

In over 40 years here I have never had a 'Title' for any car -- how does one go about getting one , does it need to be renewed like registration and are there businesses/services that can do a whole car transfer title instead? Thanks!

You have to tell them you want the title. Otherwise they keep it on file.

thank you