Title Question--Buying from Widow Advice Please

M

mjr67

Junior Member
I might be able to purchase a basket case car from the widow of the deceased owner. I might be going to see the car later today. I have not seen the title yet but assume it is in the husbands name and is most likely NOT signed by owner as it would be when sold to someone like me. Or it might still be titled in the name of the person he got it from 50 plus years ago...

Any advice would be appreciated..

Can a spouse sign the signature of a deceased husband...??

I live in MI and the Secretary of State only requires the title be signed by the titled party when sold along with the selling price and date filled out on the title. No bill of sale required as long as the title is present.

Thanks
 
I bought a newer car from the estate of a person in Mass. some years ago. All I needed was a notorized copy of the legal papers showing the person who was selling the car was also executor for the estate and had the authority to dispose of it as needed. That along with the signed title and I was able to get a new title for the car in my name. MI might be a little bit different but most states have a method of dealing with vehicles after the death of the owner. Just need to get the specifics of how your state requires it to be done.
 
or it can just be "signed" and transferred over to you.

when you bring executor papers in with you to dmv in many states, worms come crawling out all over......................................!
 
Kevin's got you covered. As usual in the posts, the only pertinent information is what applies in your state. However, wherever, don't put a dime into any work on it UNTIL you hold the title clear in your name.
 
MI is perhaps the easiest state in the nation to title- you dont even need a title, just a good set of numbers..............
 
Acquiring Vintage Vehicle Titles can at times appear to be similar to obtaining Building Permits ........ lots depends on the person:

When I bought my 1930 Town Sedan in a different State, i.e., located in a different State, with no title, and only a registration certificate from another different State, I went to my local DMV, met with one (1) lady, showed her "copies" of all paper work and explained "everything".

No problem she said, and ........... there were no problems.

You may want to try going to your local DMV, meet with one (1) "nice" person, (get this person's name), explain everything and ask what is needed.

On countless experiences dealing with Government Officials for over 56 years, the individual you get is the most important key factor ...... not always what is written ........ put on your smiling face before you go ..... it always helps!

Or choose not going and later regret it.
 
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Just have the wife sign his name. Only you and she will know.
Had my Mother sign title when in convalescence home, sold car 4 mo later.
Paul in CT FWIW
 
ronn said:
MI is perhaps the easiest state in the nation to title- you dont even need a title, just a good set of numbers..............
Click to expand...

Heck, in Detroit you only need a hammer and screwdriver, and it's your's.:D

I agree with Paul, just have the wife sign it.:)
 
Why resort to dishonesty and chance being charged with fraud and having the car confiscated. Do it legal and have no worries! Wayne
 
The Vintage Car Forums have many "Success" Title stories .......... and also are loaded "Horror" Title stories.

From the Reply No. 2 Enclosure, looks like Michigan's Secretary of State is earnestly trying to avoid a few past title problems by adding:

"Note: Your situation may differ from the examples provided. Please check with our Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) to make sure you have all the correct paperwork before going to a branch office."


No matter whatever you find, reporting back will be very helpful for the next Michigan Model A Purchaser.
 
Here in California, I use a DMV Service when dealing with an old car with marginal paperwork. If it is an old car, they can get very creative and know how to deal with the system.

My experience.

Chris W.
 
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