Can You Really Get the Title of an Abandoned Vehicle?

The Expert Podcast

Episode Description / Show Notes:

• Discover one of the most common misconceptions in vehicle title recovery: the "abandoned vehicle" route.
• Many people believe that if a vehicle is abandoned, they can easily claim ownership and get a title.
• The truth: declaring a vehicle abandoned often does not mean you get to keep it.
• A vehicle bought without a title or left on your property isn't legally "abandoned" in most cases.
• Real-world examples: a customer drops off a vehicle, or you buy a car but never get the title—these aren’t abandoned.
• Clarification on storage liens vs. abandoned vehicles.
• Breakdown of Georgia’s abandoned vehicle procedure as a reference (similar across most states).
• Federal and state laws require:
  • Protecting rights of prior owners, lien holders, and security interest holders.
  • Strict procedures before you can apply for a title.
• Common mistakes:
  • Thinking "finders keepers" applies.
  • Trying to charge storage fees without a signed contract.
• Important process steps:
  • Notifying the prior owner and lien holders.
  • Filing the correct forms like “Notice of an Abandoned Vehicle.”
  • Court order required to apply for a title—no shortcuts.
• Risks of using the wrong process:
  • Potential title denial.
  • Legal penalties if false statements are made under oath.
  • Prior owners can contest the process and reverse the transfer.
• Summary: Declaring a vehicle abandoned is often a way to dispose of a vehicle, not to gain ownership.
• Better option: Use the proper court order or lien process instead of relying on the "abandoned vehicle" route.
• For personalized help, consider booking a one-on-one consultation via ActualHum.com.