Used Cars: Used car without a title, title clerks, dmv office

Question
Hello,

I am asking this question on behalf of a friend.

My friend was sold a vehicle from her former boss for a total amount of $1.00. He had recently come into some money and wanted to do her a favor. The vehicle's registration is about to expire and my friend needs to register the vehicle in her name.

The vehicle is currently registered in California. However, it will need to be registered in Colorado, where my friend lives. The former owner claims to have ordered a new title, but has not yet received it. It is reaching the point where my friend cannot drive it without risk of being pulled over. I do not believe the former owner is attempting to get away with anything, but is simply being lazy. My friend is in possession of the vehicle.

Is there a way for my friend, without the assistance of the former owner, to obtain a new title in her name so she may register the vehicle in Colorado? It may be possible to get a signed bill of sale from the former owner. Would this be enough?

I have attempted to find an answer to this issue online, but have not had any luck. Any information you may be able to provide would be immensely appreciated.

Thank you!
- Nathan

Answer
Sorry to take so long to respond. I sent your question over to one of my title clerks for her input and this is what she said:

"I hate California... lost title applications for cars titled in the state of California are THE WORST! Roger the last one we did took over 5 months for them to process and get us a title and we currently have one that is approaching 6 months. I talked to them about our deal last week and was able to speak with someone only after staying on hold for almost 4 hrs. The questioner needs to immediately submit paperwork to California (they don't even offer an expedite service to dealers!) and at the same time get a bill of sale from the seller and ask her local DMV office for any suggestions they might have (not sure about Colorado's rules because we don't deal with alot of Colorado titles)

Between you and I you know what I would do...I would go to DMV and get a 30 day trip permit then immediately file a mechanics lien against the car ...wait the 30 days then go get my new Colorado title ...a trick I learned from you... anything to avoid having to deal with California DMV, no wonder they are broke!"

So there you go I hope that helps

Roger

Please ask me as many follow ups as you need to fully understand the answer... I am here with you on this until you can give me those perfect 10's on the survey you get after the fact!