No paperwork for my van from dealer, more than 1/2 a year since bought

[fueledbymusic]

What is the name of your state? California

I had bought my van from a local dealer. I paid him cash to buy the van. He gives me some DMV type paperwork, including the one that goes on the windsheild for temporary registration.

Until NOW (8 months later) I STILL have NOT received any title or registration for the van!!!

I contacted seller 2 times. On one of those times, he told me : "The address was wrong, thats why it was delayed, you'll get the paperwork in a few days"

1 month later, STILL NOTHING! I then go to DMV and ask them what I can do. They reply "You can file a complaint at DMV investigations" So I fill one out, then submitted. I have not heard anything yet.

When I went to DMV, I asked them is the even in my name?? They looked on their database computer. They told me, "well the van is NOT in my name, but it has the dealership name on it though. Also they told me, "The registration was expired on 9-2006. So in that case, the 2007 "stickers" has to paid (with late fees), also the 2008 "stickers" has to be paid too (with late fee too)

So 1 of BIG questions? Is this van OK to use legally, or what happens if police stops me and finds out that the temporary registration is long expired.

question #2 : Does anyone know, What's the WROST that can happen to me??

other part of ques #2 : What's the wrost that can happen to me as far as getting the van completely registered and all paperwork taken care of?

 

[patstew]

So 1 of BIG questions? Is this van OK to use legally, or what happens if police stops me and finds out that the temporary registration is long expired.

Of course it's not okay, and you know it. You know it because the DMV told you the registration's expired. I'm assuming you haven't paid up, or you wouldn't be asking.

In my community, the officer would give you a court summons and have your car towed.

question #2 : Does anyone know, What's the WROST that can happen to me??

You're just asking for trouble if you continue to drive it unregistered. Pay up, and take the dealer to small claims court to recover the cost.

 

[Zigner]

Just to be clear...
Your lawsuit will be for the 2007 registration and late fees for 2007. The 2008 registration (and late fees) are your problem. You KNEW the registration was due for 2008, yet you sat idly by and let the late fees accrue.

 

[fueledbymusic]

Seller of car has not giving the paperwork yet

Now I wonder. Doesn't the dealer who sold me the vehicle have any part of the consequence for NOT having given me the paperwork yet? Would they get in trouble also for not taking care of the paperwork AS THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO??

What can I do about this if all the paperwork is in the Sellers hands?????