Old Geek
Pattern Altitude
In California there is a release of liability for attached to the title that the SELLER is to fill out, tear off and send into the DMV. That is you only get out of jail free card. Without that, there is no proof that you sold the car if the new buyer does not register it. I would bet all states have this, although may not be physical attached to the title.
I got hosed with that once selling an boat. New buyer took it outta state and didn't register that. Still showed up under my name.
Have bought and soled a ton of things and after that I would fill out the form and make a copy to keep. Now you can do the release of liability on line.
This. The wife and I will not buy or sell a vehicle without going to the DMV with the other party and witnessing the forms being filed.