I just bought a car and i want to transfer it in my name... i have the deed of sale but the certificate of registration is still encumbered... what is my first step?

If the title is encumbered that means that there is money owed on the car. a car loan.the previous owner should have paid the loan off before you bought the car. I would go back to the person that sold you the car and ask them if the loan was paid off and ask for documentation to hat effect. than go to the loan agent to have the encumbrance removed. If by some chance that the loan was not paid off I would ask for my money back. lk66vette@aol.com