Topic: Easily get a title for your SOHC4. (In any state)

[Chad]

This may been posted somewhere already, but I couldn't find it.

I have been trying to find out how to get a title for a CB500T. Another member (78whiteorbs) posted a link to another forum for me to check out. The link was a thread where a guy explained how anyone from any state can get a title legally in their name by going through VT's vehicle registration office.

Here's the link to the original thread: http://www.2strokeworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=10002.0

I also copied the text below just in case something were to happen to the original post:

Hope this is as helpful to you guys as it is to me.  Enjoy.   

Since people keep asking I thought I'd edit this to say, on the Vermont paperwork, just fill in your driver's license number. It does not have to be a VT license. I used my MD license. No issues.

So I'm thinking I should have titled this post "how to legally get a title in 5-7 weeks". If you've followed some of my posts you'll know that I've been having trouble getting a title for the RD350 I bought from Mark at last years Deals Gap meet. I sent in all of my money to ITS about 5 months ago and they just ripped me off. The only email they returned was the one where I told them I'd filed a Better Business Bureau complaint. After some research I found out via this post http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/22890-international-title-service-service-11.html that what they do is go through the VT DMV to get plates and registration. Turns out anyone can do the same thing. You DO NOT have to be a Vermont resident. Simply fill out VT DMV forms DMV-VD119 Registration App Instructions and DMV-VD119-Vehicle Reg Tax Title App and send them along with a bill of sale and a check to the VT DMV. Both forms can be found here http://dmv.vermont.gov/fees/tax_title You need to fill out the odometer disclosure form in the instruction book. In the Tax/Title Application form you need to fill out blocks 1A, 1B, 2, 3C, 4A, 5B, 6A, and 9. The bill of sale has to be notarized and contain enough info to identify the bike, like VIN, color, make, model, year etc. Fill out the paperwork and mail it all in to the VT DMV and 2 weeks later you should have permanent or temp registration (I'll explain in a minute) and VT plates valid for 1 year in your mailbox. That's step 1.

Step 2. Take the Vermont registration and the title/registration application form for your state down to your state DMV. When they ask why you don't have a title, and they asked me twice, just tell them that VT doesn't issue titles on vehicles older than 10 years. Let em look it up if they want, you'll be fine. After they admit you don't need a title they should process your forms and the VT registration and issue you a title in your state. That's step 2.

Step 3. Put your new title someplace safe, put your new plate on the bike, go riding. And don't forget to buy me a beer at the Gap

Backstory - I figured going through ITS would be easier than dealing with the MD MVA for not having a title. Plenty of people have used them in the past. Well they ripped me off and the internet is full of stories of them doing the same thing to other people. STAAB, the other good choice refuses to work on old vehicles anymore due to changes in Maine law. Broadway will still do it but only with totally stock motorcycles - no help to me, nothing I own is stock. I tracked down the VT process via some googling, ok a lot of googling, and decided to try it. I got the bills of sale notarized, filled out the forms with signatures in the appropriate boxes, and mailed the lot and a check off to VT. Exactly 13 days after I mailed them I got two plates in the mail (I registered two bikes). One had a copy of my form and one had a 60 day temp registration. The permanent registration for one showed up in the mail a few days later. I still don't know why the one had a temporary registration and the other had a permanent one. I was a little worried about that. I took the VT registrations and the correct MD forms down to the MVA. After they asked me a few times why I didn't have a title (explained above) and being a little confused they were already in my name they processed my paperwork through their computer system. I walked out with two sets of plates/registration/registration stickers. MD mails all titles from a central facility so I should see them in 3-4 weeks - but I'm already legal and in the systems so this is just a USPS delay. That's it. Lot's of paperwork but pretty simple once you know how to do it. Here's the kicker, it cost me less than ITS charged me for one bike to register two bikes through VT.

Good luck, YMMV.

[K3Owner]

Now, that's something - great find.

It took me 11 months to title my 550 in NJ after placing ads and traveling to the superior court at least three times. Following their instructions and they were sketchy since the clerks had to blow dust off the procedure. State Police also involved in the process. Fun stuff. I prized that title. Then there's the bureaucracy. One state police barracks ran the NICS report and showed me the result "No serial found" so no handcuffs for me. I asked for it and he handed me several forms for another 90 days of delay. I went to barracks #2 and told the desk sergeant that the superior court judge said to run it and give me the result and had it in my hand in less than a minute. Good ole NJ.

Georgia doesn't require a title - only a bill of sale with specific information. No notary required. You don't get a replacement title, though. I registered an old 1980 KZ750 last month this way.

[MJL]

Another thread on the procedure...   http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=655441

[KennyRedman]

Another thread on the procedure...   http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=655441

I remember reading that before, and it seems like it's not really clear-cut, as it still differs from state to state.

[Rookster]

Many states are requiring a vin inspection/search with any out of state title.  If anyone frequents the Jockey Journal there is a very interesting thread from the owner of Classic Cycles inc. about vin inspections and out of state titles.

http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101879&highlight=title+chp

Scott

[immortal]

This maybe BS or heresay but just recently I was talking to a guy that owns a bodyshop and talking about old bikes he mentioned he just sold a CB450 for a few hundred bucks.

My response was did it have a title? He said no, it was all there but in parts boxes he had it for years. Incidentally he also teaches and owns an advanced Motorcycle  safety school. As for the untitled bike he went on to say but that's not a big deal as its easy to get a title...how so I said?

He said you simply file a lean on the bike and wait 30 days, it then becomes yours and the DMV issues you a new title in your name. He said it is super easy and the way I went is just a waste of time!. 
This is here in California and he seemed like a genuine, smart nice guy.

Seeing as I went through a nightmare registering my out of system bike here in California....If I were to consider buying a non titled bike this may be the way to go if it is in fact true.

Again I cant swear by this but I think it might be worth investigating ...if its true it sounds easy. The guy tells me his done it many, many times.   Maybe its because bikes and cars get abandoned in body shops?? I'm not sure and didn't ask but he didn't seem to be lying plus I wasn't buying anything from him??  He was just trying to help me out for future reference. He said a lot of people do not seem to be aware of that option.

Any thoughts on this anyone??

[toytuff]

Not that easy in Arizona. Get's into bonding the bike and lots of fees.

tt

[Magilla]

In Massachusetts there is one more step.  You need to bring the bike and a DMV form to a local police station.  The police station will inspect the bike and run the VIN to verify that it is not stolen.  Once they do that, an officer has to fill out the RMV form.  He must include his name and badge number.  After that you are OK to go to the registry.  If you don't do this, you will spend a few hours waiting in line before you get sent back home.

[Harsh]

I have posted this before, but it is very easy in VA to get a title.  I went through the abandoned vehicle route.  I got mine for a $25 VIN search fee and about 60 days.  The first 30 is to allow time for a legal owner to come forward and claim the vehicle, they must have the VIN.  The second 30 is for a lein holder to come forward, again they must have the VIN.  After that it is yours free and clear.

[Xnavylfr]

The VT thing is true, they send you a PLATE and registration( NO TITLE) VT does not require title on M/C. I personally called and talked to VT registration officials and it works for ALL states.  Here's a link for the forms

http://dmv.vermont.gov/registrations/drivers/new


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[pmurph1x]

My title-less bike is almost ready for the road. I'm thinking about trying this if I cant get it through the California DMV.

One question though - wont the DMV people be wondering why I have a current VT reg in my name when my licence shows I have obviously been living in California for years?

I dont have a great poker face and my forehead will probably start sweating profusely if they start to question me on that.

[Xnavylfr]

You will have to get the VIN checked in CA. and from what I've heard ,that is the hardest step to get accomplished for a CA title.


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[Harsh]

Chucks comment makes me wonder if it would be possible to use VA's abandoned vehicle route even if you live out of state.  I know when I did mine it asked where the vehicle was located, but I don't remember including my DL# or any other personal info that would indicate where I lived.  I will have to dig through my paperwork and see what I input.  The $25 fee I reference earlier was for a nationwide VIN search.  best part is that everything I did can be done online.  If this would work for people out of state you could get a VA title then simply change it out later for a title in your state.

[jamesb]

Our vehicle inspection here in Kansas at least in Topeka is just a simple vin check to make sure there is no liens or it is stolen. Here it is real easy to get a storage,or mechanics lien. You have to run ads in the newspaper and do a title search for the last known registered owner and send them a certified letter on the situation. Also vehicles 35yrs and older require no title then it's just registered as a antique.

[Rookster]

Many states are requiring vin inspections on any out of state title.  Here is where you run into trouble.  If anything comes back you basically have lost your bike and any money you have put into it.  It would be time to get a lawyer.  Not a big deal if you know for sure the vin has never been listed as stolen or salvaged.  Basically the new title does not mean the bike isn't stolen anymore.  Only a vin inspection by your local PD determines that.  I think they will only inspect the vin on complete motorcycles as well, so its no use to have them run a frame number because they probably won't do it.  That was the issue on the Jockey Journal thread I linked.  Bike with a title and restoration work done came back as stolen from the vin inspection.

Scott

[Xnavylfr]

The VT route REQUIRES a VIN verification in YOUR state by a STATE official and letter on OFFICIAL letterhead.  When VT receives the paperwork they then follow up with a NATIONAL VIN check before they send out registration/plate.
In most states you can have the VIN checked before the bike even runs because the OFFICIAL is verifying to the fact that you are in possession of said M/C VIN
#12345678910.


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[steakCB550K]

Great find and thanks for passing the information along.  I am curious to know if anyone has had any success with this in IL?  Or if they have gone through the bonded title process in il?

Thanks.

[bikebitzofvt]

As a Greeen Mountain Boy I can tell you the title of this thread isn't accurate.  VT does not title vehicles over 15 years old.  No title is required for any vehicle over 15 years old.  Cars, bikes, mopeds, trailers - anything.  Also, they don't title bikes smaller than 250 CC, regardless of age.  There are lots of MX bikes with street legal plates running around!  They will issue a registration and a plate but the vehicle needs to have a VIN verification done - the VIN must be visually inspected by the DMV official or Law Enforcement.  Another requirement is that a vehicle registered in the State of VT is supposed to  inspected in VT. 

Pay attentino to your state's tax laws.  I know several people in CT that were charged with tax evasion for registering their cars in VT.

Another option is a Mechanic's Lien.  It has to be done through a shop but might be a good solution.  I used it to title a few different abandoned vehicles over the years, of course it was when I was working as a Service Manager, though...

You could just send all your unwanted, lost title bikes to me.  I promise to give them a good home!

[purf_man]

So I can go have my frame checked here in TN, send in the forms, bill of sale (off VT website also) and VIN letter to VT and get a registration back with a plate?   Then go take into my DMV here and get it switched over to a TN title?  No need to take whole bike anywhere or to have to be in VT in  person?

[Xnavylfr]

According to what the Registration Agent told ME on the phone, that is correct. The vehicle DOES NOT have to be in VT as long as you have the VIN verification done by a STATE official and get the verification on OFFICIAL letterhead to send with BoS to VT.


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[Rookster]

I hope it is that easy. 

Some issues:

Chuck is in NC and has contacted the NC DMV whose rules may be completely different than purf_man who calls TN home. 

In CA the PD will not do an official vin check on just a frame, they require a complete motorcycle.

In CA when you show up with the VT title/reg since it is out of state, CA requires a new vin inspection (again only on a complete motorcycle).  Many states are going this way.  Remember a title no longer insures the bike is not stolen.  The vin has to be run on the national database by PD.

I don't get why you just don't ask what the procedure is in your own state and follow it.  You will have to get a vin inspection somewhere along the line.  It may take time but it seems easier than getting an out of state title only to start the process over again in your own state.  You can help yourself by running your own vin on the national database here: https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck

BTW many states treat salvage titles just like out of state titles or no titles; they require a vin inspection and or also a vehicle safety inspection.  Welcome to the future.

Thank God my bikes came with titles.

Scott

[Xnavylfr]

Yes I am in NC and NO I contacted the VT DMV and spoke to them personally.If I had a VT registration on a bike here ,in order for me to TITLE it in NC I will have the VIN checked then take that paperwork to the DMV then they issue a NC TITLE and issue a plate. NO safety inspections required for M/C over 35 years old.

The VT thing is true, they send you a PLATE and registration( NO TITLE) VT does not require title on M/C. I personally called and talked to VT registration officials and it works for ALL states.  Here's a link for the forms

http://dmv.vermont.gov/registrations/drivers/new


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[Rookster]

Chuck,

I'm not trying to pi$$ in your Cheerios.  I will be the first to admit I have never gone through the process of getting a replacement title.  I am skeptical of the VT thing, that's all.  I just wanted to bring up possible issues with the VT registration in a different state.  I hope it works for you.

Scott

[purf_man]

Scott,

Half the reason for going the round about way is that some states like IL and TN will not let you register without a title unless you can have the current owner sign some paperwork.  So if you have what amounts to an abandoned bike then you are SOL.

[Rigid]

Indiana process FYI: 

1.  go to clerks office at county court house and request packet for abandoned vehicle title
2.  pay $75.00 application fee
3.  take paperwork to local newspaper for classified ad to inform community of your intentions and allow them to contest
4.  run ad for 3 weeks $125.00
5.  get police inspection to run vin and determine if it is stolen
6.  take police inspection, application form, and copy of classified ad receipt to Superior Court Hearing at assigned time
7.  wait anxious moments after judge asks for anyone to contest
8.  take court order, and police inspection to BMV
9.  $35.00 for title showing you as original owner and whatever mileage you have assigned as actual
10. wait 3 more weeks for fresh title to arrive
11.  sell motorcycle for thousands more than it was worth without the title to overseas buyer. 

 I will ad that this is the ONLY way to get a lost title in Indiana without "owner of record" being involved.  For those that would argue this point, I say give your methods a shot, all you have to lose is time and money.