Author Topic: Registering without a title; NY State (Read 3685 times)

csendker · « **on:** January 30, 2006, 09:57:56 AM »

I'm about to pick up another bike. This was advertised as having no title. Assuming it's not hot, what's the minimum I should get from the PO to satisfy the folks at the NYS DMV? Bill of sale with the vital stats? Anything else? Anyone done this in NY before or should I be looking at a title service?

Thanks.

csendker · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2006, 11:32:15 AM »

Yeesh. As usual, NYS DMV is clear as mud. It's a 1969, so that's before the time of titles; back in the prehistoric "Transferrable Registration" days, which of course, isn't available for this one. I've downloaded almost every form the DMV has that seems even remotely applicable. PO is going to get carpal tunnel signing everything. This is going down tomorrow 1/31) morning, any suggestions welcome.

csendker · « **Reply #2 on:** February 02, 2006, 09:24:25 AM »

I just came back from the DMV. If you live in New York State, and see the words "No Title or Registration", be afraid; very afraid.

GroovieGhoulie · « **Reply #3 on:** February 02, 2006, 09:26:24 AM »

Well?? Is there more to the story? Details man!!!

Even though I'm not in NY, I would love to hear it because I sometimes find bikes without titles and would like to hear the problems with the DMV to potentially prepare myself.

Gordon · « **Reply #4 on:** February 02, 2006, 09:46:22 AM »

I've never dealt with a bike with no title, basically because of the hassle involved. I think the only time I would ever consider it is if it were just a parts bike, or an exceptionally great deal on a bike that would otherwise be worth serious money. Anytime I see a listing for a bike with no title, I pretty much immediately forget about it. Too many other good deals available for much less hassle.

dusterdude · « **Reply #5 on:** February 02, 2006, 09:53:26 AM »

it aint that bad gordon,just spend another 150 dollars or so and you`re done.

Gordon · « **Reply #6 on:** February 02, 2006, 10:01:33 AM »

Quote from: dusterdude on February 02, 2006, 09:53:26 AM

it aint that bad gordon,just spend another 150 dollars or so and you`re done.

I think a lot of it depends on what state you're in. I've lived in three different states in the last three years, so never bothered to check into it. If it were a really great deal or a bike I absolutely had to have, I would probably go for it. Otherwise, I just wait for another one to come around cause they always do. I like things to be as simple as possible.

dusterdude · « **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2006, 10:05:59 AM »

i got a title to a roadrunner i bought a few years ago from whatever that title service is in alabama,no sweat at all.

csendker · « **Reply #8 on:** February 02, 2006, 10:14:30 AM »

I figured it would be a hassle, but not this painful. It's a twisted story.

First, NY DMV is operated on a county-by-county basis. My county; Erie, has been on the verge of bankrupcy since a month after the 2004 elections. Part of the fiscal 'fix' was to shut down all but one of the DMV branches. With over 1,000,000+ residents, you can imagine the disaster. The DMV employees HATE their jobs and take it out on the customers.

In a panic, the night before I get the bike, I download every form even remotely associated with transfer of ownership. I have the PO sign it all. I stopped by the DMV just to make sure I had everything I needed from the PO before it got too old. I got yelled at because I didn't have the pg. 2 instructions on one of the forms in my 1/4" thick sheave of signed documents.

Seems I need to do a tracing of the VIN, or take a Poloride picture (do they still make that?) or get the cops to swear, on cop letterhead that the VIN is accurate. Then, because it was before the time of 'Titles' on NY, I have to pursue a 'Transferable Registration'. And in order to register it, I need: a valid licence (no problem) and insurance. So, I have to insure this the whole time the DMV takes to unravel this mess.

And, because the PO never registered it (he's a junk reseller), I have a MAJOR problem. Potentially deal-killer. The guy the PO bought it from used it as a country beater for his kids. No knobbies, but you get the picture. Kids grow up, he sells to junk reseller who sells to me with the intent of fixing it up and driving it. Very fishy circumstances to the DMV. It appears that buying a $100 junker and fixing it up may be a threat to national security. I'm expecting a call from the Homeland Security forces anythime now.

I'm now thinking a Title Service may be the best route. Or maybe I should buy some knobbies and take it out to the property. Grrrrrr.

Vatch · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2006, 12:39:23 PM »

You know getting some cop or deputy sheriff to look at the bike, verify the VIN and such, might expedite the situation. If the bike is beat up (sounds like it) they may be less hard-ass about making you convince them it's not stolen and not worth more than the $100 you paid for it.

I'm not sure about the county specific DMV thing. I used to live in Syracuse and would drive a county over to a DMV that did not require me take 1/2 day off work to wait in line. No problems.

csendker · « **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2006, 01:42:31 PM »

Your right, I don't have to go to an Erie county DMV. Unfortunately, this same thought has occurred to much of the population. Last couple of times I went with something more than a question: Erie Co. 3-1/2 hours; Niagara Co. 2-1/2 hours, including the extra drive. Ugh.

I'm concerned that if I start the process with the DMV and it craps out, can I then go on to a Title Service or will I be 'flagged' as an untouchable? I'm thinking that maybe I should try the Title Service first. It may be faster and easier in the long run anyway. I would like to run the VIN just to make sure there's no problems before I try anything, but I'm not sure where to go. I don't want to do this through the DMV. Anyone know of a VIN checking resource, or is this an inherent part of the Title Service?

Vatch · « **Reply #11 on:** February 02, 2006, 02:07:33 PM »

The difficulty of registering the bike should be factored into the price, yes?

jsaab2748 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2006, 03:56:46 PM »

This is how I understand a title service to work. You sell the bike to them (the service), supplying a notarized bill of sale with the price and that price must be higher than the service's fee. You also provide your driver's license number and sign an affidavit that states you certify that the bike is not stolen. The title service then registers the bike, in thier name, thru a state that doesn't repuire titles for vehicles 1974 and older, such as Alabama. I'm guessing they run the VIN for problems, but don't know. When they receive payment from you, they send you the registration paperwork, in their name as the seller. You then take this to your DMV and, since you technically bought it from Alabama where an old bike wouldn't have a title, you then apply for a title LEAGALLY in your name. This is supposed to work, I'm getting ready to do it in Mo. soon. I talked to a guy here in Mo. who did it with no probs. Check www.international title service.com or
may ITS.com, can't remember, for the necessary printable forms necessary to do it. Hope you have good luck....jim

csendker · « **Reply #13 on:** February 02, 2006, 04:00:56 PM »

Vatch:

Quote

The difficulty of registering the bike should be factored into the price, yes?

I guess it depends on what I was planning on doing with it. I could use it as a dirt bike or parts or a boat anchor and the title hassle cost is $0. Or I could put it back on the road and the cost is a major pain.

jsaab2748

Quote

When they receive payment from you,

Is this their fee or the price stated on the notorized bill of sale I provide with a $$ higher than the cost of the service?

jsaab2748 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2006, 04:05:12 PM »

forgot to add, laws may be different in NY, so research thoroughly before proceeding.

csendker · « **Reply #15 on:** February 02, 2006, 04:11:46 PM »

I know a couple of guys here have used these guys (yup, I searched), any more detailed input? It seems the only money changing hands is me paying their fee ($75 for older motorcycles). I presume the 'cost' of the bike on the bill of sale ends up being a wash with no $$ actually changing hands?

Here's the website -->> http://www.its-titles.com/index.htm

wakerider · « **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2006, 08:07:19 AM »

I used to live in Erie County when I was growing up. The DMV office I always went to was the one in Cattaraugus County outside Arcade. There was never a line longer than 15 min. They also did not seem to give people a hard time. Most people I observed left with what they can in for. (I was in there about 2 years ago so I am just guessing not much has changed) Just an FYI

Gregg

DiscoEd · « **Reply #17 on:** February 09, 2006, 07:47:56 PM »

Quote from: csendker on February 02, 2006, 04:11:46 PM

I know a couple of guys here have used these guys (yup, I searched), any more detailed input? It seems the only money changing hands is me paying their fee ($75 for older motorcycles). I presume the 'cost' of the bike on the bill of sale ends up being a wash with no $$ actually changing hands?

Here's the website -->> http://www.its-titles.com/index.htm

csendker,
Any update on this? I just am wondering how you have made out. I've come accross a couple of bikes that I'd like to buy, but no titles. So I''m looking for ideas.

Regards,
DiscoEd

csendker · « **Reply #18 on:** February 09, 2006, 08:10:03 PM »

I gave the VIN to my brother-in law (NYS Trooper) to see if it's clean before I submit to the title service. He won't bust me or confiscate the bike if it comes up hot somewhere in it's past. I fear the potential reprocussions if anything wrong is discovered by either the title service or the DMV. And actually, he wants to get into riding himself, and is drooling over my bikes, the 175 would be perfect to learn on. But he's not too quick with his response, and I'm in no huge rush. I have a ton of work on it before it's rideable. I'll update as things progress.

Buffo · « **Reply #19 on:** February 12, 2006, 05:59:00 PM »

I have just sent out all of the info for a bike of mine to that same title service on Saturday...will report back when there is news

Buffo The Magnificent

DiscoEd · « **Reply #20 on:** February 12, 2006, 07:00:38 PM »

Quote from: Buffo the Magnificent on February 12, 2006, 05:59:00 PM

I have just sent out all of the info for a bike of mine to that same title service on Saturday...will report back when there is news

Buffo The Magnificent

Thank's Buffo, Please do let us know the details of how it goes.

Regards,
DiscoEd

Buffo · « **Reply #21 on:** May 23, 2006, 09:07:36 AM »

hey guys...I will post my "doings" later... but I recived my plates and registration about 3 weeks after i sent out the paper work...it is for real...

Buffo The Magnificent...now in NY!

dusterdude · « **Reply #22 on:** May 23, 2006, 01:05:14 PM »

from texas to new york,you`re in my prayers buffo.

BobbyR · « **Reply #23 on:** May 23, 2006, 01:16:02 PM »

In NY you usually only need a bill of sale prior to 1970s. You can register it historical. I am going to redo mine and I can use a 1978 plate and registraion sticker.

csendker · « **Reply #24 on:** May 23, 2006, 01:51:44 PM »

1970 CB175: I tried the 'Bill of Sale' approach, but I was damn near laughed out of the DMV. They actually told me that because I was trying to register it after having just bought it, it looked suspicious. It seems if I own an old unregistered bike forever before attempting to register they will think better of me. Huh? It makes no sense. Heaven forbid I buy a bike and actually try and use it. These guys are insane, I think the Erie County DMV offices are in a race with the USPS, just don't give them any guns. Such a hassle for a 36 year old $100 bike.

What's the historical registration all about? Never heard of it in NYS.

News:

Author Topic: Registering without a title; NY State (Read 3685 times)

Vatch

Vatch

jsaab2748

jsaab2748

wakerider

Buffo

Buffo