Obtaining a title for a '74 Ts185

[Locoto]

A couple years back I bought my Ts185 from a guy on craigslist. It wasn't in working condition, he said he had the title...somewhere, and that he would be giving me a call as soon as he found it (This was before I understood that you should never buy a car/motorcycle without a bill of sale and or a title). Needless to say he never got back to me, I have since lost contact with him. I am well on my way as far as the restoration goes (After replacing just about everything) and I'm starting to think about the day when I'll need to register it. So my question here is this, do I apply for a lost title and hope for the best? or do I ask my lawyer to track him down somehow(I'm guessing through the vin), and ask him to apply for one? The DMV and the police say it isn't listed as stolen, and the DMV says that they can't give me so much as a name with which to find him.

[rngdng]

You can register it in the state of Vermont, and then transfer the title.



Lane

[Locoto]

Is that something I can do online..?

[TRC]

Do you have the bill of sale but no title or neither? If you have the bill of sale you should be able to present that to the DMV and apply for a lost title.

[rngdng]

I used these guys. Total cost was about 200.00 the first time, and this year they sent me a renewal. I never transferred it to South Carolina. I will someday....


http://www.motorecyclenow.com/title-service.html


Lane

[sbaugz]

Do it yourself thru Vermont. I do it all the time.

Here is the link for the registration form:
http://dmv.vermont.gov/sites/dmv/files/ ... le_App.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

here is the link for the instructions:
http://dmv.vermont.gov/sites/dmv/files/ ... ctions.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

here is the link for the VIN verification form:
http://dmv.vermont.gov/sites/dmv/files/ ... cation.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here are the steps:

1) have a local police officer fill out VIN form. Also, have them give you a letter on official letterhead stating that Officer “Blank” filled out this verification form and that Officer “Blank” works at “Blank” police department. This is important. They will return application unless there is this letter on official letterhead. Refer to the instructions on the VIN form for details.

2) Get a bill of sale for the bike

3) fill out application for a “new registration”

4) send in to Vermont with appropriate fees: see here for details
http://dmv.vermont.gov/fees/registration" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Within a few weeks you will have a Vermont license plate and transferable registration. In Wisconsin, I was able to transfer my Vermont registration and get a Wisconsin title. If you want, you could just keep it registered in Vermont and drive like that.

[Locoto]

I never got a title, or a bill of sale. Honestly, at the time I didn't understand that I needed one. I also have no way to fine the previous owner. I have the VIN and a witness to the sale, thats it...

[Locoto]

Also would the officer have to conduct an inspection first? or do I just provide them with the VIN?

[ConnerVT]

Police just verify VIN of the motorcycle.

And a Bill Of Sale is not that hard to find (just sayin...)

[desmocat]

Locoto,

What state do you live in? Here in Michigan I learned I can claim ownership by self certifying, as long as vehicle value is less that $2500. You might want to check your local state laws for titling.

[jabcb]

What do you do for insurance if the bike is registered in Vermont & you live in a different state?

[sbaugz]

What do you do for insurance if the bike is registered in Vermont & you live in a different state?

Call your insurance company and add the bike. They don't care where it's registered.

[karl pa]

Here are the steps:

1) have a local police officer fill out VIN form. Also, have them give you a letter on official letterhead stating that Officer “Blank” filled out this verification form and that Officer “Blank” works at “Blank” police department. This is important. They will return application unless there is this letter on official letterhead. Refer to the instructions on the VIN form for details.


I thought I would try this route for my 550 without a title .When I talked to the local police chief,he informed me he is not interested in signing any vermont forms, let alone give a letter with his name. I guess this option is out for me.

[jabcb]

The VIN verification per sbaugz’s link: http://dmv.vermont.gov/sites/dmv/files/ ... cation.pdf
“VIN Verifications Out-of-State
VIN verifications done out-of-state are to be completed by motor vehicle officials or state level law enforcement officials, or by those personnel authorized by that other state to perform VIN verifications, subject to approval by the Vermont Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Military personnel may have the VIN verification completed by the Commanding Officer or Provost Marshal of the military base. VIN verifications performed out-of-state must be accompanied by a letter of identification of agent on official letterhead.”

It doesn’t have to be done by a police officer, but can be done by “personnel authorized by that other state to perform VIN verifications”.
Who can do the VIN verification depends on your state laws.
It may include a notary or a shop that is licensed to do vehicle inspections.

[Powderfinger]

I think from what it says on the form the VIN verification only applies to 500cc or larger. Less than 500 can skip that step.