How not to sell a bike?

[crazy steve]

Washington state is pretty good too. If the bike's VIN doesn't show up on the hot list, they will issue you a temporary title and if no one contests it, in 3 years it's all yours... I've been tempted to get a PO box over the river for just such cases...

They quit doing that Tony... must have had problems, as they're now one the tighter states on paperwork. No paper, no title...

[cywelchjr]

Ca can/will do a lien title. You have to get a bond for something like twice the value of the bike or car (by the book) which can be gotten through a binding co, and then after I believe 3 years they will issue a title. That said, it's far far far easier if you come in with a title, as for the other path you need all kinds of inspections and lots of paperwork with you explaining how you ended up with the vehicle. It would probably be easier to go through one of those title co's to get your clean title and go from there.

[jetmechmarty]

I live in Georgia. I find them reasonable on this issue. Anything older than 1985 doesn't require a title. (I'm not sure why they're stuck on 1985) I have several derelict bikes in my garage. All I have to do is have the local deputy inspect and research the VIN. If they don't come back as stolen, I take the paper the deputy filled out and buy a tag. No title is needed. I really don't even need a bill of sale.

[TexinMaine]

Maine is pretty lenient. Anything over 15 years does not require a title. It used to be 10 but changed it to 15 a couple years ago. Over 15 all you need is a bill of sale and proof of insurance.

[Jamie]

I have had quite a bit of experience with this issue. There's a company call "ITS" title company. On the bikes that I've restored with no title, you pay them a fee and what they do is get it titled in say Maine, then they turn around and send you the plates and title from Maine and you transfer in your state. Supposedly, some states are cracking down on "ITS" now and won't accept it, I've never run into a problem.

At my DMV, they just inspect the VIN on the bike or the engine??? They are really lenient in Norman at the tag agency I deal with, makes it kind of nice.

[tcoop]

Here in Utah for old bikes, You get a title inspection done (by the police or a licenced machanic) and fill out a lost title form and if the search does not show as stolen you get a title in the mail in a week. I still have to do this with one of my xs11's.