Title Problems

Alright, I purchased this bike back in November of 2011 and haven't had any luck getting it titled.

I bought the bike from a guy in PA, gave me a bill of sale (non-notorized) and a title (notorized) with both our names, and the purchase price ($700) of said bike.

NJ DMV didn't like the title because the VIN didn't have a complete number. PA won't help me because I'm not a PA resident.

I'm now stuck on how to go about getting this bike titled. It's been too long, and I haven't been able to get in contact with the original owner, so no luck there. I'm stuck with what I've got.

How can I go about getting this bike titled? Anyone been through a similar process and have some suggestions or tips on what to do?

 

Use "The Vermont Title Option"

You can get a TITLE and Registration from VERMONT with just a NOTARIZED "Comprehensive" Bill of Sale.

There's more than one way to skin a cat.

Get "A Comprehensive Bill of Sale" filled-out, signed and notarized.

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
::::>> Comprehensive Bill of Sale <<::::
Send the bill of sale and a check to the VT DMV. Both forms can be found here:

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 :::Comprehensive::: 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 and VT plates valid for 1 year in your mailbox.
(Or, ... maybe MY Mailbox) ::hint::

••That's step 1.

••Step 2. Take the Vermont registration and the title/registration application form for the bike to your DMV. When they ask why you don't have a title, just tell them that VT doesn't issue titles on vehicles over 20 years old.

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 area. That completes step 2.

••Step 3. Put new title someplace safe, put your new plate on the bike, go riding.

 

I don't unfortunately have a comprehensive bill of sale I can notarize. I have a title that is signed over and notarized, but it may not count as a comprehensive bill of sale.

 

I think you need to fill out the VT's BoS form and include the existing notarized bill of sale when mailing to VT's DMV. One way to find out for sure - is to call them.

BoS form: http://dmv.vermont.gov/sites/dmv/files/ ... r_Cert.pdf

DMV contact info: http://dmv.vermont.gov/contact
DMV Tel. phone: 802-828-2000 or 888 99-VERMONT (888-998-3766)

 

...unless his state disallows it. Remember that thread about the one in Ohio...

 

I went the VT route and did not need a notarized bill of sale. In my case, I bought the bike in Florida, so I took with me a Florida bill of sale which I downloaded form the FL DMV. I also downloaded an odometer/VIN verification form form the FL DMV. After picking up the bike I had a local Sheriff meet me at and he verified the VIN and odometer and signed the form I brought with me along with his information. One thing to keep in mind, VT will not issue a title for a bike older than 15 years old. Only are registration. I don't think they titled bikes back then. So as long as the bike is older than 15 years old it should be no problem. Here how it works. I used this form:
DMV-DB119
You don't have to be a resident and don't have to be in the state to apply. VT will accept your bill of sale and the the odometer/ VIN verification by a certified agency in your state (in FL, state or county law enforcement officer is authorized to do the check). You will be charged 6% of the sale price. But you will at minimum, be assessed on a $500.00 sale price even if you paid less for the bike. Then it will cost you an additional $44.00 for the registration and plates which is good for one year. You can use that for a year and transfer before they expire to NJ if you like. In my case I went and paid FL to get a FL title using the VT registration as proof of ownership. Good luck.

 

I had similar issues getting my bike titled/registered in PA....and remember making 3 trips to NJ DMV to get a car registered when I lived there. So 2 other suggestions if you don't want to run the VToption.

Try a different NJDMV office, but before you go be prepared;
to act like an attorney(state your case, argue, plead, beg, ask questions)
with your vast knowledge of the shorty vin/long vin issue, dates, etc
have a printed picture of your vin,
have an etching(paper and pencil trace) of your vin from the engine case,
and be prepared to talk to a supervisor about how to get it done, vin correction form, licensed mechanic, etc.

I remember using an etching to correct the vin issue...and the guy I bought it from was a licensed mechanic so he was able to sign/verify and correct the vin...and we went to the office together.

Another option could be to transfer the title to a PA forum member, get vin corrected, transfer back to you.

It'll be a hassle any way you skin this cat, just a bunch of hoops and $. Good Luck.

 

If you actually have a PA title, and that's the number that the title has on it.....AND it's been notarized, then that should be what is permissible. That's what the STATE put on it. Granted, a DMV can be a hassle.

Personally, I'd try going to a different DMV. Walk in like usual, just don't say ANYTHING about previous DMV, or shorty numbers, or ANYTHING.

I've NEVER had a problem with numbers whether short or long. Funny, for as picky as NY is about title things, that has NOT been one of the issues.

Good luck!

Dave F

 

Follow-up.....

Hey, here's another thought--

Go to Len Chacal's tutorial on how to build/interpret the VIN numbers. You actually COULD come up with the correct, long, VIN. some of the other gurus here can do that too. I can't......haven't figured it out myself, but haven't needed too, either.

DAve F

 

Who did you call in PA? You might need to make a trip to Harrisburg with the bike.....

If push comes to shove, sell it to me + I'll sell it back