Obtaining vehicle title? (sale, transfer, buy)

[odie91]

Ok, so it's actually for a motorcycle. Seller has bill of sale, but no title. Looked on the DMV website, and instructions to get new title look simple enough, but just want to make sure there isn't anything else I should know? If I'm not the original owner who lost the title, can I still get a new title? They ask for the old "title number", but how am I supposed to know it, if the darn thing is lost?

[Snikt]

Don't buy a vehicle without the title in hand

[sunsprit]

If the seller now is the one who "lost" the title, then have them apply for a replacement title. Unless it's a very old title, Colorado will be able to research it and issue a replacement. If the seller only received a bill of sale when they bought the bike, then they need to go back to the folk that sold them the bike to get the replacement title which can be used to transfer ownership to the current seller.

Even at that, I lost a title to a 1960's vintage motorcycle that I owned but I found an old registration that had the title number on it; Colorado was able to issue a replacement title.

Absent the seller being able to get the title, you should have a search done on the VIN number to be sure that it's not on any stolen listing. You can apply for a title by publication, which involves publishing legal notices of intent to obtain title and posting a bond for the value of the bike. Unless somebody comes forward claiming ownership, you'll be able to get a clear bonded title in a couple of months. Of course, if you have to do this process and the risk greatly devalues the price of the bike, pay accordingly for the bike. If there's anything that goes wrong with the deal, you could be out all of your money and the bike, too.

If there's any doubt that you can obtain a clear title, then walk away from the deal now.

[ryanek9freak]

Yes, have Colorado do a title search, it only costs $20. Obtainng a title for a motorcycle without one is a giant pain in the ass here. You have to secure a bond that's double the value of the item, before they'll issue it, and it will be an assembled vehicle title. been through it before, never again.

Stay away from anything without a title, it's not worth it, unless it's some kind of rare irreplaceable vehicle.

[brk330]

Originally Posted by Snikt

Don't buy a vehicle without the title in hand

Many states do not issue titles for older cars, usually over 15 years.
The car could be a perfectly clean pebble beach concours winner, but sorry, no title.

[shadowlp06]

I would go and do a VIN search on the cycle from CarFax.com. This will allow a more in depth look at the status of the vehicle. Plus it's free! If a title existed in the first place, and say by chance the title has been reported lost or stolen, that may help you out. However, the best bet is to go to the DMV (bring a drink because you'll be awhile) and have them run a title search on it. You don't wanna end up being scammed.