keithj
New Reader
6/23/14 2:19 p.m.
I know mileage may vary but has anyone ever successfully got a title for a race vehicle or any vehicle for that matter through the system? Specifically that of tricky states. Ohio laws seem to dictate that I am screwed to an eternity of 15 minute trailer drives to the autocross course.
From what I've heard, your best bet may be to hire a lawyer. Just trying to give you the short answer.
oldtin
UltraDork
6/23/14 2:31 p.m.
I think a number of states (like Illinois) have a bond or alternative process for this kind of situation or say buying an old car from Georgia where there may not be a title, just bill of sale. There's also some gray areas or alternatives like mechanic's liens/titles
this would be interesting to hear- i have an old race car for sale, but can't find the title. which neither I nor the PO ever did anything with anyway.
Race car and title don't compute.
In MI depending on how much car is left, you can try tagging it as a assembled vehicle/kit car, you just need to forge some receipts for all the major parts.
The rules are different in every state, SEMA has information on how to title cars by state on their website: http://www.bipac.net/page.asp?content=tag_title_toolbox&g=SEMAGA In general: if the car was titled in your name and you've just lost the paperwork, you can apply to the state for a lost title for a small fee, no sweat. If the car was last titled in the name of the previous owner, if possible contact them and see if they are willing to apply for the lost title and then you do the transfer as normal. Otherwise, you're probably looking at getting a bonded title.
I've NEVER been successful here in Massachusetts in getting a title for a car that didn't have a squeaky clean previous paper trail.
Anything without a title or previous registration is simple considered to be stolen or an illegal purchase to one degree or another and there is no recourse or procedure. Loads of sites have info to the contrary; lots of title services and such but the Massachusetts RMV is aware of all of them. If the new "title" is a transfer from one of those services in question or a state that these services use, they just hand it back to you and say that it can't be used.
I can do it if it's a 1973 or older.
ohio law dictates we are all criminals until we prove them otherwise by providing a title. they will never let us obtain one without previously having had one in the system, but only within the last 7 years as they wipe out their records after that long. so rule one is do not lose your title. rule 2 is do not lose it after 7 years, or else you need to go through columbus via mail, which is a painful drawn out process that results in them contacting your local office, telling them to reprint your title, as although they wipe the computer records after 7 years, they keep printed copies.
which leads to rule 3. go through another state that is more lenient then transfer it to ohio. but make sure it has a vin number and an odometer so you can get your out of state inspection done.
Does anyone know somebody or is married to someone that works for the DMV? I (and we) would like to know why some states are so strict about titles and registration for a car.
Funny you should ask. I've never in my long life met ANYONE who admitted to working for any DMV ! Never met anyone who KNEW anyone who worked for the DMV.
It's as though they're aware that they're all tiny pieces of crap and want to hide it to keep from getting mobbed and kicked to death . . . .
Cotton
UltraDork
6/24/14 11:45 a.m.
914Driver wrote:
I can do it if it's a 1973 or older.
Meaning it can be done in NY or meaning you could do it for someone? I need to get one titled and the last place I used is no longer doing titles.
keithj
New Reader
6/24/14 1:03 p.m.
1976 Volvo 242. Anyone in Michigan or new York want to help me out registering? If I could afford a good truck and trailer I would all for "titles and race cars don't go together". But grass roots doesn't always work that way. Plus if I ever manage to stage rally this I need to keep it legal to drive to stages. (big dreamer)
pirate
Reader
6/24/14 3:35 p.m.
Some states have what is known as an assembled vehicle title. It will only work if the car has never been titled before. For instance you couldn't use the frame or firewall (where a VIN had been previously attached)from a car that had a title at one time. Normally you have to have notarized receipts for major components such as engine, trans and differential. You also need a notarized statement (Written by the person applying) as to who built the car and why it needs this type title.
You also need a safety inpsection either by state police or local police.In Alabama the Department of Transpotation then comes out and put the VIN plate on the car. The process is a bit time consuming but for me actually went pretty smooth. Smiling and being polite helps some also.
JFX001
UltraDork
6/24/14 4:49 p.m.
The Ohio BMV women have absolutely zero sense of humor. Almost to the point of being militant man-haters.
Cotton wrote:
914Driver wrote:
I can do it if it's a 1973 or older.
Meaning it can be done in NY or meaning you could do it for someone? I need to get one titled and the last place I used is no longer doing titles.
NYS did not have title law before 1973.