Title question

I'm not sure where to post this but since my bike is still in project status here goes the question:

I bought my kz650 from a guy off of craigslist. The bike had a title but was in a different person's name and this person has all but fell off of the face of the earth.

So here I am with bike and title (signed even) but it is not notarized.

What are my options?
1. Can I still legally ride the bike if I keep the tag current (it still is) and have insurance even if the title is not in my name?
2. Are there states I can get a tag for my bike if I have insurance even if the title is not notarized?
3. Anyone here a notary?

Thanks!

Post edited by: 77Davo650, at: 2006/12/18 17:32

notary isnt required in ks

Do you think it work if I just get a P.O. Box address in Kansas to use as an address to get it switched over?

Post edited by: 77Davo650, at: 2006/12/18 17:39

I did not need a notarized title in VA either. I bought my bike from a guy in MD. He gave me a hand-written bill-o-sale, and the title. With that, I went to VA DMV, and paid out the a$$ for title, tag, and taxes. $100 to get my $500 bike legal.

Crikey.

Every state has different requirements. If you call the state Dept of Transportation (DMV, or whatever) they SHOULD be able to assist you. The problem is that they are state employees on the "eight and skate" work ethic program who don't want anything besides the 'rubber stampers' who don't throw a curve in their routine.
All states have an option of "petition to quiet title" meaning if there is a dispute over the title, you (normally) have to make a post in a local publication for something like once per week for 3 weeks in a row and if no one pops up to say "hey, I'm that guy", then the court awards you option for title assignment.
You might be able to get a local or state attourney's office to help with you or you might be able to solicit some advice from a local college (ususally they have a free [limited] legal counsel).
Anyway, it is very doable, just takes some effort.

Hope this helped.

-KR

In Oklahoma you need to do a Title 42, download the package here, it's all explained. Owners of old bikes will probably do Process 2. You'll see...

Title 42 came about to get a title in the hands of tow companies, repair garages, etc. for abandoned vehicles.

You're going to have to work with the Tag agency, like Bad Kaw says, you need to fill out some forms, post in a newspaper 1 day a week for 3 weeks with the bike description, looking for interested parties. If you have a plate on the bike you have to have the tag agent do a search for the last registered owner. If they find one you must send a registered letter to the owner at the last address, telling them you have the bike and that you intend to 'auction' the bike to recover your expenses (fees). Chances are the letter comes back unsigned, or if it is signed the old owner won't want the bike cause he sold it years ago.

You're on the Honor system with the next part.
Then you post in 3 public places announcing an auction. The idea of the auction is to recover your "fees" for storage or repairs. When the 'auction' is over and you won your bike (or no one shows up to bid) you take all this paperwork back to the tag agency and submit it. Some weeks later you get a title.

The whole thing is more time consuming than hard.

The other way is to use one of those title companies. You 'sell' them the bike with a Bill Of Sale, they title it out of state. then 'sell' it back to you. Costs vary but I think $100-$200 is about the price.

Good luck and have fun.

Post edited by: OKC_Kent, at: 2006/12/21 00:56

Post edited by: OKC_Kent, at: 2006/12/21 00:59

Thanks for the input! I made a few calls to Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas DMV and it looks like I should be able to get it Texas tagged and titled (it has to pass inspection though) with not too many problems since I can use my relatives' address there and they don't require notary in Texas either.

I have until February (when the current tag expires) to get the bike streetable, which isn't too lofty of a goal. We'll see.

If I don't get it done by then I'll use on of those title companies.

Be careful on waiting to long to get it titled and transfered over into your name.

Most Motor Vehicle agencies have a specific time limit (about 10~30 days depending on city and/or state) from date of sale listed on whatever document you have (bill of sale, pink slip, etc.) in which to start the transfer process or they will attach fines to the total registration costs.

I just went through this earlier this month on an Isuzu Trooper I bought from a co-worker back in March.
I ended up having an additional $80 in late transfer fees tacked on to the total registration cost because I drug my feet in transfering it while performing repairs to get it to pass the smog test.

If I had gone in right away to take care of it, I could have just registered it "non-op" for mere $16 while working on it and saved myself the financial headache! :pinch:

If you have a AAA membership (which I HIGHLY recommend getting), have you checked with a local branch to see what they can help you with?