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Old Title Question

jwstewar

jwstewar

Active member
A long time ago Dad purchased a small motorcycle from his then boss. This was probably in about '73 - '75. His boss signed the titled (maybe dated). Dad never signed it nor was his name added to the title as being "sold" to him. Obviously Dad obviously never registered the motorcycle or bought tags for it. Not sure if the original owner ever did or not. We found the title to the motorcycle, but I'm not sure how to proceed. It is one of those cases where the title bureau probably has the best answer, but could "also cause the most trouble" should I say or do the wrong thing. The guy he bought it from is still alive, not sure how to get in touch with him though. I know Mom had talked to him just before Dad had passed away. Should I just take the title to the title bureau and see what they have to say? Put my name on the title and have it notorized? Little afraid to do that one, don't want to get the notary in trouble because the other sig is so old. :unsure:

The motorcycle in question is a 1970 Honda 50cc. It is actually more of a mini-bike but has lights and everything and is street legal. Once I get it out of Mom's basement.:yum:
 
jwstewar said:
A long time ago Dad purchased a small motorcycle from his then boss. This was probably in about '73 - '75. His boss signed the titled (maybe dated). Dad never signed it nor was his name added to the title as being "sold" to him. Obviously Dad obviously never registered the motorcycle or bought tags for it. Not sure if the original owner ever did or not. We found the title to the motorcycle, but I'm not sure how to proceed. It is one of those cases where the title bureau probably has the best answer, but could "also cause the most trouble" should I say or do the wrong thing. The guy he bought it from is still alive, not sure how to get in touch with him though. I know Mom had talked to him just before Dad had passed away. Should I just take the title to the title bureau and see what they have to say? Put my name on the title and have it notorized? Little afraid to do that one, don't want to get the notary in trouble because the other sig is so old. :unsure:

The motorcycle in question is a 1970 Honda 50cc. It is actually more of a mini-bike but has lights and everything and is street legal. Once I get it out of Mom's basement.:yum:
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We went through a similiar situation recently with my wifes fathers truck. She went to a title service with her dads death certificate and signed his name on the title in front of the notary. I dont know if its necesarilly legal but the notary ( at the title service) said its done quite often and gets around the redtape at the tag or state registration office. As long as its on the up and up ( not stolen ) I sure didn't see any thing wrong with it . :smile:

You might check your local phonebook to see if you have a title service in your area , they are far more helpfull then any government office . :whistling:
 
After thinking about it some more JW , if you are wanting to keep it OR sell it I would either put your name in the title or leave it open for the buyers name . Being that old it really shouldn't be a problem anymore because its considered an antique at least in KS .
 
IME ......... If the original owner signed the title, it's pretty much a done deal. If'n you lived near me ................ there wouldn't be an issue ........ :whistling:

Find a nice liberal notary.
 
BTW ............ wanna sell it? ................ I'll take the title as is!
 
Big Dog said:
IME ......... If the original owner signed the title, it's pretty much a done deal. If'n you lived near me ................ there wouldn't be an issue ........ :whistling:


Find a nice liberal notary.
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I can handle that, Monica's aunt is a notary. So you think I should go that route.


Big Dog said:
BTW ............ wanna sell it? ................ I'll take the title as is!
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I don't think we do right now. I've never ridden - actually never saw it run. I just know the motor isn't locked up because Dad would kick it over frequently - at least up until recently. I'll have to get some pics, but at this point it probably needs a battery, a carb rebuild, and tires. Only thing I know really "wrong" with it. He painted the chrome wheels because they started to rust. Other than that it is all original and paint is in excellent condition. Seat not ripped or anything. Any ideas as to what it would be worth? Just curious.
 
On the title you have, is the seller's signature notarized? The buyers sig shouldn't need a notary. If the sellers is notarized, you're good to go. If not, I'd call your DMV and ask what to do. I've had similar issues in the past and they're willing to work with you. They just tell you what paperwork to complete and put their name as ATTN: on the envelope (since they know what's going on) and they'll get you the new title and plates.
 
bczoom said:
On the title you have, is the seller's signature notarized? The buyers sig shouldn't need a notary. If the sellers is notarized, you're good to go. If not, I'd call your DMV and ask what to do. I've had similar issues in the past and they're willing to work with you. They just tell you what paperwork to complete and put their name as ATTN: on the envelope (since they know what's going on) and they'll get you the new title and plates.
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No, the seller's sig wasn't notarized. He just signed it and put his then address on it. I forgot about that part. If they were to check records they would see that he doesn't live at that address and hasn't for a long time. That is something I'm a little concerned with. Hate to say this, but he is up there in years as well, I would like to get this taken care of before he passes.
 
I'd still call them. The only records they would probably check is whether or not it's been reported stolen.

A few years ago, PA started a requirement where ATV's and such needed titled, registered and insured. Well, for the 20 years previous, these vehicles were regularly sold without associated paperwork. The State DMV would rather work with you to get these old vehicles properly titled as opposed to fight you and have you say the hell with it and drive it paperless.

ETA: You'll be sending in some $ as well. That's their other incentive to get it taken care of for you. Also, I live closer to Big Dog so I would take it off your hands easier... His boys are too big for it. My kids are 9 & 13 so they're just the right size.
 
Sign the thing in the presence of your notary and be done.
Put it in your name and use it for ownership.
Those motorcycles were rarely licensed anyway.
They were about $500 new back in the day.

Mind nothing of what BZ says ................ I wanna teach the dog to ride ................. and my son's GF has a 7 yo daughter.

Just let me know when u want me to come get it!
 
I had to go buy truck tags this morning so I took the title to the license bureau and asked what to do. She gave me the official line. You will have to have the seller sign the title in front of a notary...blah, blah....Then said, unless you have a friend that is a notary. You sign it, by pass your Dad's name and have your notary friend notarize it. Then bring it and we will make a new title and transfer it. So that is what we are going to do. Next time I see Monica's Aunt, I'll have her notarize it.


BTW, According to the title the original buyer (now seller) bought it Dec. 24, 1969 for $190.39. It was a 1970. Paid 7.62 in sales tax. :)
 
In New Hampshire and Maine a title isn't needed on motor vehicles more than 15 years old. Are we the only states that admit that road salt is likely to kill your car so fast that if they are more than 15 years old they are unlikely to even exist ?
 
Well, I finally went and got the title done a month or so back. I had Monica's Aunt notarize the title this Dec. 2011. The guy died in November of 2012. I then wanted to hurry up and get the title done. When I took it in I had forgotten to put my name on it and sign it. The lady there said "You need to fill this out, but you can't do it in front of me." She handed me a pen, I walked out the door, filled it out, and walked back in. She then waited on me and asked me how much I paid for it. Then I proceeded to tell her the story. She said - "Gift." No sales tax. So the title is in my name now, still haven't bought tags for it as I haven't tried to get it running yet. Too many other projects that I actually need to get done.
 
Big Dog said:
BTW ............ wanna sell it? ................ I'll take the title as is!
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Big Dog, interested in buying these two ?? Both are in good working condition. I think he still have them for sale... Let me know...

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