Transferring a title to new owner

[jtmx29]

Hello,

I have recently purchased a motorcycle from a private seller on Craigslist. After getting home I realized that the title was signed over to a different person.
As of right now I have a bill of sale from the original owner (on the front of the title). I am going today to get a proper bill of sales from the person I bought it from (who is the 'buyer' on the back of the title).

It seems like the person on the back of the title (whom I bought it from) owned it for two months and never re-titled it.

As it stand it looks like I may have to get a duplicate title from the person the title's name is in (on the front) and then have him sign it over to me.
I have done quite a bit of research and some say I will be OK with two bill of sales proving ownership. The real issue is that I don't know if that is the case. The CT DMV site doesn't have too much detail on this scenario.

To suffice, I do not like this situation and am looking for some assistance on what the proper steps to register this vehicle are. I am going to the DMV on Tuesday to find this out as well.

Any insight or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[cbinker]

try calling the DMV on monday.

[jtmx29]

Originally Posted by cbinker

try calling the DMV on monday.

Thank you cbinker. Unfortunately here in CT they are not open on Mondays. I will be going early Tuesday morning. I will update the post with what happens.

Thanks.

[cbinker]

What does the seller have to say about the title? something smells fishy

[csmith12]

Is there another buyer line on the back of title? People who trade in the auto auctions do this all the time. My best guess is... you will need a "notarized" chain of ownership. Check the back of the title for a 2nd buyer line. If so, sign it and have it notarized and the chain should be complete enough to file for a title.

I hope it's that simple for you.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by cbinker

What does the seller have to say about the title? something smells fishy

This happens from time to time in the buyers market, even more so in the traders/auction market.

Owner sells
Buyer buys
Owner + buyer signs back of title
New owner never plans on titling it, just resell it (for example, just runs it back through the auction line the same day)
2nd New buyer also signs back of title
All is buttoned up (bill of sales, bla bla bla) and notarized
2nd New owner goes to bmv with paperwork
Gets new title 7-14 days later

No fuss, but it does vary state to state.

While it doesn't smell fishy YET... be on the lookout.

[jtmx29]

Originally Posted by csmith12

This happens from time to time in the buyers market, even more so in the traders/auction market.

Owner sells
Buyer buys
Owner + buyer signs back of title
New owner never plans on titling it, just resell it (for example, just runs it back through the auction line the same day)
2nd New buyer also signs back of title
All is buttoned up (bill of sales, bla bla bla) and notarized
2nd New owner goes to bmv with paperwork
Gets new title 7-14 days later

No fuss, but it does vary state to state.

While it doesn't smell fishy YET... be on the lookout.

Thanks for the info. The thing is that there is not another spot to sign. There's only one spot and the rest are for dealerships.

[sh123469]

If there is no place for a 2nd buyer to sign, you will need a proper 'state approved' bill of sale from the seller/1st buyer to you. You should be good to go then unless there is a notary requirement. There's not here in SC. I've had a couply vehicles like that. No problem at DMV. YMMV though.

[Jono]

Same thing happened to me when I bought my first motorcycle. The guy I bought my bike from luckily had the phone number of the guy he bought the bike from. I called him and explained everything. Cool dude got a new title then mailed it to me.

[jkv45]

Chances are, if it all goes well at the DMV, you still may have to pay the taxes for the previous sale along with your taxes for the current sale, and there may be another paperwork fee for straightening it out.

Hopefully it's that simple.

[blink.]

In NC they call that jumping title. Guy buys bike and has the seller notarize his signature, then sells the bike without putting the title into his name, It works as long as the date it's sold and retitled by the 3rd buyer are not more than a year apart.

IN NC you have to have insurance before the DMV will issue you a title and pay all road taxes at the same time you title it.... also have the bike inspected within 15 days...some guys don't want to spend that money to flip a bike so they title jump.

Also you can only buy/sell 5 or 7 vehicles a year...so most flippers don't title it to avoid having to acquire a dealers license to keep flipping vehicles.

I always check the sellers license selling me the bike to make sure he is the title owner so you don't end up in that situation by accident.

[Fastway Racing]

Affidavit off correction from seller, Buyer changed mind. Strike through. Atleast they do it in GA that way

[jtmx29]

The DMV allowed me to title the bike. However, I needed a change of ownership form. I was able to meet up with him and the bike is on the road.

Thanks for all the help!

[CC Cowboy]

Taxes! DVM will want the taxes from both sales (from the guy you bought if from and also from you).

[jtmx29]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Taxes! DVM will want the taxes from both sales (from the guy you bought if from and also from you).

No back taxes needed to be payed by me, thankfully.