Export Eldorado from US

[bottler]

I am trying to export an Eldorado from the US to Australia but have hit a major hurdle as the owner doesn't have a Title. The US state in which the bike is located doesn't issue title documents on vehicles over 20 years old.

The shipping company says it needs a Title to clear US Customs. They are seeking advice as to alternative documentation that might satisfy US Customs. Meanwhile, does anyone have any advice, suggestions etc?

Many thanks in Advance

Bottler
Bungendore NSW
Australia

[ridingron]

There are several States that do not issue titles on older bikes. I would think Customs would be aware of that. A registration (license plate purchase) and a Bill of Sale usually works here in the US.

There are companies that can get a title, yes legally. I have never needed this service so I can't name any. Someone will be along with  suggestions. I don't know if you can do that or if the seller will have to do it.

[bmc5733946]

To get a title for a bike I imported to the U.S., I had to post a "surety bond". They, in my case the State of Michigan, really want somebody else to handle the liability if the bike turns out to be stolen or something. Maybe something like that would work? The bond was not expensive $100.00 or so.

Brian

[AJ Huff]

I have not used this service but several members here have posted they have successfully used Saint's to acquire a title.

https://www.saintsengine.com/services/title-service/

-AJ

[cliffrod]

To verify that it has not been reported stolen, the department of motor vehicle officials in a US state that does not issue a title will do or require a VIN search on the vehicle before issuing a registration and plate.  This may be done by the DMV state officials or by a local member of law enforcement on behalf of the DMV.  That does not mean that the vehicle isn’t stolen, only that it has not been reported stolen and entered into the database as such.   

Normally, a current registration from a state that does not issue a title is all that is required to procure a registration & clear title in a subsequent state that requires title.  If that registration is not in your name, it has to be signed by the seller within the grace period of the subsequent titling state, just like a title signed for transfer would be.

I would ask the shipping company & customs if they will accept a vehicle with a current registration from the seller, properly signed for transfer, before pursuing a title from a different state.

[bottler]

Thank you for all your advice. Plenty to work through.

[pehayes]

Several years ago I had a Guzzi friend from Tasmania with a similar problem.  He had flown to eastern Canada and purchased an Eldorado.  He drove across Canada then down into the USA with arrangements to ship out of Los Angeles.  There had been some problem with paperwork at the US/Canada border but he got in.  IIRC, Canada confiscated the title.  When the shipper started the export process he was cut off by US Customs.  Wouldn't allow export of a motorcycle with the existing marginal paperwork.  Wink, wink, it would be possible to export used 'parts'.  I  helped arrange a local mechanic to fetch the bike from the shipper, remove the engine/transmission and bring all of the bits back to the shipper.  No sweat.  Rolling frame and engine got shipped to Hobart without issue, even in the same container!  DOH!  See you PM.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[cliffrod]

Several years ago I had a Guzzi friend from Tasmania with a similar problem.  He had flown to eastern Canada and purchased an Eldorado.  He drove across Canada then down into the USA with arrangements to ship out of Los Angeles.  There had been some problem with paperwork at the US/Canada border but he got in.  IIRC, Canada confiscated the title.  When the shipper started the export process he was cut off by US Customs.  Wouldn't allow export of a motorcycle with the existing marginal paperwork.  Wink, wink, it would be possible to export used 'parts'.  I  helped arrange a local mechanic to fetch the bike from the shipper, remove the engine/transmission and bring all of the bits back to the shipper.  No sweat.  Rolling frame and engine got shipped to Hobart without issue, even in the same container!  DOH!  See you PM.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

The same scenario is how a friend here very recently sent a complete HD to the Philippines for his own use.  Legally Importing a complete bike into the country required a person to be both (1) a years-long resident of the Philippines and (2) having owned said motorcycle for several years prior importing it into the country.   Since he’s still a USA resident planning to move to the Philippines and didn’t meet those parameters, he got creative.  The bike was disassembled and sent in multiple packages.   When the package containing the frame was damaged during shipping and the Philippines officials saw the frame, they checked op the other packages.  Ultimately they realized his packages constituted an entire motorcycle.  He ended up paying some fines but was able to keep the bike over there. 

Whenever I’ve exported parts like used engines and fuel tanks, I had to drain everything completely dry and ship with drain plugs left out to demonstrate there was no liquid, oil or fuel present.  I think that varies depending upon the destination country.

[JoeW]

I have not used this service but several members here have posted they have successfully used Saint's to acquire a title.

https://www.saintsengine.com/services/title-service/

-AJ

I have used Saints many times. I exported a Laverda to Australia with one of there Tennessee titles. The hang up came from the authorities down under. The title needed to be signed not only but the seller but also by the buyer. I have to express the title down, have it signed and then it needed to be sent back so it could accompany the bike in transport. It was a PITA, the buyer tried to do it without an agent, I won't allow that again.

[bottler]

I have used Saints many times. I exported a Laverda to Australia with one of there Tennessee titles. The hang up came from the authorities down under. The title needed to be signed not only but the seller but also by the buyer. I have to express the title down, have it signed and then it needed to be sent back so it could accompany the bike in transport. It was a PITA, the buyer tried to do it without an agent, I won't allow that again.

Thanks JoeW,

I have obtained formal approval from the relevant Australian federal government department to import the bike. They accepted an old Connecticut certificate of registration and photos of the Eldo.

So just need to sort it with US Gov. The US based shipping company are checking whether a notarised bill of sale and the certificate of registration will suffice. Fingers crossed. Thanks to all for your advice.

Cheers

Bottler