NGC - Titling a motorcycle frame

[SIR REAL ED]

I've got a couple of older Yamaha frames that I would like to get titles for, either to use or make easier to sell.

A friend told me you could do this in VA thru the Abandoned Vehicle program.  After filing out the forms, the local DMV said "No way!"  They did not say it in a manner that implied expertise, but they are the law.

Has anyone in VA been thru this process?

I have also heard some internet rumors of being able to do this by acquiring a title in a northeastern state.  It may have been Vermont.  Has anyone been down this path?

thanks in advance.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

You can register it in VT (all you'll receive is a registration and tag), then use that as "proof of ownership" to get a VA title. You may end up spending more than the frame is worth.

[oldbike54]

 What Charlie said. Unless they are something like a factory race frame made of exotic materials their value is not much.

 Dusty

[GeorgiaGuzzi]

There is a guy at the Barber vintage fest that had a company that specialized in getting clean titles for older bikes. I’ll try to remember to get his info in Oct when I’m there.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

There is a guy at the Barber vintage fest that had a company that specialized in getting clean titles for older bikes. I’ll try to remember to get his info in Oct when I’m there.

There was a guy that posted on the Sears Allstate Facebook group that would supply titles as well. But, as I posted previously, the $300-$500 (depending on age) cost may make it economically unfeasible.

[Perazzimx14]

If you go through VT and the bike is over 499cc's you will need to take the frame to the local police department for a VIN verification. This is free as they will visually check to see if the VIN has been altered and run it through NCIS to see if it is stolen.

Then you pay roughly a $39 fee to VT along with a check for sales tax of 6% of the value of the bike. You pay 6% on KBB average retail or selling price or $1,200 whatever is higher. So the frames you would pay 6% on $1,200. VT does this as a money maker they don't care if you got th efram for free they want their 6%.

Then you send the bill of sale (you can make it up and you can sign it in whatever amount you want. They just want a bill of sale with anyone signatire on it for record) the check for the registration fee and sales tax to VT DOT. In abotu 2 weeks yuo'll get a valid registration and tag that you can take to your home state DOT and they will convert it to a title. In Pennsylvania you will then pay another 6% on the declared value + title fees and you'll walk out with a clean clear title in you name that cost you more than what the frame is worth.

Sell the frames cheap or give them away and let the next guy worry about titling them.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If you go through VT and the bike is over 499cc's you will need to take the frame to the local police department for a VIN verification. This is free as they will visually check to see if the VIN has been altered and run it through NCIS to see if it is stolen.

Then you pay roughly a $39 fee to VT along with a check for sales tax of 6% of the value of the bike. You pay 6% on KBB average retail or selling price or $1,200 whatever is higher. So the frames you would pay 6% on $1,200. VT does this as a money maker they don't care if you got th efram for free they want their 6%.

Then you send the bill of sale (you can make it up and you can sign it in whatever amount you want. They just want a bill of sale with anyone signatire on it for record) the check for the registration fee and sales tax to VT DOT. In abotu 2 weeks yuo'll get a valid registration and tag that you can take to your home state DOT and they will convert it to a title. In Pennsylvania you will then pay another 6% on the declared value + title fees and you'll walk out with a clean clear title in you name that cost you more than what the frame is worth.

Sell the frames cheap or give them away and let the next guy worry about titling them.

Right now, due to the <situation>, VT is waiving the VIN verification part.

I wonder what they do regarding tax when NADA doesn't list the motorcycle? I'll be attempting to register my Sears Allstate/Puch SR250 soon and there's no listing in/on NADA for Sears, Sears Allstate, Allstate or even Puch!

[Lannis]

I've got a couple of older Yamaha frames that I would like to get titles for, either to use or make easier to sell.

A friend told me you could do this in VA thru the Abandoned Vehicle program.  After filing out the forms, the local DMV said "No way!"  They did not say it in a manner that implied expertise, but they are the law.

Has anyone in VA been thru this process?

I have.  I had to try three different DMV offices, and talk to a State Trooper at one of them, before they would start the process.

The folks at the counter at the DMV are minimum-wage clerks.   I've transferred an Australian title to Virginia, but when I first handed the clerk the correct paperwork, they held it by one corner like it was a huge spider and told me that "They Don't Do That Here".   

They don't want ANYTHING out of the ordinary, and they'll talk like they know, when really they don't ....

You can look up the process at the DMV site on-line, and if you spend 20 minutes reading it, you will know more about the law than ANY DMV clerk that you will find fronting a desk, and more than 90% of the supervisors.

The hassle of a non-standard transfer may or may not be worth it for a couple of frames to sell.   It was definitely worth it for my '55 BSA M21 and my '66 Morgan ... !

Lannis

[dxhall]

I’m following this thread with interest because I’m facing the same problem with my BSA / Benelli. If there’s a titling company of some kind which would just take my information and take me through the Vermont process, I’d gladly pay them.

[Perazzimx14]

Right now, due to the <situation>, VT is waiving the VIN verification part.

I wonder what they do regarding tax when NADA doesn't list the motorcycle? I'll be attempting to register my Sears Allstate/Puch SR250 soon and there's no listing in/on NADA for Sears, Sears Allstate, Allstate or even Puch!

Its either $1,200 or $1,500 is the minimium you pay tax on. Doesn't matter if you paid were gifted the bike or only paid $1 you pay at least ont he minimium accessed value.

 - KBB book value if higher than minimum accessed value
 - Price paid if higher than the miniimum accessed value
 - $1,200 or $1,500 minium accessed value

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I’m following this thread with interest because I’m facing the same problem with my BSA / Benelli. If there’s a titling company of some kind which would just take my information and take me through the Vermont process, I’d gladly pay them.

https://www.motorecyclenow.com/motorcycle-title-service.html

[Perazzimx14]

I’m following this thread with interest because I’m facing the same problem with my BSA / Benelli. If there’s a titling company of some kind which would just take my information and take me through the Vermont process, I’d gladly pay them.

Honestly do not go through one of these services they are a ripoff. The form VT-119 is online at VT Dot and are easy to fill out electronically and print out. Call them personally to ask them the value of the bike so you don't get you paperwork bounced back.

Its about 10 minutes of actual work to fill out the form print and sign it and write a check.


VT-119 form:

https://dmv.vermont.gov/sites/dmv/files/documents/VD-119-Vehicle_Reg_Tax_Title_App.pdf

[Tom]

Odd how this subject always comes up on the forum.

[dxhall]

What do you do about the VIN inspection?  Will they accept an out of state VIN form?

[Perazzimx14]

There is a VIN inspection form on VT site. Print it out and take it and the bike to the local police station. They will run the VIN check to see if the VIN is not altered sign and date the form and that’s it.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

What do you do about the VIN inspection?  Will they accept an out of state VIN form?

As I wrote earlier, right now, due to the pandemic, VT has waived the need for a VIN verification.

[Tom]

Pretty good way to get a title for a stolen motorcycle.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

This was posted on the Sears Allstate Motorcycles Facebook page:

**VERMONT REGISTRATION**

A lot of people get crossed up with the whole Vermont registration. I have done it several times and it is a breeze so I though I would break it down and post some pics for you visual learners.

1. Go to the VT DMV website: https://dmv.vermont.gov/
2. Download two forms: VD-119 (Registration)
VD-119i (Instructions)
3. Read the forms - understand them.
4. Fill out the VD-119
5. There will be a registration fee and a tax fee. The registration fee is fixed and should be on their instruction sheet. The tax will be based on the greater of --your purchase price OR NADA. Use the forms on their website (not the ones I posted) as prices may have changed.
6. You wont need the VIN verification form. That is only if you are registering IN Vermont.
7. Mail your form with a check.
8. You will get a VT plate, reg sticker, reg card.
9. I think the VT registration is good for a year. Then you will need to go to your DMV and get a title but it will be a lot easier with a VT registration in your name.
10. Hope this helps. **Remember - use the instructions on their website not these! Things change!
11. Ride like hell!