What is a motorcycle title?
A motorcycle title is a document that shows proof of ownership. It typically includes information about the motorcycle, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year, make and model, state of registration, registered owner, and odometer reading. You need the title to register a vehicle, enabling you to get a license plate to ride on public roads. The motorcycle's title also proves to a lender that you own the bike and aren't trying to sell or borrow against someone else's property. While it's possible to sell a bike using a bill of sale, it's preferable to use the title.
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Do you need a title for a motorcycle?
Yes, you need a motorcycle title to register the motorcycle and legally ride on public roads. Whether you buy a new or used motorcycle, the seller typically signs over a title document to you. The motorcycle title shows the purchase price and proof of the sale. If the seller doesn't have the title, you'll need to use a bill of sale to get a new title issued.
How to get a motorcycle title
If you're buying a new motorcycle from a dealer, the dealer typically submits the paperwork for a new title, and you'll receive the title after registering the motorcycle. If you're buying a used motorcycle, you need the seller to sign over the title.
If the seller doesn't have a title, proceed with caution. It's extremely risky to purchase a motorcycle that doesn't have a title. While titles are sometimes lost by the owner, the lack of a title may also mean the motorcycle is stolen. It could also be an indication that the motorcycle has previous damage, is a rebuilt or salvaged motorcycle, or that the owner has tampered with the odometer.
If you've verified that the seller is legitimate but lost the title, you can get a new title with the bill of sale. Here are the four steps of that process:
Get a bill of sale
The first thing you need to get a new title is a bill of sale signed by the seller. The details included in a bill of sale vary by state but typically include the names of the buyer and seller, description of the item purchased, purchase price, terms, and date. This document demonstrates to the title office that you acquired the bike legally.
Visit the title office
Once you have a bill of sale, you'll need to visit the local title office, usually a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or title bureau.
Present documentation
When you're at the title office, in addition to presenting a bill of sale, you also need secure and verifiable identification. Other required documentation may include the VIN, current odometer reading, and financing information. Requirements vary by state, so be sure to double check what documentation your local office needs to issue a new title.
Get a new title
If all your documentation is approved, the title office will issue you a new motorcycle title. You may also be responsible for paying title fees and taxes. You also have to pay registration fees if you're registering the motorcycle at that time.
Pro tip:
Before you can ride, you need a motorcycle insurance policy with liability coverage. Motorcycle insurance protects more than your bike — it can cover you if you're liable in an accident where you injure someone or damage property. Every state has different minimum required limits for bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.
How to get a title for a motorcycle without a title
Sometimes a motorcycle title is lost, stolen, or a motorcycle is never titled. In these cases, it's possible to secure a new title. Here are a few options:
- Apply for a duplicate title: If the seller of the motorcycle doesn't have a title, they can either visit the local title office or apply for a duplicate title online and then sign over the title to you.
- Apply for a bonded title: A bonded title is another way to establish ownership, allowing you to register and legally ride the motorcycle. It requires that you purchase a surety bond. The bond amount is determined by the appraised value of the motorcycle.
- Use title services: Title services offer customers a way to recover a title and register their motorcycles in any state.
Check your local DMV's website for documentation requirements.
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