Buying a bike in the US? What to do with the title?

[koolio]

I'm from the UK, just bought a bike in the US. It's got a clear title.

Wanted to know what you do with a title when selling the bike? Is it just a case of handing it over to new buyer or do you have to sign something and send it off?

In the UK we have a V5 which you have to both sign send off with the new keepers address, and then in 2-4 weeks the papers arrive at the new address.

As I'm not resident in the US I wonder how this will work out.

 

[cowboysculptor]

Every title should have a place for the seller's signature, date of sale, and usually the price the bike is sold for. Then it's just handed over to the buyer. It's the buyer's responsibility to take the title into the DMV to get a title in his own name. I always think it's a good idea for a condition of the sale to be going into a titling office together to make sure the buyer applies for a new one.

Hope that helps!

 

[650hardtail]

in pa for a transfer. the seller takes title to notary has his signature notarized on the title-and then (out of state etc) has the buyers info (name etc ) filled out on the title for buyer. as its technically illegal to have an "open title" ( buyer not filled out )
id think the title properly notarized /signed by seller with buyers info filled out should be what you need for your uk documentation.. you may want to contact rb as he imports hundreds of bikes to the uk every year

 

[beachcomber]

I'm sure there's more qualified folk here, but I used to import cars from the US. The system was straightforward. The US documents and Bill of Sale are all the DVLC need. Once presented and any fees paid a V5 and reg. Number are issued. Then it's make certain you've got UK compliance on parts, insure and MOT.

There is a caveat about the authorities may want to inspect the vehicle, but in over 200 imports it never happened.

 

[J.Roz]

Beachcomber, whats involved getting a bike from the UK to the US. I mean what kind of importation fees would I be looking at... generally speaking I know that depending on where the bike is coming and going from will alter some pricing... any info would be sweet.

I don't mean to hijack this thread.