License plate search - easy and free?
- Thread starter mikewerx
- Start date
Man, it sure is complex down there in the good ol' US of A.
In Ontario, I can go online and punch in the VIN from a bike and get a Used Vehicle Information Package. Lists all the previously registered owners and any liens against the bike. In fact this $20 document is a requirement when changing ownership.
That paper along with an affidavit declaring I bought it from the last registered owner and a handwritten bill of sale (the UVIP has a section on the end to fill in for this) and BAM, I own the bike. So as long as the bill of sale has the name and... ahem.... signature of the last registered owner on the UVIP, they'll issue me a new ownership document.
Anyone can order the UVIP for any vehicle. You could walk down the street and copy the VIN from the windshield of a car and get the UVIP for it, finding out who owns it etc. All for $20 online instantly.
In Ontario, I can go online and punch in the VIN from a bike and get a Used Vehicle Information Package. Lists all the previously registered owners and any liens against the bike. In fact this $20 document is a requirement when changing ownership.
That paper along with an affidavit declaring I bought it from the last registered owner and a handwritten bill of sale (the UVIP has a section on the end to fill in for this) and BAM, I own the bike. So as long as the bill of sale has the name and... ahem.... signature of the last registered owner on the UVIP, they'll issue me a new ownership document.
Anyone can order the UVIP for any vehicle. You could walk down the street and copy the VIN from the windshield of a car and get the UVIP for it, finding out who owns it etc. All for $20 online instantly.
MNBikerPup
Newbie Rider into all motorcycles.
I bought a bike back in 2010 that did not have tags. I had bought on a bill of sale to find out that wasn't good enough. SO, thanks to the DMV, they stated to me that the bike was not stolen and the last time it was registered was in 2002. In MN, if a bike hasn't been registered in 7 yrs, they purge the registration/title information from their records. Which, in this case, that info was sitting in the purge file waiting to be purged. Because the DMV would not release to me the name of the last owner the bike was registered to, my buddy used the VIN and looked up the info. Which then using that info, we applied for a duplicate title. When it was mailed in, it was returned stating that the bike was not in the system. (great way to test if it was purged or not). Once this was discovered, I went to the DMV to inquire how I can get a title for it and I was told this: Take pictures of the bike, one of each side, the front, the back and to include pictures of the VIN and engine #. Apply for a title, submit registration fees. When I did all this, I received new plates with current tabs and a title a month later. Oh, and the pictures had to show that the bike was actually a bike. Meaning at minimum a rolling chassis/frame. It was pretty simple once I found out the original title/registration was non existent. So, check with the DMV. At least in CO, you'll walk away with a title in hand the day you submit your forms. And just to be on the safe side, check in with the local PD and have the VIN # ran just to make sure it's not HOT.
mikewerx
Been Around the Block
Nice, the Trooper/inspector and the DMV tell me the guy isn't allowed to even sell me the bike if he isn't the legal owner either (abandoned at a mtn bike mechanic shop). And if you know most mtn folks, they don't exactly have the energy to help out with looking anything up themselves, especially in South Park - yes, THAT South Park. I guess I'll do an online search from the plate ,as it was last registered in '06, and see if I can fold the old owner, otherwise try your above steps.
MNBikerPup
Newbie Rider into all motorcycles.
I know it costs some money, but there are online sites that allow you to look up VIN numbers and get info on the titled owner. Could the guy from the shop make an abandoned vehicle claim at all? Also, did you already buy the bike or are you in the process of buying the bike? If you haven't already bought the bike, then I would tell the seller what the trooper/inspector told you and that you won't exchange any money till it has been clarified. If you have already made the purchase, I wish you luck. I almost had to part the bike out myself when I was going through this. Minnesota mails out the titles, so it was easier here. But, I know that Colorado you receive the title at the Debuty Register's office in person, so I don't know if mailing in the info to request a dub. title would work or not. (My way was technically illegal till I found out that it was no longer titled in this state.)
MNBikerPup
Newbie Rider into all motorcycles.
Good luck. Yeah, if you find the owner, should be easier. Hopefully they would be willing to sign things over. But, don't be surprised if that owner either a: moved out of state or b: is deceased. Of course, if neither of those apply, then I would suggest a meeting between the original owner and the guy trying to sell the bike. What I mean is this: The bike might have been left because the org. owner could not pay for repairs on the bike and the shop guy is holding it for collateral. The guy didn't pay and the shop wants to get paid, so save everyone $$$ have org. owner sign over the title in front of you and the shop and then you hand over the cash to the shop. Just a though anyways.
mikewerx
Been Around the Block
I might keep the shop guy outta it, and play it like I'm buying it title-less. If it had a title, he might try and get more $$ for the bike 
Hopefully the original owner won't try and get $$ from me too to sign it over? And gotta love the power of the interweb to track people down... unless they are a mtn hermit, but I think they're just a hippy, so even they have to follow their phish-news, ha!
Hopefully the original owner won't try and get $$ from me too to sign it over? And gotta love the power of the interweb to track people down... unless they are a mtn hermit, but I think they're just a hippy, so even they have to follow their phish-news, ha!
MNBikerPup
Newbie Rider into all motorcycles.
, Course, they had me sign a form stating that in the best of my knowledge the bike is free and clear and that the state does not hold any liability should the original owner dispute the transfer of the title, as in seeing the bike and recognizing it and having a tizzy about it. But, I'm sure you have plans of changing the look of the bike anyways. LOL
