I can't promise this will work for everybody but here is what I did:
I presented a Bill of Sale (form available on the FL DMV website), a notarized VIN verification (form available on the FL DMV website), and a notarized affidavit signed by the SELLER defending the title against all claims.
The affidavit was just something simple I typed up and it read "I, name, the owner of 19XX Make Motorcycle, VIN #XYZ, will defend the title to this vehicle against all claims." Then signed by the seller and notarized.
In FL there are two statutes that apply. I took copies of both in with me. #319.23 2.c. & 320.086 2.a.
There is also a page in the DMV website that will do a title search on a VIN (within FL records). That may at least help rule out a bike stolen in FL.
It seemed that it would have helped greatly if I would have been able to present some sort of past registration. This is where it would seem the Vermont route could be helpful.
In my case, the DMV was unable to find any record of the bike having been registered ever in the nation. Because of that I had to fill out an additional form for an original title. So now I am the first official owner of my 28K mile 1976 Honda. Go figure...
Although it took me 3 trips, the first trip was a waste of 2 hours but on the 2nd and 3rd trips I found very helpful DMV employees who were willing to take a little time to work through the issues. Being friendly, smiley and expressing much appreciation for their hard work helps too.
Good Luck All!!!
I presented a Bill of Sale (form available on the FL DMV website), a notarized VIN verification (form available on the FL DMV website), and a notarized affidavit signed by the SELLER defending the title against all claims.
The affidavit was just something simple I typed up and it read "I, name, the owner of 19XX Make Motorcycle, VIN #XYZ, will defend the title to this vehicle against all claims." Then signed by the seller and notarized.
In FL there are two statutes that apply. I took copies of both in with me. #319.23 2.c. & 320.086 2.a.
There is also a page in the DMV website that will do a title search on a VIN (within FL records). That may at least help rule out a bike stolen in FL.
It seemed that it would have helped greatly if I would have been able to present some sort of past registration. This is where it would seem the Vermont route could be helpful.
In my case, the DMV was unable to find any record of the bike having been registered ever in the nation. Because of that I had to fill out an additional form for an original title. So now I am the first official owner of my 28K mile 1976 Honda. Go figure...
Although it took me 3 trips, the first trip was a waste of 2 hours but on the 2nd and 3rd trips I found very helpful DMV employees who were willing to take a little time to work through the issues. Being friendly, smiley and expressing much appreciation for their hard work helps too.
Good Luck All!!!
