How difficult is it to get a title?

Murphsmom wrote:
We have an opportunity to buy my ideal old travel trailer. It is a 1970 Aristocrat Lo-Liner with the L shaped kitchen. My biggest concern is that the seller does not have the title, but says he will sell with a bill of sale only. He says it was registered about ten years ago, as far as he knows. Is it difficult to get one of these oldie but goodies titled? Do we just do a title search using the VIN number?

Before exchanging money on the deal you really NEED to go directly to your LOCAL DMV to get the full (and correct) details on YOUR STATE.

Titling varies considerably between states so you must check with your DMV.

Most states do not keep track VIN numbers after so long, especially if it has not been registered for many years. So on a 1970 trailer that has not been registered for at least ten years a search may not come up with anything.

Just be forewarned in many states it is nearly impossible to get a new or replacement title if no old title can be found. In those states (like PA) a "Bill of Sale" is worthless and makes the trailer impossible to tow on the road legally.

The only way to get a "Bill of Sale" trailer titled in PA is if you go through the hassle of a "home built" trailer. You would have to claim you bought the trailer (Bill of Sale) then modify it enough to make the "brand" unidentifiable (sort of customizing the exterior making any logos/name go away).

Then pictures of all four sides need taken, drag it to an inspection mechanic who then fills out the required forms, then you pay the mechanic and the state their fees.

Then the mechanic sends the paperwork to Harrisburg and you wait and hope it goes through cleanly.

If it doesn't then you are back to a paperweight (wasting the money in fees).

If it does go through then you get a "Special Construction" title with no manufacturer name or date on the title and a new VIN.

Process can take several months to complete if all is well.

That is why I would highly recommend you find out directly from your DMV first.

Personally I would run from buying a lost title trailer or vehicle..

Agree on the VIN# and contacting the DMV. Does he have any Bill of Sale from the previous owner? Any paperwork?? Instead of spending time wheel-spinning, I'd go straight to DMV and get the true info.

It varies greatly from state to state. Make sure you can find the VIN number - probably stamped on the tongue someplace. Without an identifiable VIN, in most states your only option is to register & title it as home made, which can be quite a game.

Once you know you have the VIN check with the DMV. On a modern vehicle, it can be a huge PIA, but a lot of states are pretty lenient on older trailers. We just registered a '63 in NY with no title. NY didn't issue titles until 1973, so even though we got it out of PA with only a bill of sale, they made us fill out a couple forms and handed us plates and registration.

For sure - research this in Idaho before you buy. Vintage trailers are super cool, but if you can't register it, you're in trouble.

Easiest way is for the "legal titled owner" to request a duplicate title.

Does it have a VIN number?
I think I'd get that number, then go to DMV and ask about ownership. Explain that someone is trying to sell this TT to you, and they don't have a title. You want to make sure that it is really theirs to sell, and what do you need to register/title the trailer?
I know that DMV gets a bad rep, but I'm pretty sure that they would be willing to help you.

Good luck

Maybe check with your state DMV to see if it needs a title or if a replacement title can be had.

Does it have any license plate on it ? Idaho or otherwise ?

He says it was registered, as far as he knows. Would it have been him that registered it or someone else ?

How did he come to own it?