How difficult is it to get a title?

The state of Maine will register a travel trailer to a non-resident. If it's older than 15 years or weighs less than 3000 lbs. they do not issue a title. You pay sales tax of 5.5%, fill out paper work that is notarized, and provide a bill of sale. You get a license plate and a paper the is an official "State of Maine Vehicle Registration". Check online with Haskell Registration Agency.

I am currently looking to purchase a 14' jon boat to modify for shallow water. I won't even purchase a "deal", under $300, hull with out a title. Why would you want to spend any of your money on an item that you may not end up legally owning. Imagine the worst case scenario. You finish restoring this gem and the titled owner shows up. You lose your trailer because most states do not care about your investment in someone else's property. If the seller gets the title buy it. If not I would advise you not to buy it. Let the seller deal with the hassle of the missing title but offer to add the fees he pays to your purchase offer. Make sure you place a limit in writing on what you will reimburse towards the fees.
Randy

You need to find out for Idaho, specifically, as it varies from state to state. Does Idaho title trailers?

If you buy a TT from someone in Oklahoma, it will not have a title because Oklahoma does not issue titles for trailers. We don't even have to tag them, for private use, but can to avoid hassles going into other states.

This website: DMV says titles are not needed for trailers weighing less than 2000 lbs. But when she went to the DMV with a bill of sale that had the VIN number on it, they gave her a sheaf of papers they said she had to have filled out to establish a "chain of ownership". It is absolutely ludicrous. On another site it says they DO require a title. WI doesnt require a title or a license plate on trailers less than 3000 lbs.

This is all messed up.

Contact your local DMV.
There should be a form for obtaining a title
if it is missing.

Some states, like here in Ga., Titles are not required in Georgia
for vehicles 1985 and older. GA will not issue one.
All you need is a bill of sale.

Every state is different.

drsolo wrote:
Well in Wisconsin trailers including travel trailers under 3000 lbs dont need to be titled, and dont need any license plates. My friend in Florida wanted a little TT so I found a 1972 Shasta compact and I got the title all right, but it has just been handed off from person to person without being formally filed.

Now in Florida they also dont require titles on TT under 2000 lbs, they just need a bill of sale and a proof of weight to get a license. But my friend didnt do a good search and instead took the title in and the person at the DMV just handed a bunch of stuff for everyone to fill out as if this was a vehicle. I have tried calling the DMV main office without success getting a busy signal all the time.

Anyone have any words of wisdom?

You do realize that you could have started a new thread instead of resurrecting a 4 month old thread?

Sadly "open" titles are not very easily delt with..

Can't say how that works but in many cases the the folks names on the open titles are dead and not much can be done with that end..

Best bet is if your friend has the bill of sale would be to attempt to get a new construction, custom built or reconstructed title. Depending on the hoops that need to be jumped through.

Have your friend check the Florida DMV to get info on how to apply for one of those types of titles.. I am pretty sure the open title is worthless unless you can find away to get a new clear title from the state it came from..

The problems your friend is having is why I would not consider anything without a properly transferable title..

Every state has its own rules regarding titles, old vehicles, and procedures to get a title,if one is even required.

You would be better served asking your question to the authorities in your state that registers vehicles and issues titles.

I dont know if the last owner of record is alive much less where that person might be. In Wisconsin titles do not have to filed because under 3k lb TT dont need license plates.

Turns out I was wrong the bill of sale and weight is for new trailers. Sheesh.

It's pretty straightforward for the last owner of record to get a replacement title in most locations. Usually just filling out a form, presenting ID, paying the fee, and waiting a few weeks.

Alternately, you might be able to get a salvage title with just the bill of sale in some places. This might require a road-worthiness inspection before you can get it licensed.

Well in Wisconsin trailers including travel trailers under 3000 lbs dont need to be titled, and dont need any license plates. My friend in Florida wanted a little TT so I found a 1972 Shasta compact and I got the title all right, but it has just been handed off from person to person without being formally filed.

Now in Florida they also dont require titles on TT under 2000 lbs, they just need a bill of sale and a proof of weight to get a license. But my friend didnt do a good search and instead took the title in and the person at the DMV just handed a bunch of stuff for everyone to fill out as if this was a vehicle. I have tried calling the DMV main office without success getting a busy signal all the time.

Anyone have any words of wisdom?