How you you handle showing proof of ownership when buying a used dirt bike if the previous owner / seller doesn't have a title?

Doesn't seem many owners title dirt bikes although it's required.

Will just a bill of sale prove ownership?



http://www.dot.state.tx.us/drivers_vehicles/vehicle_registration/faqs.htm

Must I register/title my ATV or my off-highway use vehicle?

All-terrain vehicles (three or more wheels, equipped with a saddle or bench seat, and not designed by the manufacturer for farm or lawn use) are required to be titled, but not registered. Off-highway motorcycles (two or three wheels) are required to be titled, but not registered.

If you're worried about there being a lien on the bike, then only title will satisfy that condition.

If you're worried about it being stolen, if the seller has the MSO then it probably isn't stolen (unless they stole it from their significant other). More common than you'd think.

If the bike was recently purchased in texas then it has to have a title. Out of state buyers or transplants often skip the step of titling to save on the sales tax.

A bill of sale doesn't mean anything to the bank, the guys wife, or the police if there is a lean on it or its stolen. If you want to trade it in to a dealer later they won't take it on a bill of sale either.

If you later want to title the bike you have to have the original purchaser do so with the bill of sale from the dealer. It will be taxed on the amount of the sale. So you'll want to get the original paperwork of the sale.

So either buy from someone you know alot about or just wait for one with a title to come along. If you do get one with a title make sure you register it in your name. It only costs $33 to transfer the title between private parties.

Bought an XR400 over the weekend and got the title transferred today. In my county it was only $28.

Funny how TDOT isn't very clear about this online.

The lady at the tax office wasn't even sure.

Thanks for the info!

So what if you have a bike and no title, and don't have anyway to trace the bike back to the original owner but want to get a title? Is there a way to do that?

I'm sure TxDot has a process for that. I would give them a call and see what they think. There are also some third party title offices that the bike shops use. You might find one in your area and run it past them. They are much more on your side than the state offices, and know a great deal more on how things work. good luck

What you need is a Surety Bond. Your insurance agent probably writes them, or will know who does. I believe you have to take the VIN to the DMV to get proof of a clear title, no matter who's name it is in (about $10). Take this to your bond agent and you'll fill out a form saying you bought this from xxx and are now the rightful owner. The bond price is based on value, but bikes and older cars are usually $100 to $125. This usually only takes 2-3 days. With the bond in hand, you can go to your County Tax Office and get a title. For plates, you will need to make the bike street legal (described elsewhere) and inspected. Do this at the same time, and the new title will be street legal, instead of "Off Road Only".

I've done this before, and will do it again soon for my old Yamaha XT550. Sort of a pain, but worth it if you want to dual sport the bike, for sure!