It is now 2023, and our company has been providing car title services for almost 20 years. We offer title services to dealerships, auctions, lien holders, and consumers. Frequently, we are asked what the best course of action is for obtaining a title in a difficult and complex situation.
If the title process is straightforward, a bonded title may be sufficient. Alternatively, some people opt for the Vermont loophole, which we do not recommend. Another option is to obtain a duplicate title. However, what is the best solution if you are facing a challenging title problem? This question often arises from dealerships that have taken a trade-in with title complications or from consumers with unpaid liens on their vehicle or title records.
Fortunately, there are three methods that can be used to solve even the most difficult title problems. Let’s take a closer look at each of these methods.
As you learn about these methods, you may find some aspects you don’t like. That’s understandable, but if you don’t solve your title problem, you won’t be able to obtain a title. Titles are legal government documents that can only be issued by a government agency. You cannot purchase one from a company or download one online. The government will not give you a title simply because you request one or have a bill of sale. If there is an issue with your title, you must resolve it before the government can issue you a new one. The DMV or Department of Transportation in your state is responsible for issuing titles, but they can’t provide you with one based solely on your request. You must provide proper documentation, and your request will be denied if you don’t have it. The following methods can help you resolve title problems.
The first method we recommend for resolving title problems is to obtain the signature of the prior owner or lien holder. If you have a block on your title due to a previous owner or lien holder appearing in the system, you must have them sign a single form, and you’re good to go. However, it’s important to note that only the person listed on the title record can sign the form.
Do not simply ask them to sign the form or remove the lien to obtain their signature. This approach is unlikely to be successful because they have other things to do in their life. Instead, make it easy for them by filling out the form and preparing all the necessary documents. Mail everything to them in an old-fashioned envelope with an arrow sticker indicating where they should sign. Include a return envelope with your name, address, and a stamp.
By doing this, all they need to do is sign their name, place the form in the return envelope, and drop it in the mailbox. If you take this approach, your chances of resolving the title problem are good.
Most people are willing to help solve your title problem, but you need to make it easy for them. If you start making demands, cop an attitude, or call them instead of sending the required documents in the mail, your request will likely be rejected.
Put yourself in their shoes: if someone called you out of the blue and demanded that you fix their title problem, you would probably be reluctant to help. Instead, take the time to do the work for them. Fill out the form, include a professional letter, and send everything in an envelope. This approach is less intrusive and more likely to elicit a positive response.
In the letter, explain that you are trying to remove the car from their name to eliminate any liability for them. Most people are willing to help if they understand that you are looking out for their best interests. However, it’s important to note that this method may not always work. They might throw away the letter or not want to help you for other reasons.
The second method is to obtain a court order title, which may sound complicated, but it’s not as complicated as living without a title. The truth is, the title will not magically appear on your desk one day, so it’s essential to take action.
To obtain a court order title, you need to file three forms with the court in the county where you reside. You do not need to travel to other states like Vermont. The forms you need to file are a petition for ownership, a letter of non-interest, and an affidavit of facts. Once you have signed the forms, you need to submit them to the local court in your county, where they will give you a date for the hearing.
After you submit the forms, the court may ask you to provide additional documents, such as a copy of your license, a bill of sale, or a receipt. While this process may seem complicated, it is a viable option for obtaining a court order title.
Assuming that the vehicle is legitimate, with no liens, salvage, back taxes, or other issues, and you are not trying to do anything underhanded, obtaining a court order title will result in a judgment of ownership that legally makes you the vehicle’s owner.
This judgment of ownership allows you to go over the DMV’s head and obtain a title by presenting the document to the DMV directly. However, some people may feel that they shouldn’t have to go to these lengths to obtain a title, and that’s understandable.
But the truth is, you will not have a title until you take action to solve the problem. Obtaining a court order title is not as difficult as it may seem, and it is a viable option for those who are struggling to obtain a title through traditional means.
Many people wonder if they need an attorney to obtain a court order title. The truth is, you do not need an attorney, and our website provides instructions on how to obtain one. You won’t even need to go to court most of the time. In fact, courts try to avoid having people come in as much as possible, even in full-blown divorce cases or lawsuits. They prefer mediation, negotiation, or arbitration to avoid clogging up their courtroom.
If you have a simple case like a court order title, the court will try to handle everything remotely, but sometimes, they may ask you to come in to pick up your judgment or swear under oath that you are making true statements.
Don’t overlook the court process as a way to bypass the aggravation and runaround you get from the DMV. You can short-circuit the DMV process by going through the court process, which is straightforward and easy to understand.
The third method is to obtain a surety bond title. Some people may hesitate to use this option because they think it costs too much or won’t get a title for three years. However, the process is usually streamlined in most states. While there are a few hoops to jump through, our website provides instructions on filling out the necessary forms and signing the required affidavits.
The surety bond cost is not excessive, usually only costing around $100 or $200, depending on the car’s value. After submitting the forms and affidavits to the state, you will receive a bonded title that allows you to move forward.
It’s important to note that not every state allows for surety bond titles, with around 14 states not offering this option. It may be worth considering if you live in a state that allows for surety bond titles. These are the three methods we recommend for resolving difficult title situations.
Some people ask if they can use the Vermont loophole, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. This method requires dealing with Vermont and your home state, which can be complicated. First, you must get paperwork from Vermont and then hope your state accepts it.
Another issue with this method is the high sales tax charged by Vermont, which is 6% of the book value, not the sale price or the car’s condition. This means that even for a car worth $12,000 or $13,000, you could end up paying close to $1,000 in sales tax. It doesn’t matter what you think the car is worth; it’s the book value that counts. Even classic or older cars have a book value of nearly $10,000.
If you decide to use this method, you must also pay registration fees to Vermont and your home state. Moreover, you will need to bring the out-of-state vehicle to your home state, which might require an inspection. Overall, the Vermont loophole is not as simple as it appears and can be costly and time-consuming.
It’s essential to understand that you can’t use the Vermont license plate on your car and drive around with it, as it’s invalid. While it may be a valid plate and registration for you, it’s not valid for use in your state as a resident. You’re required to register your car in your state, so don’t use it to evade inspection or for any illegal purposes. If you do, you could get into serious trouble and end up spending more money in the long run. In fact, many people have their cars towed for misusing the Vermont plates. It’s important to use the Vermont loophole for its intended purpose and not to try to get out of anything in your state, such as a smog inspection.
It’s important to note that claiming an abandoned vehicle is not a “finders keepers” situation in most states. Just because you find a vehicle that appears to have been abandoned, it doesn’t mean you automatically get to keep it. In fact, most of the time, what people consider abandoned is not actually abandoned. If someone sold the vehicle to you or allowed you to store it, it’s not abandoned. The term “abandoned” usually means that nobody wants the vehicle and has been left unclaimed for a long time. If you file paperwork claiming an abandoned vehicle, the state might seize it and auction it off. This would void your claim to the vehicle. If you have a bill of sale or proof of proper transfer, don’t claim the vehicle as abandoned, as you might be waiving your rights to it. So, it’s essential to be very cautious about abandoned vehicles.
Another issue that may arise is a mechanic’s lien. If you are a licensed automotive facility, you can place a mechanic’s lien on a vehicle. However, you must have a repair order signed by the owner, legitimate repair bills, and proper documentation. It’s important to have a license to do business; with one, you can file a mechanic’s lien. Don’t be tempted to use a friend’s license to do it, as it will eventually be caught. The DMV audits mechanic’s liens to catch fraudulent activity. They will revoke the title and hold the person accountable if they discover that the lien was illegitimate. You can also opt for a civil lien instead.
Alternatively, a civilian can claim vehicle ownership through a civil lien, essentially a court order title. This process is actually easier than a mechanic’s lien and involves submitting a court order to claim ownership. It’s important to note that these civil liens must be legitimate and not fraudulent, as the DMV is aware of the potential for fraud and may take action against illegitimate claims.
Overall, a court order title or civil lien is a good alternative to a mechanic’s lien and may save time and effort, as there are fewer requirements to satisfy.
We provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. You can do it yourself or choose to use our services to assist you with your title. If you order from us, we recommend that you take the time to read through the process to understand exactly how your title will be obtained. You don’t have to use our services, but if you do, you should know how your title will be produced. It’s important to avoid surprises when you are hiring someone to get your title for you.
Remember that you can do all of these methods yourself for free, without having to pay anyone to get a title. If applicable, you only need to pay the state the necessary title fees and taxes. No title company, including us, has any special authority or ability to do something that you can’t do yourself. While we may know methods and information you might not be aware of, we can’t do anything magical or extraordinary. So, keep in mind that a title company cannot get you a title by doing something that you couldn’t do on your own. It might be convenient to pay someone to handle the process for you, but no extra authority is involved.
For additional information and assistance, order your title document preparation service, visit our YouTube channel for step-by-step instructions, schedule a vehicle title consultation with one of our title experts, or email our help desk at [email protected].
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Order Vermont Title LoopholeOrder Deceased Owner Title TransferOrder Bonded Title ProcessOrder Abandoned Vehicle ProcessOrder Prior Owner ContactOrder Lien Release Request LetterPGlmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vYXBwLmFjdWl0eXNjaGVkdWxpbmcuY29tL3NjaGVkdWxlLnBocD9vd25lcj0xOTQ4ODEyNiZhcHBvaW50bWVudFR5cGU9MjMwNjY0MTAiIHRpdGxlPSJTY2hlZHVsZSBBcHBvaW50bWVudCIgd2lkdGg9IjEwMCUiIGhlaWdodD0iODAwIiBmcmFtZUJvcmRlcj0iMCI+PC9pZnJhbWU+PHNjcmlwdCBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vZW1iZWQuYWN1aXR5c2NoZWR1bGluZy5jb20vanMvZW1iZWQuanMiIHR5cGU9InRleHQvamF2YXNjcmlwdCI+PC9zY3JpcHQ+
A common question we get is whether you can obtain a title or registration for a mini truck or minivan from Japan, as these vehicles are popular for their affordability and uniqueness. The issue is whether there will be problems with title or registration or if they already exist. To understand the rules and laws, let’s examine what is required for successful registration or title and whether rejection is possible.
The short answer is that different states have different rules for registering or titling mini trucks and minivans from Japan. This variation in rules is due to the federal government’s requirement for on-highway use vehicles to meet specific criteria, such as maximum speeds, even though they allow these vehicles to be imported. It is important to note that because they can be imported, it does not automatically make them legal for all roads.
Remember, the rule that allows the exemption for the import of 25-year-old vehicles is HR 2628, which has an exemption for vehicles that do not conform to federal standards. These vehicles are allowed into the United States if they comply with certain conditions and record-keeping requirements. However, it is important to note that the exemption only allows for import into the US and does not automatically mean that the vehicle can be titled in any state. The exemption only allows for the import of the vehicle; it does not automatically result in it being registered or titled.
If you look at the rules in some states, such as Pennsylvania, the official titling division of the state, PennDOT, only allows registration of a mini truck in one of the following ways: an off-road title. This type of title has a one-time fee and allows the vehicle to be operated on private property, not public roadways. There is also a farm exemption, which allows the vehicle to be used as a farm vehicle with incidental road use, such as driving from one farm to another, but not for daily use. It should be noted that the farm exemption is only for occasional transportation and not for general, daily transportation.
So, here’s the thing: Most states generally follow this rule. Some states, such as Maine and Rhode Island, are revoking titles for mini trucks. For example, in Pennsylvania, these vehicles are legally brought into the US under the 25-year import law. Still, Maine has been de-registering these vehicles and informing registered owners that their Japanese rides can no longer be driven on public roads, and they should turn in their license plates. Rhode Island did the same thing. There is an example of one person who had their registration revoked because these vehicles are not eligible for use on most roads. They are only eligible for side roads, but they cannot be taken on the interstate.
So, part of the problem with these vehicles is obtaining ownership documents and navigating the customs and import procedures. Another issue is their eligibility for use on the road, particularly in the state of Arizona, where they aim to create a new classification called a “venture truck,” also known as a mini truck or K-class. This definition requires the vehicle to be used solely for off-highway, off-road recreational purposes, with only one person in the vehicle attached to the permanent seat. It is also prohibited from carrying any other person and operating at speeds greater than 25 miles per hour.
Even in states where these vehicles are allowed, there are many restrictions. For example, they cannot be taken on highways or driven at speeds greater than 25 miles per hour. So, if you have one of these vehicles, it is essential to understand the limitations and restrictions in your state.
Well, you may find that you may be able to get a title application through your state for the time being. However, the pressure is coming down on the DMVs from the federal government to deregister these vehicles. So, what we would recommend is, if you have one that you need to get titled, check with your state, first of all, to see if they’re going to title it at all. Some states just flat-out won’t do it. If they will do it, or you can convince them to, you might want to ask if there are any plans in the works to take it off the road. There are states that are in the process of changing their laws right now, even though it’s allowable today to keep these vehicles on the road. And you might want to know that even if you title it, register it, and pay the fees, it might still come off the road in a year or two. So, you might want to act now and not plan on a long-term future for the vehicle. Some people just want to sell them.
The increasing number of states pulling mini trucks off the road is causing a rise in their availability at low prices. While some states may provide temporary exemptions, it’s clear that the trend is towards deregistering these vehicles. The DMV commissioners of many states want these cars off the road. Even in the states that allow it, additional requirements include special paperwork, an affidavit for no proof of ownership, and a mandatory physical inspection. Considering these factors before investing in a mini truck is essential, as their future on the road is uncertain.
The question of registering a vehicle in another state often arises. The answer is both yes and no. Most states require the person to be a state resident to get a title or registration. If you don’t live in the state and don’t have a driver’s license from that state, most states won’t grant a title. Vermont is one state that allows out-of-state registration, but their records for mini trucks are inconsistent. It will likely be rejected if you just submit an application for a mini truck. However, if you formally request the commissioner and bring the vehicle to Vermont for inspection, some clients have been successful.
It’s important to note that law enforcement agents may be aware of these loopholes if you don’t live in Vermont and drive around with Vermont plates in another state. They will stop you if they see that you have a license from your home state and the vehicle is registered elsewhere, even if it’s ineligible in your state. This could result in your vehicle being seized, towed, and impounded.
So, before you embark on registering a Japanese mini truck or any gray market vehicle, it is important to get definitive answers. Do not rely on information from a web forum or discussion board. There is a lot of misinformation online, and some people may not be knowledgeable about the topic. Avoid basing your plans on what you read online, as it may not be accurate. Instead, get the information directly from a reliable source, such as your local titling division, and obtain documentation.
Most states don’t want Japanese mini trucks on the road. They either reject them outright or make the regulations highly restrictive. Despite some states currently allowing them, more and more states are revoking their titles every few months, as seen in the case of Maine and Rhode Island in 2021. If you only plan to drive one of these vehicles for a few years, it’s fine to go ahead and do so, but keep in mind that it’s just a matter of time before your title and registration may be pulled.
There are many reasons why you may need to obtain a copy of your car title. If your car title was lost, damaged, stolen, or mutilated, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible. However, it’s essential to know that when a copy of a car title is issued, it is known as a duplicate title and becomes the active title. Once this duplicate title is printed, the old title is now invalid. A duplicate title is an exact copy of the certificate of title on file, and not everyone is eligible to get one. The only person(s) that are entitled to apply for a duplicate title is the current titleholder and the person whose name appears on the face of the title.
To get a copy of your car title, the process may vary depending on the state, but generally, this is how it works:
Duplicate titles are only issued from the state where the vehicle was last titled. If you’ve moved since you last titled your car, you must apply for a duplicate title with your former state of residence. The good news is that most of the time, duplicate title applications can be done by mail as long as all the necessary information and signatures are present.
All states have a duplicate title process for vehicles, but each has a slightly different form. Locate the form for your state, complete it in its entirety, have it notarized if needed, and mail it along with the duplicate title fees for your state to your state’s DMV. If your vehicle previously had a loan that has not been removed, you’ll also need to provide a lien release from your lender. Ensure all signatures are correct and visible on the application; if there is more than one owner, all owners must sign the duplicate title application.
Before mailing, make a photocopy of the documents you are sending. You won’t be able to use them for any official process, but it will be helpful to reference in the event that your DMV has any questions.
If your application is accepted, the DMV in your state will mail you your new title typically within 4-6 weeks. If there are problems with your application, a DMV agent will contact you directly by phone, email, or mail, as stated on the state application.
In conclusion, getting a copy of your car title is known as the duplicate title process and can only be done by the current titled owner of the vehicle. Make sure to gather all necessary information and documents for the DMV and make a photocopy for your own reference if needed. If it’s your car, you deserve a title in your name.
If you look far and long enough, you’ll find several places and websites to purchase a VIN plate. In some cases, you’ll find actual VIN plates removed from a vehicle. Sometimes the VIN plate will come with a piece of the cowling; sometimes it’ll come with the rivets and a title. However, just because it’s available, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to purchase and use on your vehicle.
Before you decide to do this, you’ll need to be aware of the federal laws surrounding VIN plates and VIN tampering. Oftentimes the reason someone wants to buy a VIN plate is to get around a permanent title brand, such as parts-only or a salvage title and they’re wanting to get it switched to a clean title without going through the bureaucratic steps. In most cases, when it comes to changing or removing VIN plates, what you’re intending to do might accidentally be a federal crime.
This crime is evidenced in 18 U.S. Code § 511 – Altering or removing motor vehicle identification numbers, and states the following:
“a) A person who—1) Knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters an identification number for a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part; or 2) with intent to further the theft of a motor vehicle, knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters a decal or device affixed to a motor vehicle pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Prevention Act, shall be fined under this title imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.”
It’s crucial to understand that the VIN is integral to the car. It’s what identifies the vehicle as the legal entity that it is; and if you start switching VINs, it’s almost like identity theft but for cars. You can’t put a Ford VIN on a Toyota and call it a Toyota. That VIN will always be a Ford VIN. When you start switching VINs to hide a title brand, it’s like trying to hide a criminal background. If you’re using a VIN switch to erase a brand or a lien or avoid inspection, that’s a federal crime.
Even though the federal statute clearly states that it’s a crime to remove a VIN plate, certain entities are authorized to do it.
According to 18 U.S. Code § 511 subsection (b), the following entities subsection (a) does not apply to the following unless the vehicle or part is stolen:
“(A) a motor vehicle scrap processor or a motor vehicle demolisher who complies with applicable State law with respect to such vehicle or part;
(B) a person who repairs such vehicle or part, if the removal, obliteration, tampering, or alteration is reasonably necessary for the repair;
(C) a person who restores or replaces an identification number for such vehicle or part in accordance with applicable State law; and
(D) a person who removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters a decal or device affixed to a motor vehicle pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act, if that person is the owner of the motor vehicle, or is authorized to remove, obliterate, tamper with or alter the decal or device by—
(i) the owner or his authorized agent;
(ii )applicable State or local law; or
(iii) regulations promulgated by the Attorney General to implement the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act.”
Most states require that if you’re going to take a VIN plate off for repair you notify the state police before doing so. You’ll have to have the vehicle inspected before taking the VIN plate off, then inspected again after it’s put back on. They want to make sure you’re not taking a stolen car and putting a clean VIN on it because that defeats the whole purpose of a VIN in the first place. If your VIN plate is damaged, missing, or destroyed and you need to get a new one, you may be able to apply for a new VIN assignment through your state’s DMV.
The short answer is it may be tempting to buy a title and a VIN plate online, slap it on your car and call your title problems solved, but the problem is that it’s a federal crime that the FBI typically investigates. There are people who are serving prison time for this, not county jail time. The DOJ does not take VIN tampering lightly. Any signs of VIN tampering will set off alarm bells when it’s time to title and register your vehicle. And if they find that your VIN has been tampered with, such as scratches or screws instead of rivets, there will be a whole mess of legal problems.
Police offers are trained to look for tampered VIN plates. Every time they pull someone over, they look at the VIN plate. Not just to see the numbers but to look at the tamper-proof rivets and see if they’re scratched, the VIN plate is crooked, or anything else that may indicate that the VIN has been tampered with.
Even if you’re just taking the VIN plate off to paint the firewall correctly, with no foul intentions, just cosmetic to the vehicle, and it’s put back improperly, now your ownership is in jeopardy. VIN plates are crucial to the identity of the vehicle. If you have questions, consider contacting an attorney who specializes in automotive law. We are not lawyers and this is not legal advice.
If you’re considering using the Vermont title loophole to obtain proof of ownership for your vehicle, ensure your vehicle is eligible for this process. When using this title recovery method, the vehicle’s year, physical condition, and insurance are all factors to consider before filing.
Vermont is a non-titling jurisdiction and does not produce title certificates for vehicles that are 15 years old or older. When a vehicle that is 15 years old or older applies for title and registration, they receive a registration that is the state’s equivalent to a title and serves as proof of ownership. If your vehicle is less than 15 years old, this method of title recovery will not work.
If your vehicle is in parts, disassembled, missing proper equipment, not operable, or otherwise not in good mechanical condition, it is not eligible to be registered in Vermont. On the Vermont Registration Tax & Title Application (VD-119), the first line of the agreement states, “The owner certifies that this vehicle 1) is properly equipped and in good mechanical condition….” By signing this form, you swear under oath that the vehicle is properly equipped and in good mechanical condition. otherwise, the application is invalid, and you can be legally penalized.
Often, people try to make the application anyway. However, they’ll run into problems when paying sales tax. Vermont calculates the sales tax owed based on the NADA book value of the vehicle in complete working condition. If the vehicle is in parts, the owner will try to get the value lowered by sending in pictures of the vehicle or contacting the Vermont DMV directly. In these cases, the Vermont DMV will thank them for clarifying the vehicle’s condition and cancel the registration application. Sometimes the application can be redone after the vehicle has been assembled and inspected by an authorized agent in Vermont, but that invalidates the point of not having to go to Vermont in the first place. If your vehicle is not properly equipped and in good mechanical condition, the Vermont DMV will not accept your application.
When applying for registration in Vermont, you must have liability insurance for the vehicle. Again, at the bottom of the VD-119 form, you’re signing under penalty of perjury that you have liability insurance. If it comes back that you didn’t have this insurance but you signed that you did, your registration can be revoked.
If you’re trying to register a project car or a car in parts, the Vermont title loophole is not a method available to obtain a title. Remember, the Vermont process is only one way out of many ways to get a title and isn’t always the best method for every situation. Before looking at this process, consider another method of title recovery that may be more direct.
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