When using the Vermont title loophole, one common mistake applicants make is incorrectly calculating their sales tax amount. The reason for this error often lies in simple misreading and misunderstanding of NADA book values – which can lead to overpaying or underpaying on taxes.
The National Automobile Dealer’s Association (NADA) is the largest publisher of auto market information and provides value references to dealers across the country. The Vermont DMV statutes state that to determine the taxable cost of the vehicle, the applicant must use the NADA clean-trade in value of the vehicle. Other than the clean trade-in value, the NADA also references other values:
Reflects the value of a vehicle in rough condition such as significant mechanical defects, significant repairs required to restore reasonable operable condition, cosmetic damage that has considerable damage, or the vehicle will need significant repairs before resale.
Reflects the value of a vehicle in average condition. The vehicle is mechanically sound but has imperfections that need to be repaired before passing all necessary inspections. The vehicle has a clean title history but will need some repair/servicing before resale.
Reflects the value of the vehicle in clean condition. The vehicle has no mechanical defects and would easily pass all necessary inspections. The vehicle may have minor surface scratches and the interior has minimal soiling with all internal parks working. The vehicle has a clean title history and has minimal adjustments needed before resale.
Reflects the value of the vehicle in clean condition. The vehicle has no mechanical defects and would easily pass all necessary inspections. The vehicle may have minor surface scratches and the interior has minimal soiling with all internal parks working. The vehicle has a clean title history and no additional repairs or adjustments are needed before sale.
The NADA also states regarding each value definition, “Because individual vehicle condition varies greatly, users of NADAguides.com may need to make independent adjustments for actual vehicle condition”. Reference to valuation definitions as defined by the NADA found here
Once you’ve determined your NADA book value, you will use that figure to calculate the sales tax owed. Sales tax is always due at the time of registration. Calculating the amount of sales tax for using the Vermont title loophole can be done using this formula:
Formula: (NADA value) x (6%) = Sales Tax Due
Example: $5,000 value x 6% sales tax = $300 sales tax owed
If your sales tax is calculated incorrectly, it’s very likely that your application will be rejected. If it’s not rejected, but the sales tax amount is too low, you’ll receive a revised invoice for the remaining balance within 15 days. Your application will be refused by the Vermont DMV if you send in your application without the proper sales tax and registration fee. By submitting the application for title, you are providing evidence that you are liable for paying sales tax.
If your car’s value is significantly different from the book value due to damages or other conditions, an appraisal may be to your benefit. However, it’s important to consider the costs that will be incurred by the appraisal process. If the appraiser charges $400 but saves you $400 in taxes, you didn’t really save any money on the transaction. You won’t know how much you’ll save until the appraisal is complete and the appraiser still charges even if they bring down the value of the vehicle. We only recommend using the appraisal process if you have a very high-value vehicle or you have reason to believe that there is a significant difference between the book value and your vehicle’s value. Remember, you cannot register a parts-only vehicle using the Vermont title loophole. If the vehicle’s value is low due to it being mechanically inoperable, it is ineligible for this process.
An appraisal must be done by an approved Vermont licensed dealer and accompanied by the Vermont Dealer Appraisal Form. If you paid taxes and want to request a refund, you can send in a referral within 30 days of your payment. If you reside outside of Vermont, finding a licensed Vermont dealer could be a problem. However, there are many appraisers in other states who have nationwide appraisers licenses. Appraisers often travel to various states to appraise vehicles in specific situations so many are licensed nationally. Some states also have appraisal licenses that have reciprocity in Vermont.
The Vermont statutes are clear to use the NADA or comparable publication to determine the book value. If you can show that a particular book has more sales data that goes into a particular value than NADA, you may be able to use this alternate book value instead. If you want to make sure that your application gets processed the first time, use the NADA value. Don’t arbitrarily pick a low book or low value, your application will be rejected and you could face issues with the Vermont DMV. When submitting your application, always include a copy of the page of the book used for your valuation. If you feel that your book value is incorrect, contact an appraiser to discuss your options. Don’t write a letter to the Vermont DMV or call them to discuss the value, the Vermont DMV will only take the appraiser’s opinion of value as valid.
The Vermont title loophole is a great way for drivers to title their vehicle that is 15 years old or older. When pursuing this method to obtain a title, make sure to properly calculate your sales tax. Looking for more tips on using the Vermont title loophole? Check out this article listing the Top 5 Tips for Success Using the Vermont Title Loophole. For assistance with your paperwork, and to get started with this process, click here!
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The Vermont VIN verification process is an essential part of the Vermont title loophole. However, this step is commonly missed by most applicants. The VIN verification requirement was temporarily suspended for most vehicles, excluding motorcycles, during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the Vermont DMV has been increasingly requiring a VIN verification again as a requirement for the Vermont title loophole. If you’re looking to title your vehicle using the Vermont title loophole, learning the requirements of a Vermont VIN verification can help save significant time in the process.
A VIN (vehicle identification number) is a specific 17-character string of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies a specific vehicle. Every car has its own VIN, no two cars are exactly alike. The VIN is assigned to the vehicle when it’s manufactured. The VIN is typically stamped on a metal tag and is often located on the driver’s side of the dash, the door jamb, or under the hood. Most VINs are 17-characters, but this only began in 1981. Some vehicles manufactured before 1981 have a shorter 11-character VIN. This change in regulation grandfathered in vehicles pre-1981 and allows for those vehicles to still be titled, along with certain other vehicles with varying VIN length such as certain import vehicles.
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A VIN verification is a very important process that verifies that the VIN listed on a vehicle title is the same VIN listed on the physical vehicle. Many states have adopted a VIN verification policy when titling vehicles and this process is taken very seriously. The VIN verification can only be done by authorized individuals such as a DMV investigator, law enforcement, or another authorized agency. The reason that Vermont requires a VIN verification for the Vermont title loophole is that the vehicle is not required to physically be in Vermont. This means if the VIN wasn’t verified, the applicant can put any VIN on the official application and get a title for any vehicle. The VIN verification is put in place to protect the applicant and the DMV from fraudulent titles.
A VIN verification is an official process that involves a government official or representative inspecting the VIN of your vehicle for accuracy. If your application requires a VIN verification, this is not something that can be done online. It must be done in person with an authorized state agent.
A VIN check is a more informal process that involves checking your VIN against the NMVTIS database. Typically a VIN check is performed before purchasing a vehicle to ensure the vehicle has is not junk, salvage, non-repairable, or another permanent title brand. Both a VIN verification and a VIN check can reveal the same and similar findings, but a VIN verification requires the assistance of a government agent.
The NMVTIS is a database that contains information about salvage, junk, and other damage-titled vehicles. Vehicles in this database are not eligible for a title because they have received a title brand such as salvage or junk which deems them inoperable for use. The database is designed to protect consumers by allowing them to check the history of the vehicle they are intending to purchase or have already purchased.
The Vermont VIN verification for out-of-state residents using the Vermont title loophole has always been a requirement, simply on partial hold due to unprecedented times. As you are completing your application for the Vermont title loophole in 2022, we recommend including a VIN verification just in case. If you are submitting an application for a Vermont motorcycle title, you must complete a VIN verification. The Vermont VIN verification process ensures that the VIN on your title matches the VIN on your vehicle. Performing this step can save you significant time and help you get your Vermont title faster.
The process to get a bonded title in Arizona is typically easier than in most states. A bonded title is a type of title that is obtained using a surety bond when valid ownership documents are not available. If you purchased a car without a title, the prior owner didn’t sign it over to you, or you misplaced the prior title before it could be transferred into your name, you may be able to obtain a bonded title in Arizona.
To begin the process of a bonded title in Arizona, first, download the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) Bonded Title Application Vehicle (form 40-1001). Before proceeding with any other step of this process, you must first have your vehicle inspected by a certified inspector at an MVD field office, authorized third party, or law enforcement agency. This step inspects the printed vehicle identification number (VIN) to ensure it matches the VIN that is stamped on the inside of the vehicle. Depending on your vehicle or situation, your vehicle may be subject to additional inspection.
Bonded titles are a very common type of title designation. However, a bonded title is not the ideal situation according to the DMV. A bonded title is a form of title recovery, meaning something happened to that original vehicle title and ADOT wants to know what happened to it. In this section of your application, you will be required to provide an explanation of why you don’t have valid ownership documents or the prior title and why you are requesting to receive a bonded title. ADOT provides a few possible reasons for filing for a bonded title:
If none of those statements are applicable to your title situation, explain your scenario in the “other” section.
Whenever you’re applying for ownership without a prior title or ownership documents, the prior owner and any lienholders with security interests on the vehicle must be notified. As the applicant, it is your responsibility to contact the prior owner for valid title documentation and the lienholder for lien release if applicable. To request this information, you must submit a Motor Vehicle Record Request (form 46-4116), This form must be signed and notarized in order to be accepted by ADOT. This step is needed to ensure that there are no outstanding security interests on the vehicle that ADOT should be aware of before continuing the bonded title process. If there is a lienholder on file that cannot be contacted or a lien release is required but not returned by the lienholder, the bond process stops and becomes a judicial matter.
A surety bond is a financial instrument that protects ADOT in the event that someone else has a security interest in your vehicle. A surety bond, or title bond, is obtained by a bonding company, such as ProBonds.com. The bond amount is required to be 1.5x the average value of the vehicle or trailer.
Average value x 1.5 = Bond amount
$5,000 x 1.5 = $7,500
When purchasing a surety bond, you are not required to pay the bond amount. Most bonds cost a fraction of the bond amount and will typically range from a one-time payment of $100-$150 for most vehicles. The average value of your vehicle can be found using the NADA value or the value from another comparable book.
Once you have the Bonded Title Application completed, your vehicle inspected, applicant affidavit completed, notifications sent via certified mail, and you’ve purchased your surety bond at 1.5x the average value, return with all of these documents to your local MVD to obtain a title. If you wish to also register the vehicle, your vehicle may be subject to additional emissions testing.
If you are missing valid ownership documents and wish to obtain a title in Arizona, consider applying for a bonded title. This type of title designation is not permanent. After a few years, the bonded title designation will be removed from your title. Remember to carefully review your state’s laws and regulations regarding vehicle titles before proceeding with any method of title recovery.
CarTitles.com takes the hassle out of applying for a title for your vehicle. Our team of title experts can help prepare your paperwork for your Arizona bonded title or any other title recovery method provided.
Looking for a quote for your title bond? Get one at ProBonds.com!
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Do you have a lien on your car title or need to obtain a vehicle lien release? The terms lien title and vehicle lien release may seem to have negative connotations, but a lien on a vehicle title is actually extremely common. If you’ve purchased a vehicle with the assistance of a loan from a lender, that lender places a lien on your title until the loan has been paid off in its entirety. A lien is a claim on a property for the security of payment. When a lender loans a borrower (you) money to purchase a vehicle, they want to make sure that they are paid back plus interest. Your lender, also known as your lienholder, will remain printed on the front of your vehicle title until the loan is paid off. A lien on a vehicle title is a cloud on the title that places a hold on the ownership.
Most states are non-title-holding states, meaning that the lienholder will hold the title until the loan is paid off. On the other hand, there are a handful of states that are title-holding states, meaning the title is sent to the vehicle owner with the lienholder and the owner holds the title. Once the loan is paid off on your vehicle, your lender will stamp the title as paid and mail it off to you. However, just because the loan has been paid doesn’t mean that the lender has released the lien. Oftentimes, it is up to you to go through the lien release process and notify the DMV of the satisfied payment.
The easiest way to release a lien from your vehicle title is to contact your lienholder directly and request they email or fax a lien release to you. Your lienholder is the only authorized agent to release the lien from the title. If your lienholder doesn’t reply within 24 hours of your initial request, try contacting them via mail. Research the address of your lienholder along with any other address locations you can find. By certified mail, send your lienholder your state’s lien release request form along with a letter of non-interest. A letter of non-interest is a document that states the lienholder no longer has any interest in pursuing the unpaid loan amount on the vehicle and can be sufficient to release the lien. Make sure to do most of the work before sending out the lien release request and letter of non-interest. Make sure that all portions of the forms are completed in their entirety and notarized if needed. Your lienholder is more likely to return the forms quickly and without issue, if you provide them with the already completed forms only in need of a signature. We recommend including a return envelope with a stamp for added convenience.
When completing a lien release request, make sure that all of the information is correct. Submission of a fraudulent lien release is a felony in most states. For your peace of mind, we can help to professionally prepare your lien release request and contact your lienholder.
If your loan was charged off, meaning the lender wrote off the remainder of your loan payment, this takes the loan out of the financial system. The lender can no longer use it as an asset and no longer have rights to the remaining balance. However, this doesn’t take the lienholder off of the title. If your loan was charged off, you still need to obtain a lien release from your lender.
If you’ve purchased a vehicle with a lien, you should mitigate the lien with the lender. Lien mitigation is when the new owner disputes the lien with the lender. The new owner asks the lender to remove it because they were not the original borrower and they have no obligations to continue paying a loan that is not theirs.
Arizona, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
If you’re buying or selling a car, it’s important to know how to properly transfer a car title from buyer to seller. Not only is this important for the security of the transaction, but if done improperly, the DMV will reject your application for a title transfer. A car title, also known as a vehicle title or certificate of title, is the most important document for a vehicle as it assigns legal ownership. The name of the individual on the front of the car title is the only legal owner of the car in the eyes of the DMV. The title transfer process is meticulous and does not provide any room for error. This article discusses the steps necessary to transfer a car title from buyer to seller, and what you can do if the original title is lost.
The first step to transferring a car title is to obtain the original title from the seller. The seller should also be the prior owner or the prior owner should be present to sign the transfer. The front of the car title should be very detailed and should feature watermarks, background patterns, and scrollwork that are difficult to recreate. The front of the car title is where the current title holder’s name is located, make sure that the person signing over the title to you is the person listed on the car title document. The back of the car title is a form that assigns ownership of the title. To transfer ownership, the prior owner must complete and sign the back of the car title document and give it to you.
The most direct way to obtain a car title is to have it signed over to you by the prior owner. Oftentimes this document is required to be notarized, but not all states have this requirement. The notary verifies that the person transferring the title is the actual printed titleholder and not just someone trying to sell you a car that doesn’t belong to them.
As you and the prior owner are completing the assignment of title, be extremely careful to not make any errors or scratch anything out. Any stray marks, white out, scratch out, or damage to the document will invalidate the entire title. If the title is damaged in any way from a small rip on the corner to water damage, the title is invalid and you will have to proceed with an alternate method of title recovery.
Once you have the previous title signed over to you by the prior owner, take that document to the DMV as soon as possible along with your government-issued photo ID. Most states require that you apply for a title within 30 days of purchasing the vehicle or a late fee will be imposed. At the DMV, you’ll complete an application for title, if your state does not allow for the assignment of title to double as an application. All states require a title fee and most states will require the applicant to pay sales tax on the purchase price or book value of the vehicle. Certain vehicles that are brought from out-of-state may require an additional VIN inspection. Make sure to check the requirements in your state before visiting the DMV.
If you don’t have the prior title or you lost the original title before you were able to take it to the DMV, there still may be methods available to obtain a new title in your name.
This method of title recovery involves contacting the prior owner and asking them to obtain a duplicate title. Remember, if you were not the last printed owner on the title document, you cannot get a duplicate title even if the prior owner assigned you as the new owner, without that original document the duplicate process will not work. If the prior owner obtains a duplicate title, they can then sign over the title to your name again.
A bonded title requires the applicant to obtain a surety bond to back up their claim of ownership. The surety bond is intended to protect the DMV in the instance that there is a dispute of ownership over the vehicle after the bonded title is issued.
If you have a vehicle that is 15 years old or older, you may be able to obtain a title using an out-of-state title method in Vermont. The Vermont title loophole, or Vermont registration, is a process used by non-residents to obtain a title for a vehicle that can be transferred into their state. Vermont is the only state that allows for this and it only applies to vehicles 15 years old or older.
The most direct and secure way to transfer a car title is by having the prior owner sign the title over to you directly. Once you have the signed title transfer in hand, make sure to take that to the DMV as soon as possible to avoid late fees, lost documents, or other avoidable issues. If you lost the original title, it’s damaged, or you never received it in the first place, there are other options available for title recovery. If it’s your car, you deserve a title in your name,
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