Did I screw up? Title Issues? Washington

H

Hitchhiker

Senior Member
I recently bought a model a pickup project with title. I bought it from an older man that has owned it since 1951 and the title is in his name and signed. It does not list the serial number on the title, but it does list a motor number. I went to tranfer the title, but the DMV no longer has a record of the title. They made a copy of it, and gave it back to me. They told me the title would need to be "restored" in the system. Basically it hadn't ever been entered into the electronic system. The DMZ lady was actually really helpful and told me to return next week and it should be in the system by then. She didn't really think there was any problem. Does this seem correct? I'm wondering if they are going to spring some paper work BS when I go in again. Did I just get hosed? Am I going to have to get it inspected? Thanks.
 
The motor # is the serial #, and if original the # will match the # stamped on the frame (under the body).

I suspect they have to "try" and find their paper copy in a warehouse, then enter it on the computer. ---that is why they made a copy ---so it would be easy to "find"

Some states are now requiring liftiing of the body to verify the #.
 
I had the engine # as the serial # on mine when I transferred it here in Oly. No problems at all and nice folks. I ended up paying a fine because I took too long to have the title changed.
 
Just decoded the numbers. Engine decodes as 28 Title says 31, so it probably has had the motor changed and the paper work changed to reflect that.
 
Matt, in the worst scenario, what you will have after your truck has a title issued to you is that you have a Title that you can sell to a street rodder after you secure an original title that has a VI number that more closely matches what you are wanting.

.
 
Matt you should get your title Do NOT tell the dmv that the numbers do not match, get the title in your name the number be handled, if you raise a flag in this state you are asking for trouble. John in Auburn
 
You have a title that matches a motor number on your car, good. See what happens with that that should be a good thing, see where that goes. Never sell any paper work that has any number that is on your car. Never sell any paper work that has your name on it, address etc. A title is not your property, like your drivers license or a dollar bill, it is the property of the bureau that issues it. This is what the words non transferable mean. There are some that may argue this point or feel differently about it, that's fine, but the last thing you want to do in the event that you do get pinched is have the documents with your name or vehicle number on it. Besides, if you sell a title with a number that is yours, another will fill out that title, now you and another will have the same numbers, if he has problems they are coming right back to you.
 
The title "restoration" is normal. I went through the same thing with mine in Jersey. The car was last registered in 1980 by my father and in NJ if vehicle is not registered for 8 or 10 years it gets taken out of the system. It just needed to be put back in based on the old title and I was on my way.

Just goes to show how easy it is for someone to screw you out of your VIN# if you leave it untitled too long. Be sure to get the title transferred as soon as you take ownership. Saw a couple stories on the HAMB where people went to go register their vehicle and VIN had already been titled by someone else. What a headache that must be.

Bob NJ
 
My title was 30 years old and I transferred in my name, they also copied and let me keep the old title. The title/motor numbers match but I don't know if frame numbers match and can't believe you're required to pull the body off before you buy a car to find out.
 
Last edited:
Matt, relax - everything is O.K. The DMV isn't looking for problems - why should you.
Just go back next week as instructed and transfer the title. I've done several and never had a problem. Oh by the way, don't feel compelled to point out to them that the motor number is from a '28. They don't understand such things and don't want to know. If you bring it up you will WAY complicate your life. Merry Christmas!
 
Interesting discussion regarding Tiltes/DMV etc. What would the issues be if you dicovered a barn find without a title? How could you acquire and utlimately register?
 
One of the worst trends to ever come along is people buying older, restored cars to pull the body off and make a street rod. They invariably keep the title and sell off the chassis, but the numbers belong to the chassis! What a headache this creates. In Idaho they have title investigators and if you have the piece with the number, you get the title and the guy that kept the body is out of luck. As stated above don't sell off your title. If you do upgrade to a street rod chassis, I'd still keep the old chassis just so I owned the numbers.
 
In Washington State, and I'm sure it varies by state, I took a bill of sale to the DMV and they scheduled a visit from the State Patrol. A trooper came out to my house and checked the frame number and then stamped the frame to show that it had been inspected. She then gave me a verification paper to take back to DMV. DMV registered the vehicle but they don't issue a title until sometime later - 4 years I think. If no one has made a stolen vehicle claim during that time they send out the title. I think you can also put up a bond if you need the title issued right away. I didn't.
 
brum1 said:
Interesting discussion regarding Tiltes/DMV etc. What would the issues be if you dicovered a barn find without a title? How could you acquire and utlimately register?
Click to expand...

Have done it: Worst case, You get a bonded title, if you want the procedure for your state go to your dmv and find out what they require, they offer a kit. There are a couple of threads on here and the HAMB covering this topic. If you see one you like it is best to get a bill of sale on it. Sometimes it is easier to pull a car out of the woods with not a number on it, numbers are history, if it's in the system they can find it. In a non title state they go with registrations, these become the basis establishing the cars history and previous ownership.
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C said:
Matt, in the worst scenario, what you will have after your truck has a title issued to you is that you have a Title that you can sell to a street rodder after you secure an original title that has a VI number that more closely matches what you are wanting.

.
Click to expand...

I'd hate to let a original title go to a street rodder. their are ways that they can title their assemblied vehicles. But I do see your point. thanks.

brum1 said:
Interesting discussion regarding Tiltes/DMV etc. What would the issues be if you dicovered a barn find without a title? How could you acquire and utlimately register?
Click to expand...

In Washington you can apply for a lost or bonded title. You go through state inspection and in 3 years if the original owner doesn't step forward it's yours.

Hotrodster said:
One of the worst trends to ever come along is people buying older, restored cars to pull the body off and make a street rod. They invariably keep the title and sell off the chassis, but the numbers belong to the chassis! What a headache this creates. In Idaho they have title investigators and if you have the piece with the number, you get the title and the guy that kept the body is out of luck. As stated above don't sell off your title. If you do upgrade to a street rod chassis, I'd still keep the old chassis just so I owned the numbers.
Click to expand...

I agree and I personally would rather NOT help out a street rodder in illegally titling a car. I've worked and searched hard to accumulate My model A's with legal paper work. I would have a hard time breaking them up.

Just my opinion. No offense to street or hot rodders. I just(as a group) feel they ruin a lot of nice vehicles.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top