Buying a dirt bike without a title is common. The reason for this can vary from someone lost it or the more popular answer is someone didn't want to pay sales tax. For most buyers, if a bike doesn't have a title it is a red flag that will typically keep them from buying it. For guys like myself its a green flag to get a bike at a good price as long as you follow a few steps to cover your backside. It is important to note that each state's laws are different and you should check with your local laws before taking action. The situations below are some that I have encountered through the years in Indiana. Also I do not work for the BMV, so this article if for reference only.
Section 1) 2006-Present Bikes
All bikes from 2006-Present: Indiana requires they have to be titled. Therefore if the bike you are looking at purchasing is 2006-present and does not have a title, just walk away UNLESS you don't want a title. At the very least in this situation complete a bill of sale and have an officer run the VIN number to verify it is not stolen. One thing to keep in mind, if you don't have a title you cannot get a license plate or ORV pass to ride on state land. If you must have the bike there is a way to get the title, but it is time consuming on your end and the sellers end which in most cases one of you or both are not willing to deal with. If you are still interested check out this LINK to get a title.
Section 2) Before 2006
If the dirt bike is a 2005 or older things get a little easier, and don't take much effort as long as you have the seller fill out the proper paper work. Here are a few situations you might run into.
Section 3) Seller Has Certificate Of Origin
Have the seller fill out the proper information on the back, and fill out these 2 forms. I always fill out a bill of sale on every purchase just to play it safe, in some situations it is not necessary but its always good to have. The first step it to have a Police Officer check the VIN to make sure its not stolen. Then have the officer fill out the Physical Inspection paper work at the same time to save yourself time later. In most situations if you call the non-emergency number they can have a officer out in under 20 minutes. After both the bill of sale and inspections are complete take your information to the BMV and get a title for the bike.
Bill Of Sale Link
Physical Inspections Link- Has to be done by Police Officer
Section 4) Only Bill Of Sale
This is a little more difficult if you WANT a title, if not buy it, ride it on private land and enjoy it. If you want a title there are two different routes; either a) no one has ever titled the dirt bike or b) the bike had a title in the past it was just lost or once again someone didn't want to pay the sales tax. The easiest of the two is that the bike has never been titled and these are the bikes you want because they are less work on your end. If the bike has been titled in the past and not by the person selling it refer to the 2006 and newer section of this page on how to obtain a title.
Section 5) Bike Has Never Been Titled
Before buying the bike have the seller give you the VIN number and take that number to the BMV to have it checked to see if it has ever been titled. If it has not then you're in luck and at some BMV's you can ask them for all the paper work required to purchase this bike or you can print out the links below. After checking with the BMV do the same as above and call the non-emergency number to have a Police Officer check to make sure it is not stolen and while the officer is there have them fill out the Physical Inspection form. Remember the bike has to be present to run the VIN. After you know it's not stolen, and has never been titled print out the following documents to take with you to purchase the bike. After you get the bike home go to this LINK to send in your paper work and make sure you have all the paper work needed. If the bike has never been titled there are few things on this list that you will not have to do like contacting the last person who titled the bike if there are any questions call the BMV at 1-888-692-6841.
Application For Certificate Of Title Link
Affidavit Of Ownership For A Vehicle Link
Bill Of Sale Link
Odometer Disclosure Statement Link
Physical Inspection Of A Vehicle Link-Police Officer Required
Remember buying a dirt bike without a title is fine as long as you cover yourself by making sure its not stolen and obtaining a bill of sale. If you never plan on getting a title for the bike then non of this applies to you except make sure you get a bill of sale and have a Police Officer run the VIN before handing over your hard earned money. Did I say make sure you have a cop run the VIN number if not make sure you do. If you have anything to add to this article comment below or email me at mark@usdualsports.com
