Can You Buy A Restomod Without A Title?


Can You Buy A Restomod Without A Title?

You’ve found the restomod of your dreams. However, now that you’re ready to purchase the seller says he cannot find the title. This can be a very challenging and frustrating experience for both parties.

So, can you buy a restomod without a title? Yes, you can buy a restomod without a title. It takes a bonded title, bill of sale, solid communication, patience, and due diligence.

What Is The Process?

Buying any vehicle without a title isn’t a simple process. To make matters worse, buying a restomod without a title can be even more challenging. Exhaust all options to find the title before proceeding. When you’re comfortable with the restomod AND the seller, it can be done.

To purchase a vehicle without a title use these steps. They will ensure sure your vehicle is legally ready for the road:

Here’s The Secret Sauce – Can You Buy A Restomod Without A Title?

Can You Buy A Restomod Without A Title?

Follow these steps to buy a restomod without a title:

  1. Make Sure The Vehicle Isn’t Stolen

    Contact your local police department with the VIN of the car so that they can check to make sure the vehicle is not stolen or has been involved in any illegal activities. 

    Get a national motor vehicle title information system vehicle history report by going to the NMVTIS website. This report will return the vehicle’s condition and history information. step-1-make-sure-vehicle-isn't-stolen

  2. Conduct a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Search

    You can conduct a VIN search using the following site: https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck. This website allows you to run up to five free VIN searches in a 24-hour period. A car that is listed as salvage may have been in an accident, have serious structural problems or be expensive to repair.

    *Note: Many insurance companies will not insure a salvage-title car, which means that you would not be able to register the car in your state.

  3. Check For An Exiting Lien

    You will want to contact your local DMV to make sure there is no active loan on the vehicle.  If the vehicle is in your name and a bank or other institution is owed money on it, they will not hesitate to come after you for the money. If there is a lien present, contact your seller and/or the financial institution right away to try to sort out the issue before proceeding.

  4. Head to the DMV

    You are going to need to be in contact with the DMV and the seller quite frequently.  It is important to get as much background information as you can from the seller about the car.  Here are a few questions you should have answers to where did they get the car, how long have they had the vehicle, is there a lien on the car, what is the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and who has ownership of the vehicle? 

    Having the answers to all of these questions beforehand will help you in the long run. The local DMV will educate you on the specific requirements they have (because these can vary by state). Find out as soon as possible what you will need to get a title for your vehicle.

  5. Get A Bill Of Sale

    The seller needs to write up and sign a bill of sale for this vehicle with the specific terms of your agreement.  A bill of sale will help prove ownership of the vehicle and some states will not do anything for you if you do not have a bill of sale in hand.

    The Bill of Sale should have the following: the name and address of the seller(s), the name and address of the buyer(s), and information on the car being bought/sold, including the make, model, body type, year and VIN number, list any additional items that the sale includes, if applicable, such as snow tires; current odometer reading, full purchase price; warranty from the seller stating that he or she is the legal owner and that the vehicle is free from all liens or encumbrances; whether the vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic prior to purchase.

    In addition, include information identifying the condition of the vehicle and whether it is being sold “as is”; identify whether the vehicle was a salvage vehicle, deemed a total loss by an insurance company, or whether the vehicle was repaired under “lemon law”; identify any additional terms of sale, and signatures by all parties to the sale of the car in front of a notary.

    Note: A copy of the seller’s previous bill of sale is highly valuable.

  6. Purchase a Lost Title Bond

    Most states will require a bonded title (commonly known (also known as a Certificate of Title Surety or a Defective Title Bond) in order to get a new title for your vehicle. The purpose of the certificate of title bond is to indemnify any prior owner who owns the title to the vehicle. It protects the department of motor vehicles (DMV) from the loss of vehicles and potential damage caused. It also protects potential buyers from obtaining a fraudulent duplicate of the title.

    The amount of the bond varies from state to state but is usually around 1 to 1.5 times the value of the vehicle. The price you pay for the bond will vary depending on the amount of the bond, your credit score, and other financial histories.

  7. Get Insurance

    Before going to the DMV, you will need to get insurance on the restomod.

  8. Finish At The DMV

    Go back to your local DMV and make sure that you have EVERYTHING that they have asked for.  There will be another fee here that will vary by which state you live in, but this should be your last step to making sure your car is registered to hit the road!  Buying a car with no title can be very tricky, but if you put forth the effort and communicate well with DMV it can be done.

Summary – Can You Buy A Restomod Without A Title?

At the end of the day, buying a restomod without a title is a risky proposition. You are looking for a reputable seller who will help you secure a title, if possible. If the seller is pressuring you into buying the car, you should consider walking away from the purchase. On the other hand, titles are occasionally lost and things like this happen all the time. So, if you’re comfortable with the situation just follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll be just fine.

Is it bad to buy a car without a title?

Not necessarily, but if you buy a car without a title, someone who possesses the title can claim ownership even though you’ve paid for the vehicle. In order to register the car in your state, you’ll need the title to prove that you are the legal owner of the car.

Can you register a car with a bill of sale and no title?

Yes, a few states will allow a vehicle to be registered without a title under certain circumstances. If so, the bill of sale must be signed by both parties and the buyer must present the original version to transfer ownership and register the car.

Can I run a VIN number for free?

Yes, VehicleHistory.com provides the most exhaustive free VIN data. The most extensive VIN check reports are available through companies that will charge you a fee.

Brook Walsh

For nearly 30 years, I've had a fascination with restomods. I've learned from real-world experience what restomod gear works and what doesn't. This is the site where I share everything I've learned.

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