I don't want a pickle...

July 22, 2008 7:00 AM

How to recover a lost title for a scooter I would like to purchase from someone who got it in another state? I'm in Missouri, the title was in Illinois. Simplicity is a priority. I normally wouldn't hassle, but it is mint and the price is better than right. Additionally--I've heard rumor about some mysterious trick involving Arkansas--that just may make everything easier.

My barber has a scooter that his father-in-law would like him to sell here in Missouri--AND I WANT IT. The problem is it's 80cc (therefore requires licensing) and has a lost title from Illinois. It is showroom-perfect, like a time machine version of a 1995 Honda.

How do I go about getting a title for it, with minimal involvement from father-in-law (the whole reason he is selling it so cheap--he's a cranky old cuss--is that he wants his involvement with recovery, DMV fees--all hassles really--kept to a minimum)?

Can I buy it and then apply for lost title in Illinois? Can I buy it then get a new title in Missouri? Does he have to get a title, then transfer it over to me? If so, how do I do as much of that as possible for him?

Also I've heard of a way to just get a new title sent to me from Arkansas--a loophole, if you will. Anyone know of any truth to that?

posted by sourwookie to Law & Government (3 answers total)

Best answer: If the father-in-law live in MO now, he'll still have to apply for the duplicate title, but note the following (from this page):

Out-of-state residents may not apply for an Illinois duplicate title if they have purchased a vehicle without a title from an Illinois resident. The out-of-state purchaser must ask the Illinois owner to apply for the duplicate title.However, if a former Illinois resident was the last valid title holder of the vehicle, a duplicate title may be applied for.

The former Illinois resident must:

* Indicate their former Illinois address in the owner's address information area on the application, and
* Include out-of-state mailing instructions in the "MAIL TO" information area.

So, you could print out and fill out the application and provide the fee in the form of a money order, but he's going to have to sign the application and provide the former address. If you want to take the chance, you could buy it before the title comes as long as he agrees to sign the application, then get it mailed to you, and go have him sign the title when it arrives. Yes, it's a hassle to have to get him to sign things, but I think that's the minimum he'll be able to get away with.
posted by cabingirl at 9:49 AM on July 22, 2008

Sorry, you can't print out the application, it looks like you have to call or write and request one be mailed to you, from my link above.
posted by cabingirl at 9:54 AM on July 22, 2008

Best answer: The IL DMV website on the topic is a little confusing. On first reading, I was ready to say that I think he must get a title before transferring the scooter to you. That is definitely the easiest/most-preferable way to do it. (Maybe you could just fill out the paperwork and pay the $65, have him sign it, and then send it in?)

However I think you might be able to request a duplicate title yourself...but I'd call the DMV to be sure. Here's what they have to say on the topic:

Out-of-state residents may not apply for an Illinois duplicate title if they have purchased a vehicle without a title from an Illinois resident. The out-of-state purchaser must ask the Illinois owner to apply for the duplicate title. However, if a former Illinois resident was the last valid title holder of the vehicle, a duplicate title may be applied for.

Assuming that the guy you're buying the scoot from is no longer an IL resident, I think the last sentence might apply.

Perhaps you can 'buy' the scooter on a Bill of Sale, and at the same time have the seller fill out the Duplicate Title form (with your address as the Mail-To), and then send it in with a copy of the BoS (and $65). Once you get the title you'll have to take it back to the Seller so he can sign it over (this more than the BoS will actually "sell" you the scooter), and then you can take the Title to the local DMV, to get a MO Title and Registration with your name on it.

In even the best case it's going to be a major pain in the ass, but you can at least fill out the paperwork for him if that's the major stopping point.
posted by Kadin2048 at 10:07 AM on July 22, 2008