Figured someone on here could tell me what's involved in getting a title for a model A ford car.I've been looking for one to play with and see a few around with no title.There's one selling on an auction in a couple weeks with just a bill of sale.Is the engine serial number the title number?
- Thread starter Ray
- Start date
37chief
Well-known Member
- Location
- California
A lot depends on the state. I would think you will get a bill of sale from the auction co. With that you should be good to go. In Calif that is all that is needed. Stan
ShadetreeRet
Well-known Member
Laws governing titles vary from state to state. Up until 1957, I believe, the engine number was listed on the title, and if the engine was changed the title had to be changed to reflect that. Or that was the way it was in North Carolina. It can get kinda sticky. If you can get the VIN and engine numbers you might take them to the DMV and find out who it was last registered to. If there is no title available you may be able to apply for a "lost title" and then have it switched to your name. I would definitely do some research, before spending my hard earned money.
hoof print
Member
the only answer that matters is the one you get from your state's DMV.
Fritz Maurer
Well-known Member
Get an issue of Hemmings Motor News. There are companies that handle titles for your exact situation.
Dave Sherburne NY
Well-known Member
In NY I just registered a 1929 Essex last July nothing to it Vehicles in NY did not have titles until I believe 1971 . I went on the NY DMV website and found all the instructions. Had to send in a photo of the Vehicle serial number plate and since I was using 1929 plates had to send a photo of both of them to Albany It took less than two weeks to get the registration back. $28,50. Had to have a bill of sale form the guy I bought it from too. All the forms could be printed from DMV website
James Williams
Well-known Member
Dont listen to your local DMV,Here in WV theres one person in the state that has authority to deal with new titles and he personly told me I could not get one.Several weeks later I went through Las Vegas title co,They sent me a bill of sale from Alabama,I think,I took it to my local DMV and no questions asked.I have gotten 3 vehicles and a semi title with no problem
jimmy
jimmy
Procedures vary widely depending on the state. Best bet would be to ask in the general forum on the Antique Automobile Club of America website (forums dot aaca dot org) and see if there's someone who's done it in your state.
You could also try the Model A Ford Club of America or the Model A Restorer's Club forums.
Keith
You could also try the Model A Ford Club of America or the Model A Restorer's Club forums.
Keith
fixerupper
Well-known Member
Here in Iowa we licensed a 28 AA truck 10 or 12 years ago and it took a trip to the courthouse to get a temporary 3 year license and we had to pay a bond but I don't remember how much it was. The temp license was a kind of probationary period in case it turned up stolen or if another person chimed up about it claiming it was his.
A patrolman came to my shop and inspected it and we were good to go. That was back then and I don't know if things have changed or not. Jim
A patrolman came to my shop and inspected it and we were good to go. That was back then and I don't know if things have changed or not. Jim
It depends on your state, some are easy and some are not. I haven't checked in several years but thare use to be guys in several states that would help you out with a title. You'd send them the info on your car and they'd get a title and send it to you, then your state would have to except it and isseue you a new title. Do a google search.
Walt Davies
Well-known Member
I was watching one of those programs where they rebuild old cars. They had an early Mustang with a title that they got from the seller.
After tearing it down they noticed that the numbers had been changed by welding in a new one.
Called the cops they came looked under the back floor and found a different number, car was stolen. BUMMER
Walt
After tearing it down they noticed that the numbers had been changed by welding in a new one.
Called the cops they came looked under the back floor and found a different number, car was stolen. BUMMER
Walt
Ray,
Serial number is stamped into the top of the frame, right in front of the cowl. You will have to open the hood, if it still has one. Here's a pic of where its at. Had the blower off after a little nitrous hicc-up for a quick look-see, lucky no damage.
In Michigan, you apply for an abandoned title. State Police come to your house inspect your vehicle, then run the VIN to verify it is not stolen. Funny thing every time they have come to my house, they chuckle and tell me the system does not go back that far anyway. They sign off the form and off the the Secretary of Slowness (State) to get a title issued. $25.
This is Michigan only of course.
Rick
Serial number is stamped into the top of the frame, right in front of the cowl. You will have to open the hood, if it still has one. Here's a pic of where its at. Had the blower off after a little nitrous hicc-up for a quick look-see, lucky no damage.
In Michigan, you apply for an abandoned title. State Police come to your house inspect your vehicle, then run the VIN to verify it is not stolen. Funny thing every time they have come to my house, they chuckle and tell me the system does not go back that far anyway. They sign off the form and off the the Secretary of Slowness (State) to get a title issued. $25.
This is Michigan only of course.
Rick
Tramway Guy
Well-known Member
In New York, titles are not issued for motor vehicles that were built before 1973. Only a registration certificate.
I moved from Wisconsin to NY in 1977, had a 1971 Datsun pickup. Handed in a title and got a crappy registration card in return.
I moved from Wisconsin to NY in 1977, had a 1971 Datsun pickup. Handed in a title and got a crappy registration card in return.
titles are a state to state thing, call you dmv before you buy and describe the situation and ask what papers you must have for a title to be issued, here in nm, for instance if you dig something out of the boneyard or fence row, and it hasnt had papers for 50 years say, the seller can give you a notarized bill of sale for whatever you bought and a sellers affidavit, you then can get a title for the vehicle if you buy another vehicle for parts you need a bill of sale for that one too, proving your not busy in the midnight auto parts industry [ swiping the stuff] thats a big pastime out here, big dogs and a 12 gauge help with preventing that
Think I saw that sale bill. Here in Ohio there is a way to go about replacing a lost title butfor to purchase one without I do not have any idea how to go about it. First stop would be the local licence place, I know the lady at Wapak would know what to do. Think Ray is next county over. Had to replace a couple that got lost but still had old regristration.
Agree with what was said below - call your local DMV or county office (where ever you get your tags).
I don't know how many times I've seen vehicles advertised on Craigs list that don't have a title and the seller assures "Easy to get one", except they haven't done it. If you can't get a title most states won't even allow salvage yards to buy the vehicle to crush it.
I've applied for a title once in Kansas - a helpful lady at the county offices told me exactly what I needed to do and how to do it. In Kansas it is easy to get a title for an older vehicle provided two things - its never been reported stolen and it has never been registered in Kansas. If its either only the last registered owner can apply for a lost title. If you aren't the last registered owner, you can't get one.
I don't know how many times I've seen vehicles advertised on Craigs list that don't have a title and the seller assures "Easy to get one", except they haven't done it. If you can't get a title most states won't even allow salvage yards to buy the vehicle to crush it.
I've applied for a title once in Kansas - a helpful lady at the county offices told me exactly what I needed to do and how to do it. In Kansas it is easy to get a title for an older vehicle provided two things - its never been reported stolen and it has never been registered in Kansas. If its either only the last registered owner can apply for a lost title. If you aren't the last registered owner, you can't get one.
David R Inman
Member
Arizona will allow abandoned titles, takes a bit of Time, but worked for us on a 37 ihc truck.
As the common theme here says, check your state DMV.
As the common theme here says, check your state DMV.
uncle henry
Member
here is who i use
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