The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Title search

I bought a 60 Stepside for parts and ended up being the project because the cab and frame were in much better shape. But I have no title and the PO lost it. I figured I better start the search now before I get the truck all done and can't register it. The truck will be registered in CT and I think the last place it was registered South Carolina. Any idea where to begine the search :confused: :confused:

If South Carolina was the last place that the truck was registered, you'll probably have to start there however, it's the previous owner that most likely will have to apply for a duplicate title or the person whose name was last on the title.
The Connecticut Bureau, will most likely not do anything, until you can produce a title from South Carolina, or at the very least a notarized statement from the previous owner, along with a bill of sale describing how he obtained the truck and what happened to the title.
Click here for South Carolina BMV
Click here for Connecticut DMV Info
Good luck

i have a suburban with the same problem.

What if you have a bill of sale but no title? or whatever?

When was the last time it had current tags?If it was a long time ago try running the vin#(not the plate) at the DMV and if it comes back no record on file tell them you have owned it for the past 20 yrs and you lost the title and now you want to retag it.You will most likley have to do a vin varactaion(sp)so take the plates off before you do.

I have had this truck for about six years and was sitting a while before I got it. The PO was planing on restoring it but lost interest. I would say it is well over ten years since it was registered. I don't know why the DMV has to make a big hassle out of everything. Especially up here in CT.

ARTICAT
Even with a Bill of Sale, a State that requires a Title; not only wants to see the Bill of Sale but also a copy of a registration certificate for the vehicle in question, to verify that the person writing up the Bill of Sale, also was the person, who last registered the car.

BIG T
As much of a pain in the butt as it is; the reason the State DMVs make such a big deal about it, is to protect us, even though in 99% of the cases, people are honest and have legitimate ownership.

I know it's frustrating as can be. I have been through similar situations trying to prove that I own the vehicle.

On the other hand if rules and regulations were lax and the DMV gave titles to anyone that came through the door claiming ownership of a vehicle, it would make it much easier for the criminal portion of society to steal our trucks and profit by selling them elsewhere.

Now having said all that; believe me; I know what you are going through.

Do you still have access to the previous owner ? Possibly he can fill in some of the puzzle.

Have you contacted your DMV? Explain your situation to the DMV and ask them how you should go about obtaining a title in this situation.
I have also found that persistence can pay off. I have called the DMV and received an answer that was not in my favor then waited a few days called again and talked with someone else explaining my situation and found that person willing to work with me. Sometimes you just need to connect with the right contact.

If you know for sure, that the truck was last registered in South Carolina, contact them and as 48GMC suggested run the Vin Number. Another possibility is to contact your State Police or South Carolinas State Police; they may be willing to run the Vin for you.

Big T...I have a similar problem with my 49 Burb (see the thread on "Title Companys" in the "Panel & Burbs Forum").
Don't waste your time trying to research or deal with the DMVs they have no patience, mercy nor do they want to help.
I just went to Broadway Title in Birmingham, AL paid my money, $145. and got all the paperwork I needed to acquire a perfectly legal title in NJ.

I realize the people that work at the DMV are just doing there job but it seems like they go out of there way to make things harder than they have to. I e-mailed the DMV about my problem and I also e-mailed Broadway title Co to see what they can do. Thanks for the help Guys

i had a 47 chev truck with no title,,tried DMV 2 or 3 times,,,go here,,do this,,do that,,,Well i went to Broadway Title,,you go through them ...Eventually you will get a Clear title..Totally Legal too,,and you don't have to Lie about anything,and you'll sleep better...

Here in MN, you can post a bond that is equal to the value of the vehicle. If you do it pre-restoration, it would be much lower. Post your 3 year bond. If no one files a claim against your title, you get to remove the bond and the title is clear.

The reason the DMV make it so difficult...

1st off, I don't think they deal with old vehicles much...while you would think it is "their job to know"...it is one of those topics that just don't get covered by your local counter person at the DMV...If you talk to the salvage vehicle people, you may get your answer...

2nd..when they do see an old vehicle, they have to treat a basket case 1950 with no title or vin plate the same as a basket case 2005 Mustang with no vin plate or title.....someone out there just might have a legal claim to that vehicle...

But still frustrating as He@!...we all know...

Don't know how your state works but out here the way I described works!If there is no record on file that means there is no known owner on said vehicle.Most times the DMV employes dont care enough to help out but if you talk to the manager most of the time they will take care of you.