Do you have to be the legal owner of a motorcycle in order to file for a lost title? (details)?

Question

I want to buy Joe's motorcycle. He doesn't have a title, and the bike is not in his name. I ran a check on the VIN, and it is clean (not stolen). But if I buy the bike, I will need to get it registered. Can't do that without a title.

This is Texas, and I have until Sunday to buy the machine. Can't get the answers by calling the appropriate authority, because their offices are closed, and will be until Tuesday.

Do I need to get with the former owner (the person Joe got the bike from) in order to get a title for this thing?

Thanks.

Answer 1

The only person who can apply for a lost title is the title holder. If the title is not in Joe's name then he can not apply for a new title.

My guess is Joe is making payments to the former owner who is holding the title until the bike is paid in full. I'm not sure why you have to buy this by Sunday (that makes me a little leery).

I would recommend that if you buy this get Joe and the former owner together to make sure you can get a proper title. If you can't then walk away.