How do I get a title and registration for a moped with missing title?

Question

I live in Illinois and want to buy a moped to save on gas and because I had one in college and it was a blast. A lot of the cool older ones I see on ebay have missing titles, but the listings all say you can get it titled and registered with a bill of sale.

A friend of mine tried this in New Mexico with a car, they would not title and register the car until he found the original title.

Anyway, my question is: If I buy a moped that has a missing title, is there some way I can get it titled and registered so I can ride it?

Answer 1

You have to file a missing title. Some states require a missing title bond to be held for one year from the date of purchase. This is to protect you and them from lawsuits if someone should claim that it is stolen. Check with your local DMV before purchasing the moped

Answer 2

Yeah, well, they're trying to SELL you something.  

It's damned hard to do what you need to do, when you buy something without a title.  You have to file bonds, affidavits, pay fees, and frequently, the item is a stolen item, and will be taken back from you.  

At the very least, this is going to cost you hundreds extra, and take maybe six months to work the paperwork out.  It's likely NOT worth the hassle.