Trailer Title

[GordonL]

Hello,<br />Maybe someone else has had this problem and can tell me what to do. I live in VA. and have purchased a boat, motor and trailer from someone in PA. The seller gave me a bill of sale for the boat, motor and trailer and a signed title for the trailer. I LOST the signed title.The seller will not help me get a duplicate title. PA.wont help because I am not a resident and VA.wont help me because the boat is still titled in PA. Even though I do have a bill of sale from the previous owner stating that he sold the trailer to me.<br />I have been trying for more than a year now and I cant get any help from either dept.I am thinking I'm going to end up hauling it to the landfill (what a waste)!!!!!! Any ideas?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Trailer Title

You may be able to title it as a "Home Built" trailer. Check out what the laws are pertaining to doing that in your state. This would be something you would do with a certain degree of savey, if you know what I mean! Why won't the guy at least apply for a duplicate title if you agree to pay for it?

 

[gstanton]

Re: Trailer Title

In Maryland the state police were very helpful in retitleing my "homade" trailer. Once it was inspected - for lights mainly - they attached a new serial number and away I went to DMV to get tags!

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Trailer Title

Originally posted by gstanton:<br />In Maryland the state police were very helpful in retitleing my "homade" trailer. Once it was inspected - for lights mainly - they attached a new serial number and away I went to DMV to get tags!

If you go this route, make sure all previous serial numbers are gone.<br />In Kentucky the last trailer I did this way was titled as homebuilt and I made the serial number myself.<br /><br />Had to get me a set of them punches with letters and numbers on them to embed them into the metal of the trailer.<br /><br />Don't know now. May have changed.<br /><br />But like they said, find out what the law is pertaining to this and go from there.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Trailer Title

I believe that local courts have "open pleadings" sessions on Fridays. You could write yourself a petition for the court to direct the DMV to issue you a title. I know that this is sometimes done in VA for cars.<br /><br />You should prepare the order for the judge to sign and bring photos showing the minimal value of the trailer. Call the courthouse and speak with a clerk for details.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Trailer Title

Lark, excellent advice. Also send a copy of all court filings/pleadings/documents by reg mail to the seller several weeks b/4 any hearings. It will help back up your claim of no help from the seller.

 

[Peter1959628]

Re: Trailer Title

Same Pathetic thing here in NC.<br />bill of sale reqd + proof of ownnership<br />bought boat in Ohio where boat requires title<br />trailer don't.<br />borrowing friends tag for now until solution found.<br />I cant believe that they wont let me give the state $10 tag fee + $50 titling fee, because they think i may have stolen a trailer!!!!<br />Plus the boat bill of sale is at Raleigh so i have no proof i own the boat either