Missing title
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 330
Likes: 6
From: Jersey Shore
Missing title
Hey guys,
I have a question. I'm looking to buy a 2015 Tri Glide from a woman who's husband passed away. She does not have a title for the bike.
Can anyone give me an idea how I can purchse the bike and get a title for it?
Thanks in advance
I have a question. I'm looking to buy a 2015 Tri Glide from a woman who's husband passed away. She does not have a title for the bike.
Can anyone give me an idea how I can purchse the bike and get a title for it?
Thanks in advance
Popular Reply
Sep 19, 2025, 10:07 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,492
Likes: 30,780
From: Pennsylvania
Do not purchase the bike without a good title in her name. It is on her to obtain the title, either by having the registration of the bike and her husbands death certificate or her going to the State DMV and obtaining clear title.
Walk away if there is not title that can be transferred from the seller to you. Plain and simple, do not waste your time.
Walk away if there is not title that can be transferred from the seller to you. Plain and simple, do not waste your time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,492
Likes: 30,780
From: Pennsylvania
Do not purchase the bike without a good title in her name. It is on her to obtain the title, either by having the registration of the bike and her husbands death certificate or her going to the State DMV and obtaining clear title.
Walk away if there is not title that can be transferred from the seller to you. Plain and simple, do not waste your time.
Walk away if there is not title that can be transferred from the seller to you. Plain and simple, do not waste your time.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
I agree with CoolBreeze3646
It should be very easy for her to apply for a lost title, since the bike belonged to her husband and possible even in both of their names.
It will not be near as easy for anyone that purchases that bike to get a title.
It should be very easy for her to apply for a lost title, since the bike belonged to her husband and possible even in both of their names.
It will not be near as easy for anyone that purchases that bike to get a title.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,524
Likes: 6,406
From: Honah Lee
State DMV has it or maybe even a bank has it and requires payoff to produce it.
Now be careful. If its in his and her name or in his name only, she will have to get it in her name.
That will require probate papers or will or such depending on state.
In VA, if she has proper papers, DMV will only charge $15 since she's the wife, the cost of the actual title. VA allows immediate family transfers of title with no taxes.
Make sure she does that up front. Some people may not be in any hurry if they have their side of the deal. No use being afraid of it if it's a good deal. Just help her walk it thru. Treat her like you want to be treated.
All are titles are, 'and/or' so just in case. Obviously, some don't chose that or some states may not offer it.
Now be careful. If its in his and her name or in his name only, she will have to get it in her name.
That will require probate papers or will or such depending on state.
In VA, if she has proper papers, DMV will only charge $15 since she's the wife, the cost of the actual title. VA allows immediate family transfers of title with no taxes.
Make sure she does that up front. Some people may not be in any hurry if they have their side of the deal. No use being afraid of it if it's a good deal. Just help her walk it thru. Treat her like you want to be treated.
All are titles are, 'and/or' so just in case. Obviously, some don't chose that or some states may not offer it.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 19, 2025 at 10:32 AM.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 565
Likes: 471
From: Sapulpa, OKlahoma
Besides applying for a replacement title, in most states the registration has to be brought up to date before a title can be transferred.
Probably another reason it was a good decision to walk away.
Probably another reason it was a good decision to walk away.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,129
Likes: 12,690
From: South Carolina
Good decision to walk away, a missing title is a huge red flag.
Who knows, maybe the husband never actually had legal ownership...
In a case like this where the bike is worth buying, it is the seller's responsibility to provide a clear title.
Who knows, maybe the husband never actually had legal ownership...
In a case like this where the bike is worth buying, it is the seller's responsibility to provide a clear title.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Sep 19, 2025 at 03:48 PM.
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