Getting a Title for a Jeep?

I bought an early CJ5 a few months back without a title. If I find a title for another early CJ5, how hard would it be to get tags for it? Would it be as simple as getting a new name plate stamped with the title's number and putting it on the jeep? I live in PA.

 

I seriously doubt that is legal anywhere in the country. Regulations vary state by state and I have to admit I am not familiar with PA. In WI it's as easy as applying for a "lost" title and having a law enforcement officer verify the Vin matches the title application - as long as it doesn't come up stolen they issue a new title. Some states require you post a bond and have a waiting period so they can check if it's stolen , others will just issue a new VIN number. I believe there are a few states that make it nearly impossible. You need to check with your DMV.

 

10-4

 

Using a title from another car is illegal.

Check your state regs. In MA, all you need is a receipt from the previous owner, if it's an older car. For PA, look here - duplicate title - http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/faq/faq-title_vr.shtml#Q15 - looks like the previous owner has to get the form notarized and somebody has to pay the $50 fee. But it would be a clean title.

 

In CA I had a bill of sale and no title on a 63' with no VIN. I had to take it to the CHP. They told me to leave for a couple of hours, ran all the paperwork and added about 7 - 8 vin tags all over the place. There were VIN #'s on the tub, fenders, frame.....

 

when I bought my jeep in alabama back in 82 . all I needed was the bill of sale to register , and get plate . alabama . used my folks address to register . back then if vehicle was ten years or older it no longer needed a title . when I took the jeep to california . and registered it . california DMV issued a title for it . because of alabama's title laws . DMV accepted my alabama registration and bill of sale . and I couldn't tell you if any of laws have changed . now titled and registered here in va . no I don't think buying a fake title . is the way to go . there has been many discussions on vehicles on ebay and CL that have a early registrations on later model jeeps

 

I live in PA. I do this different ways. If you have a VIN plate you have to go to your local courthouse and apply for an abandoned vehicle title. If you have nothing you can get issued a random title. Message me for more info.

 

Will do KB.

What about people that start with frames with titles? All those builds are registered illegally?

 

it's not illegal, because it's still the same vehicle in the eye of the law, and there is only one vehicle. In some cases the original year of manufacture still applies and provides exemption from emissions tests and safety equipment.

 

In OK, you can go through a process called "Title 42", basically a loophole/lien process that allows you to get a title legally for a vehicle that has no title. Costs about $50 - 100 to do it and gets you the paperwork to go to a tag office and get a title. Just recently did this on an old Porsche 924 I have. Some states have a similar process. In Texas, It's called a bonded title I think, but it involves, as you might imagine, posting some sort of bond. Used that on my CJ5.

 

Do some checking with locals that have dealt with the issue. It is different in every state and many times within a state by county.

 

PA assumes everything is stolen if you don't possess the proper paperwork. It sucks here.

 

Yep, good luck getting a PA title. Your going to need it.

 

This is all interesting. My recommendation would be to take the time and patience to do it legally. If you are a TX resident or the vehicle was last titled in TX please contact me and I will help you through the process. Not hard and certainly worth the effort. Having a title adds to the value of your rig.

 

I have seen the title from one used on another before. Common in the old car community. Not to good an idea. So is the sending away to another easier state to get a title. Alabama was the main one. Some states won't except titles from those states. Getting a title is a hassle and work. That is why you people shouldn't charge as much for non titled vehicle.

 

Lovely PA, My home of record.
Contact the staff of your District State Rep and tell them the story. Bring photos and paperwork for your project. It took me two years to get that done, through the Rep.
ARE YOU A "TRIPLE A" MEMBER YET HINT HINT. They got the other one done in 1 week.

 

Just to expand on what Tim said. You would need a notarized bill of sale and old or current registration. If the car didn't have a title and registration you would need a notarized bill of sale stating the car has never been registered or titled. Next, have the vin checked out at the local police department where the car was purchased (stolen vehicle check). Then have a police officer or inspection station verify the vin. Take all the paper work to the DMV and apply for a new title.

 

Yup, not a good idea because it's ILLEGAL and can end you up in jail. That's why it is against the rules to buy or sell titles and VIN tags on this site.
What "us people"?

 

I almost purchased a jeep from a guy that had a "farm jeep". Never titled. I live in Florida and thank goodness I checked before I purchased.

In Florida something with a title is almost worthless. To be strictly by the law, when you build anything using parts not from the original car, you must have paperwork on everything showing clear ownership. The nice officer told me if you swap in a motor, you need to show receipts. Same with all major components.

 

I could use some advice on this subject big time.. Could someone informed on the subject PM me to discuss further please.. thank you.