I discovered an old dump truck sitting in a farmers field this weekend, it doesnt belong to the farm owner and the fella it did belong to has been dead for about 2 years. The tags went dead in 2003 and it hasnt moved since. The title is long gone, and the owner didnt have any kids. The farmer said he wanted to see it used or moved, and it was prettymuch mine for the taking. Its a 73 model, I think. Is there anything that can be done to get a title? there is a decent trailer sitting beside it that has the same story. abandoned vehicle? mechanics lein? put a farm tag on it and ride like a bandit?

2/3/2008 10:09:07 PM

take both and give me the trailer

2/3/2008 10:10:20 PM

For services regarding Abandoned Motor Vehicles you may contact the License & Theft Bureau at 919-861-3141.

2/3/2008 10:38:07 PM

or go to the one on avent ferry between 8 & 10am M-F to speak with an inspector. Bring the VIN if you can.

2/3/2008 10:41:16 PM

you may have to get the executor of the dead fellas estate to sign an affidavit releasing the vehicle to you.

2/3/2008 10:49:15 PM

^if there ever was one, that would be the way to go. if you know the owner's name, it's just a simple search with the clerk of court estates office.

you can also obtain vehicle records from the dmv with the vehicle id number. it's $1 for a non certified copy and $10 for certified. with that info, you can attempt to contact who it was last technically titled/registered to. if you get lucky and the contact info is correct and they have the title, you're good. even if they don't have the title, it's just a simple dmv form (affadavit of facts). you don't even have to be together, they can fill out and notarize their portion then you do yours.

all of the above is definitely worth trying first vs. the alternative.

otherwise, you'll need to start the process for a bonded title. what that entails is getting your (or any) insurance company to issue a (indemnity?) bond for 1.5 times the value of the vehicle. dmv then does a search on several criteria. whether it's been reported stolen, any liens, if it's still hung up in an estate, etc. after that, a dmv inspector will look it over. if all is well, you'll be issued a new title.

be warned- if you think just going to get your license renewed is a pain you haven't seen anything yet. it's a long, somewhat expensive process. i would also recommend telling them it's a vehicle that you got without a title and that it's already in your possession. leave anything out about finding it on someone else's land as long as you and the landowner have an agreement. that can only serve to confuse them and cause you more documentation headaches.

[Edited on February 3, 2008 at 11:31 PM. Reason : .]

2/3/2008 11:29:09 PM