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Titling Facts

The truth about MSO's (Manufacturer Statement of Origin) that No-body wants to hear! We're giving you the straight facts on exactly what documentation is needed to properly title a custom bike, as a 'Legal Motor Vehicle'; even before the bike build is completed! It's easier than you think!! It's not unlike buying a new home with a bank loan, before the home is actually built!

 Why you CANNOT title a bike with frame, engine and transmission MSO's (Manufacturers Statement of Origin), and why these items are basically of little value to you, the purchaser; unless you intend to title your motorcycle as a "Home-Built Vehicle". MSO's; by the way, only pertain to the individual part (i.e.: engine) and its specific manufacturer. Not the entire vehicle.

• Before you jump at that shiny, hot looking, 'low priced' custom pictured on eBay; ask yourself one question: "Why are most all of the custom bikes on eBay so (seemingly) affordable"? The primary answer is simple. These bikes were not built by Licensed Motorcycle Manufacturers! Therefore; by federal law, they either cannot be titled & licensed; or they can only be titled as a 'Home-Built Vehicle'.

• In order to title a home-built vehicle for public highway use; there's quite a bit of a run-around you have to do with paperwork and receipts. This is mainly because, even the State Patrol offices in all 50 States are not fully aware of the proper titling procedures involved; and it's not really their job either!

  • You will be required to take your bike (via trailer) to your local State Patrol, with ALL of the receipts for every major part of the bike! Yes; all of them.

  • You will be asked for 3 MSO's: an MSO (Manufacturers Statement of Origin) for the Engine; an MSO for the Transmission, and an MSO for the Frame; in addition to the receipts.

  • You will be asked to provide a Bill of Sale in your name, with the sellers Name, Address and a working phone number.

  • Upon inspection of the documentation, and verification from the seller; the State Patrol will then conduct a thorough inspection of the bike; and also conduct a Nationwide investigation for theft.

  • You must then wait until the results come back with negative results. This can sometimes take a few weeks.

  • After everything is complete; you must return with your bike to your local State Patrol, at which time they will affix a metal plate to your shiny, home-built machine; and you can then complete your application for a Home-Built Vehicle Title.

• Besides the hassles of the above paper shuffle; the most important issue is still to come: Insurance! Insurance companies will NOT cover a vehicle with a Home-Built classification, for more than $20,000.00!!! (If at all).

The benefits of a True Custom, built by a Licensed Manufacturer.

• A Warranty.

• Only 3 documents required for titling as a Motor Vehicle:

  • Final Bill of Sale, in Purchasers name, with Sellers information

  • Federally recognized Official Odometer Statement

  • Most Important: A Certificate of Origin for a Vehicle (issued by a licensed manufacturer).

• That's all there is to it!

MSO's are legally required to be maintained by the actual motorcycle manufacturer! They are not to be sent to the end purchaser. These are for reasons of warranty information, and for National anti-theft verification.

Normally; once you have paid in full, most legal manufacturers will have no problem with forwarding the documentation for your bike-in-progress, so you can complete your application for title; get your plate and registration; and usually receive your title by the time your bike is ready for delivery. When it's from a manufacturer; the bike itself is not required to be present at the titling office; only the paperwork. Insurance companies may require to inspect the bike in certain cases; when the prices are really up there. But when it's classified as a legal motor vehicle; the chances are very good to get coverage up to the appraised value (normally higher than the purchase price).

Now You Know! It is my hope that this has been both educational, and beneficial.

                                    Randy 'Proud American' Thackston

This is a Certificate of Origin for a Vehicle.

Purchase Order / Bill of Sale

Official Odometer Disclosure Statement

This is what a true Certificate of Origin for a Vehicle should look like. It will have transference blocks on the reverse side, to transfer ownership from the manufacturer / seller to the purchaser. This document will be replaced by the actual Vehicle Title.

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This is a Certificate of Origin for a Vehicle.

This is what a true Certificate of Origin for a Vehicle should look like. It will have transference blocks on the reverse side, to transfer ownership from the manufacturer / seller to the purchaser. This document will be replaced by the actual Vehicle Title.

 

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