I'm looking at a used Honda quad that the guy doesn't have a title for. On a street vehicle I'd never buy a vehicle without a title but on a quad does it matter since the vehicle doesn't get licensed?

 

get a title. at least get a bill of sales, receipt with the VIN on the paper. that'll help prove ownership. make sure he/she signs the receipt also. legibly! even if they have to print their name under the signature. that'll help protect you from liars.

 

I'd run the VIN number with the Sheriffs department and make sure it isn't stolen. Better safe than sorry.

 

in mass- you either need a title or a bill of sale & prev owners reg.

you should be able to run the vin anyway-

in the past- I've purchased many atv's without a title. Alot of people either lose it or they never file for a reg themself so they never get a title in their name.

I would say, any atv- pre 05 is a real hit or miss with titles... but any atv post 05 really should have a title.

Another option is you can always make the owner pay the $50 for a title search...

 

The atv in question is a well worn 2002 honda 4trax.

 

Here in Ontario Canada a ATV has to be insured by law even if its only ridden in the bush. No Title no insurance.

Even the game wardens check for insurance.

 

Here in OK a title was not required until I believe 2005. If there is no title get a notarized bill of sell. With it you can file for a title if you would like and your protected by the bill of sell.

This is a site I had saved. Not sure if it lists quads but, you could check.
https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck

 

IMO, the seller shouldn't even think about selling without a title. There are just to many thieves and scammers out there and it's hard to trust anybody. A bill of sale will protect you legally, but not necessarily financially if it comes up stolen or has a lien on it. A true titled owner has every right, whether it's a bank or a victim of theft, to take it back from you. Sure, you can go after the person who gave you a bill of sale, but realistically what will you get from them? It's better to be safe than sorry!

 

Well, if you don't mind orange jump suits, I guess condition of age doesn't matter.

Check the vin, google bill of sale and print one. It's your butt on the line, cover it.

 

not all atv's come with titles (certificate of origin)- many didn't back then (same with trailers). Some people don't want to title their atv's because they'd have to pay taxes, and some people just don't think a title matters to an atv. A lack of title does not mean it's a bad deal or it shouldn't be sold- just means the buyer has to maybe take an extra step to ensure his purchase is legit.
Anyone can forge or copy a title just as easy as a bill of sale.