Post by theresa on Aug 15, 2016 5:53:40 GMT -8
There has been so much said on this board about NEVER EVER EVER buy a trailer without a title. Well, what if these just plain isn't one? I've mentioned before that the State of Maine is one of the few states that doesn't require or even issue a title for a used travel trailer. In the State of Maine, as per the BMV website, these are the types of titles that are issued:
Types of Titles Issued
Antique Auto:
Is defined in 29-A MRSA, Section 101, subsection 3, as "Any automobile or truck manufactured in or after model year 1916, which is over 25 years old, which is equipped with an engine manufactured either at the same time as the vehicle or to the specifications of the original engine of the vehicle, which is maintained primarily for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades or other functions of public interest and not used as its owner's primary mode of transportation of passengers or goods".
Classic Vehicles:
Is defined in 29-A MRSA, Section 101, subsection 15, as "A motor vehicle that is at least 16 years old but less than 26 years old that the Secretary of State determines is of significance to vehicle collectors because of its make, model and condition and is valued at more than $5,000".
Horseless Carriage:
Is defined in 29-A MRSA, SEction 101, subsection 28, as "Any motor vehicle made before model year 1916, which is equipped with an engine manufactured either at the same time as the vehicle or to the specifications of the original engine of the vehicle, which is maintained primarily for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades and other functions of public interest, and not used as it's owner's primary mode of transportation of passengers or goods".
Salvage Titles
The Secretary of State may issue a certificate of salvage upon surrender of a certificate of title and evidence that a vehicle was declared a total loss by an owner or an insurance company.
Rebuilt Titles
Means to replace any component part of a vehicle that is declared salvaged. A rebuilt salvage title is issued when two or more vehicles with different frames are joined or a salvage vehicle has five or more component parts replaced.
Warranty Titles
Antique auto, horseless carriage, classic vehicle. The Secretary of State may, on documented and notarized evidence of ownership and payment of a $40 fee, issue a warranty title to a Maine resident owner of an antique auto, horseless carriage or classic vehicle. A warranty title denotes that there are no known liens or encumbrances against the vehicle.
So, I emailed the Secretary of State and posed the question that even if the State of Maine doesn't require one, other states may, and in the event I ever wanted to sell my camper to a buyer in another state, would they issue me a title. This was the reply from BMV:
Unfortunately, Maine does not issue Warranty Titles for trailers. Maine does offer the possibility of purchasing a letter of verification to verify the most recent registered owner of the unit. The letter of verification is normally accepted by other states in lieu of Maine title.
You may contact the Bureau’s Registration Section to inquire.
624-9000 ext. 52149
Sincerely,
Ronald Rioux
Chief MV Title Examiner
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Tel. # (207) 624-9223
Fax # (207) 624-9239
So, I do encourage each and every person to do their research before ever buying a vintage trailer, find out for sure if your state requires a title, and if they accept anything in lieu of a title if you're buying from out of state, such as the letter described above.
Types of Titles Issued
Antique Auto:
Is defined in 29-A MRSA, Section 101, subsection 3, as "Any automobile or truck manufactured in or after model year 1916, which is over 25 years old, which is equipped with an engine manufactured either at the same time as the vehicle or to the specifications of the original engine of the vehicle, which is maintained primarily for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades or other functions of public interest and not used as its owner's primary mode of transportation of passengers or goods".
Classic Vehicles:
Is defined in 29-A MRSA, Section 101, subsection 15, as "A motor vehicle that is at least 16 years old but less than 26 years old that the Secretary of State determines is of significance to vehicle collectors because of its make, model and condition and is valued at more than $5,000".
Horseless Carriage:
Is defined in 29-A MRSA, SEction 101, subsection 28, as "Any motor vehicle made before model year 1916, which is equipped with an engine manufactured either at the same time as the vehicle or to the specifications of the original engine of the vehicle, which is maintained primarily for use in exhibitions, club activities, parades and other functions of public interest, and not used as it's owner's primary mode of transportation of passengers or goods".
Salvage Titles
The Secretary of State may issue a certificate of salvage upon surrender of a certificate of title and evidence that a vehicle was declared a total loss by an owner or an insurance company.
Rebuilt Titles
Means to replace any component part of a vehicle that is declared salvaged. A rebuilt salvage title is issued when two or more vehicles with different frames are joined or a salvage vehicle has five or more component parts replaced.
Warranty Titles
Antique auto, horseless carriage, classic vehicle. The Secretary of State may, on documented and notarized evidence of ownership and payment of a $40 fee, issue a warranty title to a Maine resident owner of an antique auto, horseless carriage or classic vehicle. A warranty title denotes that there are no known liens or encumbrances against the vehicle.
So, I emailed the Secretary of State and posed the question that even if the State of Maine doesn't require one, other states may, and in the event I ever wanted to sell my camper to a buyer in another state, would they issue me a title. This was the reply from BMV:
Unfortunately, Maine does not issue Warranty Titles for trailers. Maine does offer the possibility of purchasing a letter of verification to verify the most recent registered owner of the unit. The letter of verification is normally accepted by other states in lieu of Maine title.
You may contact the Bureau’s Registration Section to inquire.
624-9000 ext. 52149
Sincerely,
Ronald Rioux
Chief MV Title Examiner
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Tel. # (207) 624-9223
Fax # (207) 624-9239
So, I do encourage each and every person to do their research before ever buying a vintage trailer, find out for sure if your state requires a title, and if they accept anything in lieu of a title if you're buying from out of state, such as the letter described above.
