bought a motorcycle - original owner did not register the bike to his name

[INEEDADVICE2]

What is the name of your state?illinois

I purchased a motorcycle from this guy but he did not register the bike to his name after he bought it from the dealer. The DMV told me that legally he is not the owner of the motorcycle since he didn't apply for new registration. He shouldn't be allowed to sell it to anyone either. I have his receipts of purchase and certificate of origin that he received from the dealer. He bought the bike in cash in 2002 and has only used it less than a year so I guess he didn't bother to get a new title since he hasn't used that much.

What can I do to have the register the motorcycle to my name? I can't get a hold of the person and am planning to report him to the police this weekend if he is not willing to cooperate. What should be my moves?

Thank you in advance.
JS

[teflon_jones]

You need to contact the former owner and have him transfer ownership to himself, and then to you.

This is not a matter for the police. It's a civil matter.

[INEEDADVICE2]

Can he apply for a new title and then have it mail to my address? I really don't know him personally so I am thinking maybe it would be a problem if he doesn't hand over the title to me when he receives it. Right now I haven't heard from him back...I'm clueless.

[teflon_jones]

The DMV is going to mail the title to the address of record for the owner. He'll then need to sign it over to you and mail it, or else you can pick it up.

The guy has his money, and still technically owns the motorcycle you paid him for. I'd make sure you work this out ASAP.

[Shelby6718]

Actually this is a legal matter. It's called "title jumping". The seller cheated the state out of taxes due by failure to have the bike titled in his name when he purchased it. I believe it is considered a felony in most states. You may wish to point this out to him and, to help avoid further problems, get everything you agree on in writing!