Changing an ATV Title of a passed away owner...

Daryl LBZ · September 14, 2012

I found a good deal on a Grizzly 660 in Ohio. The problem is that the person he bought it off of sold it to him and it was his mothers. Well his mother passed away and before that she had the title signed and notarized, but never transferred. I was wondering if it was possible to change it into my name in PA if I bought it? I was told by the ATV shop that it wouldnt be a problem, but Id like some more opinions.

Silverado4x4 · September 14, 2012

Title never transfered to who, you or the son of the mother? If it was never transfered to him then he has to take the title and death certificate to his DMV to get it straightened out, not a big deal.

Daryl LBZ · September 15, 2012

The son of the mother. She signed it at the Notary in 2001, then she passed away. Her son got it after that, but never transferred it into his name. Then he sold it to the guy that currently has it which is who I want to buy it from. I wasn't sure if I could just put it in my name since it is signed in front of the notary before she died or not? Like I said the ATV shop said I could, but I'm still skeptical...

Edit: The exact words from the Dealer were: "Since it's not a PA Title then changing it from Ohio to PA shouldn't be a problem. PA doesn't really care to much about those types of things".

Z45 · September 16, 2012

Typically if the title is signed by the owner and notarized, anyone who has possession of it (title) can claim ownership of the vehicle. That is provided its a clean title, i.e. the vehicle has never been reported stolen or has a lien on it. A lien would be so identified on the title as first, second, third etc secured interest.

Note - Some states place a time liimit on (30, 90 days etc) when a title has to be transferred or recorded so you might incur some penalities ($) because of the elasped time. The only way you are going to know is to go and try to have is put in your name. I don't see anyway you broke any laws.

KMGZ400 · September 17, 2012

i bought an ATV on CL from some guy in maryland and he said i didnt need the have the title transfered because in maryland you dont have to get it transfered because theres a spot on the back of the title to sign it over to someone else..

like elcamino said, if you have possesion of the title, then you claim ownership

Daryl LBZ · September 17, 2012

Well thanks for the replies guys. Ive decided not to get it. He sent me more pictures and it doesn't look to be in the shape of the pics on Craigslist. I've found a YFZ450R that I'll probably end up getting anyhow. Can't find a 4x4 thats in my price range.

Z45 · September 17, 2012

The YFZ450R is a race quad, far cry from the Grizzly 660.

Daryl LBZ · September 17, 2012

The YFZ450R is a race quad, far cry from the Grizzly 660.

I realize that. Right now Im just looking for something in my budget to ride again, and the Girzzly doesn't fit there.

kstruckcountry · September 17, 2012

You'd have a blast on the 450

dirtfan21 · September 17, 2012

Well thanks for the replies guys. Ive decided not to get it. He sent me more pictures and it doesn't look to be in the shape of the pics on Craigslist. I've found a YFZ450R that I'll probably end up getting anyhow. Can't find a 4x4 thats in my price range.

What year bud? I just got rid of my '05, just didn't ride it enough to constitute having it. They are a friggin blast and mine was pretty darn quick. It was piped, hot cams, K&N, and other misc things. Reason I ask about the year is before '07 they had a bit of an oiling isssue that was hit or miss. Stock the wrist pin wouldn't recieve enough oil and there were many failures but, some blew in 10 hours and others like mine never had the oil mod done and never had an issue. Just an FYI.

KMGZ400 · September 18, 2012

CL is hit or miss.

what year YFZ are you looking for? i have a Z400 right now, and pretty soon im gonna get a raptor soon

Daryl LBZ · September 18, 2012

It's a 2009 450r. Fuel injected and already has a pipe and programmer on it. I had an 08 Raptor 700 and sort of regret selling it, but I think this 450 will be more fun.

SarahsGMC · September 18, 2012

Me next quad will either be a can am or banshee I have a 98 Honda recon 250 right now lol

Sent from my truck using TAPATALK

dirtfan21 · September 18, 2012

It's a 2009 450r. Fuel injected and already has a pipe and programmer on it. I had an 08 Raptor 700 and sort of regret selling it, but I think this 450 will be more fun.

Awesome! Yeah that 450 will feel more limber between your legs. I'm sure you know this already being a previous owner but those 700's always felt tippy to me. My 450 never felt that way once and I was never worried to corner hard or drift any corner. You will be pleased with the power, especially since I never rode a FI one. My carb one was pretty sweet, haha.

Daryl LBZ · September 18, 2012

It's a 2009 450r. Fuel injected and already has a pipe and programmer on it. I had an 08 Raptor 700 and sort of regret selling it, but I think this 450 will be more fun.

Awesome! Yeah that 450 will feel more limber between your legs. I'm sure you know this already being a previous owner but those 700's always felt tippy to me. My 450 never felt that way once and I was never worried to corner hard or drift any corner. You will be pleased with the power, especially since I never rode a FI one. My carb one was pretty sweet, haha.

Yea the Raptor was really quick and had a boat load of torque, but like you said it never handled all that great. I can't wait to pick it up. I'm waiting on the guy who has it to change the title over into his name, and then I'm going to go and get it.