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I have a question about a title on a recreational vehicle. Please help!?

My parents bought a 5th wheel years ago (probably around 10 years ago). They never obtained a title, and we have no idea how to get in contact with the man they bought it from. They don't have a bill of sale either. I'd like to get the title rightfully transferred into their names. I checked the DMV site for lost titles, but it looks like replacement titles only. What should I do? We live in Texas. Is there a way to get it put into my parents' names?

Public Comments

1. Your best bet on a vehicle like that requiring a title is to contact the D.M.V. about an abandoned vehicle on your property and that you would like to seek ownership of said property for re-sale.

That is a little time consuming but will definitely work.

I had to do that with a mobile home so that I could get it removed from my recently purchased property

2. If there was a title issued for the RV in the first place (some don't have titles) and since it has been so long, I suggest you call the Tx DMV and speak to a human to get advice on what to do.

It is foolish to buy a titled vehicle and not get that title at the time of the sale.

3. the original seller is obligated to give a good title. if this person is dead or unavailable, you will have to get a court order vesting title in your parents. in order to get the title through court order, be prepared to sue the original seller in court at his/her last known address to force him/her to prepare a bill of sale and transfer the title to you. of course you will need proof that your parents paid the seller for the vehicle, such as a cancelled check or bill of sale -- which you don't have.) if the seller doesn't answer the suit, you have a right to obtain a judgment against him by default for failure to answer.

it is very unwise to get possession of a vehicle without proper title and ownership papers. a fraudulent seller can come back against you and claim you stole it. you will have huge problems at this late date getting a title if the seller is uncooperative, and if you have no proof that you actually paid for this 5th wheel, it may be impossible. a court will w ant to verify that you are a rightful owner before ordering the department of motor vehicles to put a title into your name.