From Massachusetts to Michigan, Here Are Some Ways to Title a Car

Sometimes it is hard to understand why an abandoned vehicle cannot be yours. After all, when you bought that land, you bought it with everything on it. Well, since cars are considered different properties than, let's say, a tin can or a spoon, the governments from each state understand to deal with them differently. Thus, even in some relaxed states, you can't get that car under your name. Moreover, in many states, you have to call the police and remove it from your property. But don't worry, you can buy it at a public auction. On the other hand, in more than half of U.S., you can get a bonded title, which is the case in Massachusetts and Michigan.

Where the zip code began

The small town Agawam from Massachusetts was the first to receive a Zone Improvement Plan code, or zip-code for short. This state is also known for the Boston Tea Party, and its Dunkin' Donuts, and the first public park. They care about their environment and don't like to see abandoned cars littering the scenic Old King's Highway (Route 6A), or any other public place.

That said, what can you do if you find such a vehicle on your property? First of all, don't touch it since there is a $300 fine if you do that. Sure, you may call the police, and they will remove the vehicle for you, and then maybe you'll have a chance to get it at an auction somewhere. But what if it's not a rust bucket, but a Chevrolet Corvette C1? Would you give it for free?

Guess not. I wouldn't, that's for sure. In that case, you have a few options: put a lien on the vehicle, try contacting the owner for a bill of sale or a transfer title, or go for a bonded title. Also, you might have a chance to put a lien on the vehicle, ask the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV.) for the owner, and try contacting them with a return receipt. If you don't get any answer, you can proceed by publishing announcements in a local newspaper stating the vehicle's make, model, and color.

After all of these efforts are made, the state considers the car an involuntary sale, and you may proceed by asking for a title from the RMV. It can register and title an undocumented vehicle at its discretion and ask for a bonded title. That bonded title is worth one and a half of the estimated relic's value, which you don't have to pay in full. For example, you might go to a company that issues surety bonds, and in many cases, that would be about $100. With that in your hand, you may receive a bonded title. After three years, if no one claims the vehicle, you will end up with a clean title.

The world's car capital state

Ask any petrolhead what's the world's car capital, and they should answer Detroit. Even though almost half of this state's area is covered by water, it still has plenty of roads and properties to find abandoned vehicles on, which you might claim.

In Michigan, a vehicle is considered abandoned if it remains on a state road for at least 18 hours, or on public property for 48 hours. After that, police will take it into custody, and the Secretary of State will notify the owner, who will have ten days to recover it. After that, the state will auction the vehicle. Thus, even if you find a 1969 Camaro on the side of the road, all you can do is to call the police, but you cannot touch it. If it's on your property, you can't do anything about it either. Unless you want to keep it and try to contact the former owner, you have to announce the police, and they will tow it away. Then, you might have a chance to buy it at an auction.

There are some other options if you can't contact the former owner and cannot provide the required documents for the car. One option would be to get a court order. After they decide that it is your vehicle, nothing can stop you from applying for a clean title. Another option is to get a bonded title. I explained above the conditions for that. As a last resort, if the vehicle is worth less than $2,500 and it is ten years or older, you can apply for a self-certification process. But this is not available for non-residents, or vehicles registered outside Michigan. That's why you'd better start a restoration process only after you have the title on your name.