From Barn Find to Daily Driver: How to Register Abandoned and Lost-Title Vehicles

Let’s be honest — few things are more exciting than stumbling across a dusty classic hidden in a barn or scoring a project car for a steal. But that excitement can quickly turn into a headache when you realize you have no title. The good news? Whether your car is salvage, abandoned, or simply missing paperwork, you don’t have to stay stuck in the garage.

Vehicle Solutions for Unconventional or Difficult Cases

This rusted-out classic may be buried in brush and covered in decay, but even with difficult title paperwork and a salvage title, it still has a shot at the open road.

Many vehicles fall into gray areas when it comes to titling and registration, especially when there’s no title, a salvage brand, or an off-road-only designation. These cases often exceed what a traditional DMV is willing to handle.

Do You Need Both ATV and Motorcycle Registration for a Dual-Sport Bike?

A confident rider pauses on a scenic dirt trail with her rugged orange quad—capturing the freedom and versatility that comes with owning a street legal ATV.

A dual-sport motorcycle that is titled and registered for on-road use typically only requires motorcycle registration. Even though it can operate off-road, a properly registered street-legal dirt bike does not need separate ATV or OHV registration in most states, according to the American Motorcyclist Association.

				
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