VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 Applying for VT registration

Has anyone heard of applying for a Vermont vehicle registration as a non-resident to receive tags/ registration card for a vehicle without a title? It seems like a small loophole where I can then take the VT registration card to my DMV to apply for a title in my state. If it works, I know my biggest hurdle will be passing the PA inspection process because of the current fuel tank location. I plan on stopping by a few garages to show them pictures to see what they think. Thanks,

Does PA have transferable registeration that can serve as your title? It' is done in NY. How will VT provide a title? I have not heard of this loophole. Will the VT Trooper have to create a Vin so it can be titled? These options are done in NY and I can image it can be done in PA if those are routes you want to go.

My understanding is that since VT doesn’t issue titles for vehicles that are 9yrs or older, PA has to honor the VT registration as a title. The paperwork has to list the vin # along with a bill of sale disclosing the vin and mileage.

I understand what your saying now. Good luck make sure you continue to check the status of the state
,as each state is lifting social distancing orders differently.

I have had 3 titles created by International Title Company in Las Vegas, NV. They advertise in Hemmings Motor News magazine. They post a bond for the vehicle in Vermont. You provide a DMV VIN cert filled out by any cop. I have 3 neighbors that are good cops. They sign and your part is done. Cost was $450, and I got plates and registration in Vermont. Took to NV DMV and no issues. Got clear titles in my name within one month of initiating paperwork. The International Title Company is run by the daughter now. Very quick and accurate. Father, who founded company passed away about 10 years ago.

My check was deposited by the VT department of motor vehicles on Monday and a brand new tag came in the mail today. From what I read, the registration and sticker will follow within the next week. I signed up for insurance from Hagerty so I guess I can run it registered, tagged and insured as VT for at least the next year without getting hassled by any local cops.

I can take the VT registration and apply for a PA title but I don’t know if I can get it tagged as “Antique” in PA due to the self certification line... Since the doodlebug is a 1928 Chevy sedan with a chevy one ton trans, Ford Ton Truck rear, no windshield, homemade bed, seat and no doors I don’t feel comfortable signing off on the self certification listed below.

“The vehicle has been maintained in or restored to a condition that is essentially the same as that which a vehicle of that particular year and model would have been in at the time it was originally manufactured and both interior and exterior are in good condition including paint, chrome, wheels and body. I/We understand that this vehicle must be maintained in compliance with Pennsylvania Equipment Regulations.
The signature(s) below hereby certifies under penalty of law that the information contained herein is TRuE aND CORRECT. WARNING: unsworn falsification to authorities is a misdemeanor of the third degree punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment up to 1 year (18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904[b]).”


Any thoughts to how I could justify signing this without incriminating myself? Wish I had a cop friend that could tell me if it’s a big deal or not.


VT Tag

I would go to the DMV of Pa. and get their advice. They are the authority as to you being compliant to Pa. motor vehicle laws. Cops may stop you but they don't know all the laws but the DMV does. Trucks were partially manufactured at the factory then sent out to have the body put on and delivered to you. I don't believe you could get a vehicle registered in 1928 without doors or a windshield. Just my opinion. I wish you the best with your project.
Steve

Wouldn't a doodle bug be more classed as a tractor, not car or truck? If that is the case put a SMV sign on the back and drive it. See if it could be insured as a tractor or what ever your state requires. Don't think it is going to be any faster then a Ford Jubilee tractor with Sherman road gear. :)

Hey Mark,

Oh yea, I don't think we get past 10 mph... I downloaded a speedometer app on my phone for the next time we go out. I've found that third gear is a nice cruising speed and it still has enough power to pull the hills without downshifting.

I think its starting to become fairly debatable if it's a tractor, truck or car with the more and more I add to it. I do have a slow-moving SMV sign along with headlights and taillights now. I'm probably going to wire a 6v signal flasher to make the taillights flash. I can only register it as a tractor in PA if I have a farm and use it to go from one section of the farm to the other. Now there will be less debate by the local law should they stop and ask questions which gives me some peace of mind. Tell ya what, my 1.5yr old son is absolutely addicted to Doodlebug rides!

We take it up and down our little road 3-4 times a week then typically head out on a 7-10 mile loop once every few weekends. The last time we went out on a long ride it was me, my brother, my brother in law, my son, my 5 and 3 yr old nieces and 4yr old nephew. The ol' girl might have been a little overloaded but she brought us back and the kids had a blast! The youngest two fell asleep halfway through.... Must be the smooth sound of the chevy 4cyl. and gentle rocking of the flat spot in the right rear tire. In the evenings my son typically doesn't make it past two trips up and back without falling asleep. It's the 'when all else fails' to get him to go to sleep when he doesn't realize he's ready for bed. I'm not really sure what a cop would say if they saw that many of us on it. I did read that kids don't need car seats in antique cars but that many..?? I'm fortunate to live off and near several low traffic back roads but unfortunately, since I'm 32 I can't play the 'Grandpa taking his grandkids for a ride' card which is the root of my paranoia.

I'm hoping to take the doodlebug to a few car and tractor shows in the fall if they don't get cancelled. Cheers to everyone that's given me advice and helped me get it to where it is today. It's truely appreciated!