Boat trailer licensing question

[TooTallTom]

So I did something really stupid. I bought a boat trailer, and lost the transfer card AND the seller's contact info. I'd obviously like to have it in my name, and would prefer not to register it as "homemade" since it isn't. Does anyone on the board have any experience with this in Minnesota?

[Valv]

I would walk into your local DMV office and ask the same question, they should be able to help you out. Beware, releasing owners information is against the law, so don't get upset if you don't get the answer you like.

Think about it the opposite situation, a scumbag (ME) walks into a DMV office stating I bought a trailer from you but lost all your info, they give it to you, and tonight I am going to bash into your house and steal and commit crime everywhere. Or I use it combined to a fake SS number and scam people over the internet everywhere.

How would you feel about the employee that gave away your personal address?

So be understanding and follow what they suggest you. There's nothing wrong with a homemade trailer.

[TooTallTom]

Thanks for the response, Valv. I know that that information is protected, and I'm glad of it for the reasons you mentioned.

I guess I just assumed that the DMV wouldn't give me the address infomation or anything, but wondered if maybe there was some kind of form to file with the State to start some kind of process. I'll try and run this down and post up with what I find.

[slammer]

What brand of trailer is it? Could you take the serial number and see if the manufacturer could help in any way? Just a thought....

[Valv]

but wondered if maybe there was some kind of form to file with the State to start some kind of process.

There is, it's called the Title Duplicate request, but they wcan give the form to you if you know the address to be sent to, since the original owner has to sign it.

Or they can mail it to him, he can sign it then mail it to you, but if in either cases you both don't know each others name and address they will not work.

[TooTallTom]

Hi Slammer, I didn't think of that. For trailers purchased from the original owner, that would be worth checking out. Luckily I don't have to, since I found the title card in the glove box of my truck over the weekend. I guess it pays to clean that sucker out every now and then...

Valv, thanks for your suggestions as well.

In case anyone is wondering, the DNR and DMV absolutely will not get in touch with the prior owner on your behalf in a situation like this. (At one time, they were willing to do this.) What you have to do is call the Clerk of Court for your county and tell them what your situation is. They'll make an appointment for you with the appropriate judge, and the judge takes it from there. But hopefully no one has to learn what happens after that...