by hennesse » Fri Aug 26, 2016 6:51 pm
Dan,
I have had many titles corrected by the DMV over the years. This usually is not a big problem, but you will have to do some up front work.
The time to correct it is when you go to have the title transferred from your dad's name to yours.
First, get in the proper frame of mind. This will take you a whole day at the DMV. Then, when it only takes 2 or 3 hours, you will be pleasantly surprised. OK, the DMV clerk does about 90% brand new or < 5 years old cars. You are an oddity. Expect things to take longer than expected.
The DMV clerk can not go changing serial numbers willy-nilly - he/she will have to cover her butt. For him/her to do this, you will have to provide them with documentation, that they can keep with their internal paperwork. Take good photographs of the bike, the motor, and most importantly, the serial number - and print them all out. Also, print out many pages from the Technical:Numbers section of this website. The first page shows the Harley serial number format for 1930-1969. The page of photos of actual serial numbers provides examples of what K serial numbers look like. Print lots of pages. Remember - they are the government, and the government loves paperwork. Give them what they want!
If possible, trailer the bike to the DMV. They might want to look at it, or have a policeman look at it. Let them know you have it outside in the parking lot. Some DMVs have a cop in a little office in the rear. If not, you can drive it over to the nearest police station, and back to the DMV in the same day. If you have to do this, ask the clerk his/her name, and if you can speak directly to them when you come back. You don't want to start all over with a new clerk.
Whether it's a clerk at the DMV or a cop, or a Judge in court, dress well, be polite, be respectful. They have all the power. If the clerk can't help you, ask to speak to a supervisor. There's usually one or two supervisors that can handle the unusual cases - like yours. You usually have to wait a while to see the supervisor. But you figured it would take all day.
Good luck, and let us know what happens!
Dave