Bikes with no title in Texas

Wondering if anyone knows if a bike purchased with bill of sale in Texas can be registered and licensed?

I think that you have to apply for a bonded title. Not easy or fast, but sometimes necessary. You won't be able to register it without a title.

Thanks. I've heard that term, "bonded title". What does that mean, actually? I'm assuming that in that case the state has no record of the vin in question. Do you think?

Well as I understand the process, you have to get an agency to insure a bond that is related to the value of the bike in question. Once you get that bond, then you have to deal with your local law enforcement agency who will open an investigation of sorts into the background of the motorcycle. If they deem it acceptable, then they will issue you a bonded title which you will use to register the bike for 3 years IIRC. After that 3 year has passed, and nothing happens like a previous owner reporting the bike stolen, then you are issued a regular blue, Texas title. Of course, I'm just recounting this from memory, and I'm not a lawyer or anything. Small details may be slightly off.

Here's a link to the states info page: www.txdmv.gov/vehicles/titles/bonded.htm