chill66 wrote:
Here is my solution. I did not know that in California plates stay with the vehicle and once you sign the title you absolve the old owner of all responsibility. I will use the plates on the current Class B RV and drive it home. I will insure it before I leave. My reluctance and concern was that the owner would remove the plates after the sale to return to DMV as that is how we do it here in NJ.
I didn't want to drive across the country without plates. I know in NJ They would pull me over and impound the vehicle immediately.
That's correct. Hopefully the seller's tags are up to date.
There's a portion of the CA title that you sign and leave with the seller. They can go straight to the CA DMV website and record the sale with all of your info to protect their liability. And you'll have the signed title that protects your ownership.
Have the owner email you a photo of the title in advance so you can have a look first. Make sure there isn't a lienholder and make sure there aren't any other complications. For example, a CA title can list the husband OR the wife, but then your state might require both of their signatures, so make sure both of them sign and date it.
Other than that, your plate with the current tags plus your signed title and proof of insurance are all you need to get across the country. (Make sure you deal with the insurance before you hit the road.)
