dedmiston wrote:
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.)
Good (and correct) information!
BTW - sales tax in California is collected when:
A *new* vehicle is purchased. If a *new* vehicle is leaving the state, usually the buyer and seller meet in AZ or NV to complete the purchase. (Yes, that's legal).
For a *previously owned* vehicle -from a private party- CA sales tax would be charged when the new owner goes to the CA DMV to register it. A smog inspection would be required.
Note: A previously owned vehicle being purchased from a *dealer*:
Expect the dealer is required to charge CA sales tax. Use the "work-around" above.......and/or check with your home state how it is handled.
BTW - the CA plates stay with the vehicle - which may -or may not-
be "collected by the state where the new registration takes place, along with sales tax (if any) and registration fees.
Lastly - there are private vehicle registration companies, which are authorized to complete registration (etc.) in CA.
Most will answer questions w/o charging a fee for same.
**In many/most instances they are more knowledgeable than many AAA
offices - with more complicated registration, etc.
It's really not as difficult as it seems...:W
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