Buying an out-of-state car in CA

[Don]

Terry:

" What happens in your state if you were to buy a 1964 (whatever) from a private party? What do they give you when you go to the Motor Vehicle Dept., just the registration that you keep in the auto, license plates (if you do not already have them) and your current year tags? "

* Do not recall the effective date of not issuing a Title for 1981 and earlier. Might be there is a Title, obtained prior to the Title policy change.

* If no Title , Bill of Sale is used with all the same info that is on the registration, including name/address of seller and purchaser etc .Supporting document could/might be a copy of the seller's Registration if currently or previously registered.

* Seller responsibility to turn in the plates to the DMV. Seller receives a receipt. DMV notifies the local taxing authority to remove from real property listing. I have always taken the plate turn in receipt myself to the local Tax Dept, they copy and use to remove the vehicle from property tax listing, not knowing the time delay for the DMV to notify the taxing authority.

* CT, as a cost reduction move, no longer issues either plate or windshield stickers for registered vehicles, both new and renewals. If stopped or a non moving violation such as parking ticket, police verify on-line if vehicle is registered. Portion of the renewal document received in mail is returned to the DMV with payment. Cancelled check, money order, etc is the receipt. Renewal registration document is still kept in the vehicle.