I looked at a used SPF Cobra today (to buy) which is currently registered in Nevada (I'm in CA). The price was right, but my BIG concern was that it's titled in NV and I can't drive it here until I file for SB100 next year. I was told to start a Nevada Corp. and register the car in NV under the company name (use a friend's address who lives in NV or get a PO Box). Then I could drive it all I want in CA since it's under the business name in NV.
I'm looking into what it takes to start a Corp. in NV and it appears to be fairly simple and cheap. Just wanted to get some advice on this. Come January 2005, I would attempt at an SB100 registration in CA. But I don't want to buy the car and have to wait 8 months to drive it! These friggin CA laws are just ridiculous. I'm HAPPILLY WILLING to pay all taxes and registration fees, I'm not doing this to save money - I don't want to cheat anyone.
I am not a lawyer and I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but it seems to me that if you start a corporation for the express purpose of avoiding the laws of the state you live in, you are asking for trouble.
I realize that some huge companies have their headquarters in Delaware for similar reasons - but they have a lot of pricey attorneys keeping them out of trouble.
I have heard that Oregon is the place to do what you are suggesting - remember that Nevada has its own smog regulations that can be as bad as California's.......and in Oregon you can register a car for something like $30 every two years.
A COUPLE OF THOUGHTS ABOUT NEVADA. FIRST,NOT ALL COUNTIES REQUIRE SMOG. WHEN I BOUGHT MY ERA IT WAS REGISTERED IN CALIFORNIA, WITH THE CA TAG #. REGISTRING IT IN NV REQUIRED ONLY A VIN # CERTIFICATION. NOW THIS WAS FOR DOUGLAS COUNTY (LAKE TAHOE AREA). SAME THING WITH MY GT350 THAT I BOUGHT IN MISSISSIPPI. AS FOR SETTING UP A CORPORATION, A COMPANY IN CARSON CITY, LAUGHFLIN ASSOCIATES DOES THIS ROUTINELY. THE PROBLEM YOU WILL HAVE IN CALIF. MOSTLIKELY WILL BE DRIVING WITH NV PLATES, AND "HOUSING" THE CAR IN CALIF. AS FOR OREGON, BUYING ANY "TOY" UP THERE, ESPECIALLY BIG $ IS A MONEY SAVING DEAL. NO SALES TAX, AND $30 FOR PLATES FOR TWO YEARS. BUT A NEW LAMBO, $30 OUT THE DOOR !! ALSO, I BELIEVE AFTER 30 DAYS YOU CAN BRING THE CAR INTO CALIF. AND NOT PAY SALES TAX. THE TITLE FOR A COBRA MAY REQUIRE SOME OF THE REGISTRATION FEES, BUT NOT THE SALES TAX. DEPENDING ON THEE AMOUNT OF TAX $ SAVED, YOU COULD REGISTAR IN OREGON, LEAVE IT FOR 30 DAYS, AND THEN BRING IT INTO CALIF. BY THE TIME YOU CONTEMPLATE ALL THIS IT MAYBE BEST TO JUST "GIVE IN" AND FOLLOW THE CALIF. PROCEDURE.
Terry, I would LOVE to follow CA procedure. From what I understand, there is no procedure for registering a 2000 built Cobra unless I wait till next year (SB100).
And I think some people are missing the point: I'm not doing this to save money on registration/taxes. I'll gladly pay. I'm doing this because I'd love to buy a replica Cobra and be able to drive it.
I've been informed that various counties in NV have different rules/regulations. I will research this further to see which county would be best for my needs.
Oregon may save me tax, but I don't care. Oregon is too far from me. I live in So. Cal, so NV is a few hours drive (when I need to go to the DMV for example).
Joea, I agree that it's a good idea to contact an attorney. But what kind of attorney? One that specializes in Corp. law for NV or a CA DMV specialist?
I've actually been working on an internet type of business idea lately (specialty on-line accounting software). I'm talking to a couple of our programmers at work about possibly starting this business (I've even bought the domain name). I haven't gotten a business license yet, but I'm now seriously considering getting a business license and incorporating in Nevada just to drive my Cobra! I've been sitting on this idea for some time and this may be my motive to get things off the ground (and claim my bonus Cobra). Hell, it's an internet based business, so I'll have it hosted from an ISP in NV.
I would try to set up a post office box in a company name before I payed the big $ for corporating. I've heard talk that DMV is taking applications for the 2005 SB100's now, you might ask. Isn't California a wonderment, it's the only state where the politicians visually check their own liver...
Chris-
slithering
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"God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God".
Ephesians 2:8
Since this site and others routinely get visited by DMV leeches, and there are many in the system not content just doing their jobs, but instead looking for a breakthrough for their careers and want to make a name for themselves, I would be extremely cautious in disclosing plans and intentions here, especially threads titled REGISTRATION-SMOG-CALIFORNIA etc.
It is too late for some of us, we are already on first name basis. Others who have other ways of getting around this quagmire, should share their plans in private.
The fact that no one is trying to beat the system and not avoiding taxes is not good enough for these vultures. Their investigative reach is not for revenue alone. They just plain hate cars here.
Why else the limited number of 500 for these types of apllications in the most populus state in the nation?
Do you know any other state even the ones with few citizens living in them that allows only 500 registrations? Actually less than that, considering State is using some of those numbers to correct their own mistakes!
It is a mess, and yes I know if you don't like it MOVE! Heard that one before. I will.
Howeverall this we are going through is never localized enough NOT to effect you. It is not as benign as you might think. Very little starts here in California stays in California. We are miserable trend setter for the rest of the nation.
Did you know, in some (if not most) states, when you trade in your $30,000 Suburban on a new $40,0000 Suburban you pay sales taxes on the $10,000 difference. Reason being, the $30,000 Suburban will be sold to someone else in a few days and they will pay sales taxes on that vehicle, and state will loose nothing.
Here in California, you are expected to pay sales taxes on the full amount of $40,000 and the customer who buys the trade in Suburban pays sales taxes on that one.
If you come back in a few days back to the dealer convince them that the new Suburban is not serving your needs and he is willing to let you trade it back in for a replacement vehicle and gave you every dime you paid for that Suburban and exchanged vehicles with you, and the new vehicle is $41,000. Yup, you pay sales taxes on the full $41,000 again.
The other one the dealer took back, will be sold to someone else and full sales taxes will be collected on the same vehicle again.
Not long ago, I exchanged a CSX roller with the Kirkhams for one of theirs. Not one dime changed hands.
Try explaining this to the State of California!!
I actually sat home and manufactured a bill of sale to pretend I paid $30,000 plus for this car just so that I CAN pay taxes,,and DMV fees (which are as high as sles taxes are in some states).
There is no end. In a way I envy those who have decided "enough is enough" and the state is not going to get another dime from them. It is just that if I were you, I wouldn't share your ideas in here for them to read.
For some of us, it is too late. YOU should keep your scheme to yourself.
I was going to say They Deserve What They Get!......didn't sound right.
I meant to say, They DON'T Deserve What They Get!!
Hoppy:
There is no "line". SB100 Certificates are on a first come, first served basis. Later this year (November) contact the DMV and ask how far in advance you can make an appointment at your local DMV. I believe at present it is 30 days. Looking at a calendar, Monday 03 Jan 2005 should be their first day of business for 2005 but that should be verified. Make your appointment for the hour the DMV opens their doors and be prepared for a wait.
Between now and the end of 2004, check for the possibility of obtaining a temporary operating permit.
Howard
Hoppy, you lucky dog! I called DMV earlier today and asked if I could get a temp until next year - if I buy a used Cobra that's already registered in another state (as a 2001 Specialty Built Vehicle, not a 60's) - and they told me "No way in hell"! It took about an hours hold time, three transfers to various departments, and a direct long distance call to Sacramento to get this answer. They said they are short staffed (yet, they have enough staff to go after enthusiasts).
My NV corporation theory is shot to hell since I'm getting a loan - basically it has to be in my name (ya, small details I didn't originally think about).
Here is the problem: The car I want is for sale here at the right price. I have the check from the bank in hand. I don't think I can buy it and sit on it, the bank wants the title and copy of valid registration. And frankly, I don't want to sit on it for 8 months.
I'll be going to the Knotts show this weekend to see and speak to other owners on their thoughts.
The housing market is going nuts in Las Vegas, now. Do yourself a big favor and buy a house there! With 5,000 people moving in monthly, it will rise in value quickly (at least until the November elections, then who knows?).
Then you can drive around with Nevada plates and make money at the same time!
Paul
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"It doesn't have anything on it that doesn't make it go faster."
HOWARDV,
CANT SHOW YOU THE ERA AS IT DOESN'T EXIST ANYMORE.....ANOTHER STORY. CHECK THIS WEB SITE AND MAYBE THERE'S A PICTURE OF IT IN FLAMES. I SOLD THE CAR TO A GUY WHO IS LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. SINCE THIS DISCUSSION IS ON REGISTRATION IN CA. YOU CAN APPRECIATE THIS. I GAVE HIM FREE AND CLEAR NV TITLE, WITH ALSO A CALIF. CERT.TAG IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE THOUGHT CHANGING THE # TO A CSX3000 WAS NEAT!! AFTER HE TOTALED THE CAR THE STATE OF CAL. IS PROS. FOR FRAUD, HIS INS. IS DENING THE CLAIM AND HIS PASSENGER IS SUING. IT MAY BE ALL MUTE AS HE STILL HASN'T FULLY RECOVERED AND MAY NEVER.
Terry, I was actually replying to Hoppy (his name is Terry too) since he said he'll be there with his ERA. Imagine TWO Terry's in So. Cal. with ERA's!
And where is the link to what happened to your friend's ERA? I'd like to read up on it.
And on another note, I hope it doesn't rain on the Knotts Ford show this weekend since they're predicting rain for Saturday. Anyone gonna show up if it rains?
CA/NV Registration options
I've been sitting on this idea for some time and this may be my motive to get things off the ground (and claim my bonus Cobra). Hell, it's an internet based business, so I'll have it hosted from an ISP in NV. 
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