Im stuck in a pickle, need help

[red_dog007]

Basically, what I need to know is does California have temporary titles for cars that I can get.

I have having a little trouble with my title here in TN, so when I go out to CA I need to drive my Z around to track down the previous owner, and to go to government builds (DMV) but need a plate of some kind on the back so that it won't be illegal. Also need it there for my drive back to TN so that I can get it registered here.

I have looked all over CA DMV site but can not find anything like this. I found one on the TN DMV site. I called them and they said that the car has to be located in TN for me to get one, but I still might be able to get one from here at least because I doubt that they will ask to see the car as that is not on the requirements list.

[AndysPlit]

Well, here in CA there is such a thing as a temporary operating permit. I am currently using one of these because my 300ZX still needs to pass smog. So until my ZX is registered I am able to drive around with one of those. It's a red paper that is displayed on the right rear windshield indicating the month it is good for. These permits are good until the end of the month.

Now, I have just illustrated how It is OK for me to use one. I do not know if the DMV would grant you one with your circumstance in mind. However I am going to the DMV tomorrow afternoon. I can ask for you if you wish.

[red_dog007]

That would be great if you can. Would be very much appreciated.

Basically, the title the seller gave me, he filled it out but never registered it under his name, so his junk is still on the back where I am supposed to sign. So I need to track him down, (5 hours or so away) and get him to do his end of the work.

It will take awhile for him to get the new title with his name on the front in the mail to send to me, so I can finish getting it filled out with my information and registered in TN.

So I would need to drive the car over to TN. If they say I can putt around in CA but not other states, I may still use the red tag thing to go into other states. I'm sure that the cops would understand and wouldn't even want to bother figuring it out if what I am doing is legal or not as I would imagine that they would have to look up CA codes.

Plus I am going to try to see if I can pick me up a TN temp. tag to take with me to CA, so I could always use that if it would be safer out of state.

[AndysPlit]

I'm printing this thread out so that I can remember the details. I'll have an answer for you by tomorrow afternoon.

[zbane]

You can drive through other states with the CA temp tag, though you might get a hassle for it from time to time.

All you would need to say is that you just got the car in California (not far from the truth, really), but are transporting it back to Tennessee for a permanent title.

Also, if you can get the PO to go with you to the DMV, you should be able to transfer the title right there, right then. You WILL have to prove who you say you are, so take your passport or CERTIFIED birth certificate.

[280~Master]

Here in GA my 76 just needed a bill of sale to registar it and not a title. It was considered to old for a title.

[Nota280]

Download and print these forms

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg343.pdf

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg135.pdf

Fill in all the information on the reg135 form of the person you purchased it from, not the owners name DMV has on the title.

You have a choice of finding the person who sold it to you and have them sign it. Or just sign it with their name and forget about finding the guy. You have the original title and posession of the car.

Take that form and the title with you to California DMV. If it is not in the DMV database then they will want to verify the VIN. Hopefully there are no leans or back fees due on it.

I went through this same process a few months ago with my 75 280Z. Previous owner bought it from someone else and never transfered it.

[red_dog007]

PRINTED *Thanks*

Would that make me get a CA title on the car, or would they give me something different, so when I come to TN it will be quick, easy and cheap?

I really don't want to have to pay CA taxes and fees, and then have to come back and pay them again in TN. If I have to though, I got to do what I got to do to get my car out this way.

This part has been extremely frustrating, but at least I know that I will be back with my precious extremely soon. :devious:

Could I fill those forms out and just take it to a TN DMV and have them give me the Tags and Title with my name on it before I even get on the plane?

[Nota280]

California will want to collect money. As to what is needed in your state for title and registration, sorry I can not help there. Perhaps they would take the CA bill of sale and title transfer?

I can tell you California will not give you a temporary red tag unless all fees are paid. Plus they usually ask for proof of insurance.

[red_dog007]

Hmm.....

I will fill those papers out this week and try to hit up my DMV to see if they will take it. Don't want to pay those CA fees and taxes.

Also, good think you reminded me about it now so that I can get it on the list. I was planning on taking the insurance off my S10 a couple days before I left and transfered over to the Datsun, so I will also have some cards printed out in hand.

[e_racer1999]

are you a AAA member? we had a similar issue with the 510, and the people at AAA were very helpful. they'll go over your options with you.

[janaka]

i bought my datsun in florida and i'm from canada. when the transaction was done i took my bill of sale, old title and the car to the DMV. I said I bought the car and would like a temporary permit for the car to drive it home. $5 later I had my temporary permit and was on my way. I didn't get a FL title for the car in my name, I simply drove the car home (to canada from FL) and when I got home I transfered the title to an ONTARIO title in my name. I don't see why you need to register the car in purchasing state if you are just going to take it home and re-register it. I had NO issues by the way driving it 1300miles through a whack of states with the temp permit on the rear window. the only time i was asked about no plates on the car was at the canadian boarder and i explained my situation.

i'm not sure if my random story helps or not but i'm just wondering why you need to register the car twice is all...