Mike Armstrong
Bronze Level Sponsor
Ok, done, after only a few days I now hold the Title (well, the 'official' one will arrive in the mail) of a California vehicle that no longer existed on the CA DMV Database, had no Title, no Registration, or any paperwork from the seller and not even a name or address of who/where the seller got the car from.
What had to be done was this. Basically, as far as the CA DMV was concerned the car did not exist anymore so a paper trail had to be established beginning with the seller. First, as always, a Bill Of Sale REG 135, then the seller had to fill out and sign a Statement Of Facts REG 256 that explains his side of the where, how, when, liens, no available paperwork, of whom history and value of the vehicle (I don't remember but it's under $4,000 that was a good thing) but which has to be worded correctly to avoid the DMV labeling the vehicle a Salvage, that you want to avoid. Next the seller had to fill out and sign a Certificate Of Non-Operation REG 102 stating the vehicle 'was not' ever driven by him. That takes care of the sellers side of things.
Now the buyer also has to fill out and sign a Statement Of Facts that explains his side of the where, how, when, no available paperwork, of whom history and value of the vehicle. The buyer also has to fill out and sign a Certificate Of Non-Operation stating as a Non-Op the vehicle 'will not' be driven by him until Registered. In addition an Application For Title Or Registration REG 343 and then the VIN needs to be verified using the Verification Of Vehicle REG 31 form. Because of the cost of renting a truck and auto trailer to haul the car to AAA I opted to have a mobile VIN Verification Service come to my home. It was legal, quick, easy, done the same day I called and about the same cost.
http://www.vinverifyplace.com/dnn/default.aspx
This is only to title a non-operational vehicle until it's ready to be driven and then it will need to be registered, plates assigned and possibly re-inspected for road worthiness by the DMV. It's also at that time that I'll submit the Year Of Make Program form to the DMV to use the black plates.
What had to be done was this. Basically, as far as the CA DMV was concerned the car did not exist anymore so a paper trail had to be established beginning with the seller. First, as always, a Bill Of Sale REG 135, then the seller had to fill out and sign a Statement Of Facts REG 256 that explains his side of the where, how, when, liens, no available paperwork, of whom history and value of the vehicle (I don't remember but it's under $4,000 that was a good thing) but which has to be worded correctly to avoid the DMV labeling the vehicle a Salvage, that you want to avoid. Next the seller had to fill out and sign a Certificate Of Non-Operation REG 102 stating the vehicle 'was not' ever driven by him. That takes care of the sellers side of things.
Now the buyer also has to fill out and sign a Statement Of Facts that explains his side of the where, how, when, no available paperwork, of whom history and value of the vehicle. The buyer also has to fill out and sign a Certificate Of Non-Operation stating as a Non-Op the vehicle 'will not' be driven by him until Registered. In addition an Application For Title Or Registration REG 343 and then the VIN needs to be verified using the Verification Of Vehicle REG 31 form. Because of the cost of renting a truck and auto trailer to haul the car to AAA I opted to have a mobile VIN Verification Service come to my home. It was legal, quick, easy, done the same day I called and about the same cost.
http://www.vinverifyplace.com/dnn/default.aspx
This is only to title a non-operational vehicle until it's ready to be driven and then it will need to be registered, plates assigned and possibly re-inspected for road worthiness by the DMV. It's also at that time that I'll submit the Year Of Make Program form to the DMV to use the black plates.