I did a couple short videos on titles and registration back in April, but I thought perhaps it would be good to put something in writing as a reference point that can be gone back to, time and again.
1. When buying a vehicle, please make sure to match the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle to the one on the title itself.
2. Make sure the name on the front of the title is the same name as the person you are purchasing the vehicle from unless you are buying from a dealer. If buying from a dealer, please make sure the dealer’s name is on the title under the dealer reassignments portion of the title. Generally, this is on the backside of the title.
3. Check the title for branding and/or remarks. Branding generally refers to vehicles that are or have previously been marked as salvage. In most States, vehicles can be rebuilt but must go through a rigorous inspection process to be deemed road worthy once again. In this case the branding will say something akin to rebuilt or rebuilt salvage. Remarks will include odometer statements. If the title says EXEMPT understand that means the mileage is no longer actual. If your seller is claiming actual miles, he needs to have books and records to support this claim.
4. Seller should sign off on the title where prescribed. This should be the seller’s printed name, his autograph, and the date of sale. If you happen to reside in Texas, you also need a 130U form in order to transfer ownership. The form also requires a signature (https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/form_files/130-U.pdf).
5. Take the title to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or tax office, pay the taxes and get the title in your name within 30 days of the date of purchase…even if the vehicle has a license plate. NO ONE likes doing this step BUT if you lose your title and it is in your name, it is easily reprinted. If you have not, you will most likely have to pay a professional title service to get it replaced. This will be costly and time-consuming. A little side note: in some state, the license plate belongs to the car and in others, it belongs to the person.
Please keep in mind that some States require inspections for safety and/or smog. Some States are registration only. Most collect sales tax. What constitutes a collector car in one state, may not be the same in another. Texas for example, is 25-years and older versus Colorado which is model year 1976 and earlier unless registered as a collector car in another state prior to 2009. Certain States have restrictions on when collector cars can be driven or how many miles. All require insurance.
Here is a good article from Hagerty spelling out many of the States requirements and restrictions in 2019: https://www.hagerty.com/media/archived/how-classic-car-friendly-is-your-state/ but more than likely some law somewhere has changed. ALWAYS make sure to get on the DMV website for your State and double check, even if you think you know.
Two things can be promised: if you have all your purchase paperwork in order, transferring a title should be easy and if you do not, it will be HARD and unpleasant. If you have questions or need help, feel free to contact us at blog@motorageous.com.
Motorageous. 