Selling California cars out of state

[alexiskai]

I have a question for folks in California who have sold a Model A to someone out of state.

I am assisting with the dispersal of an estate that includes several cars that are titled in CA. The cars are not operational, but they have clean CA titles and plates. The buyers for these cars will be here in NC.

What paperwork, if any, did you file when you sold the car? Did you just sign the title and hand it over, or were there DMV forms involved? Did you have to mail the plates back?

[Mulletwagon]

When selling a Model A to an out of state buyer it is critically important that the engine block number (VIN) matches the title or a state assigned VIN on the car and title agree. In many states an out of state purchase will require a law offocer or notary agent to physically confirm the VIN on the car agrees with the title in order to register. When the VIN does not agree with the title there are legal procedures to enable registration, but the laws vary by state. If there is a VIN issue be sure to advise a potential buyer before closing the deal.

[alexiskai]

The VINs are all good.

[JayJay]

Alex - I have not sold a Model A to an out-of-state buyer, but I have sold my fair share of vehicles, especially recently. So I'm familiar as a lay person with the process.

There are two administrative steps to selling a car in California, and as far as I know there is no differentiation between in-state and out-of-state buyers.

Title - the old owner signs the front of the title certificate (we used to call it the "Pink Slip" because it was, well, pink, but it's now multicolored with watermarks) releasing his/her interest in the vehicle. On the back of the title the buyer fills in his/her name and address as new owner, and signs. This includes a spot for "State". There are instructions for the new owner to contact California DMV to change the title, I presume that's the point where the title would go out of state. Or maybe when the vehicle is re-registered out of state the new state takes care of that?

Transfer notification - the old owner files a notice with DMV separately that he/she has sold the car, and gives DMV the new owner information. However, there is a note that the old owner remains in DMV's records until the new owner files the notice of transfer.

Where I can see this getting tricky in your case is who is authorized to sign for the estate as releasing interest in the vehicle. I had DMV get really pissy with me and refuse my General Power of Attorney and designation as Trustee of my parents' trust (even with death certificates) when I tried to transfer my parents' car to myself. So in your case I think it would be wise to be sure you are bullet-proof in that regard.

I think generally you surrender out-of-state plates to the new state of registration.

Here is the California DMV site regarding title transfers. Note that there is a form that may be applicable to your case where someone responsible for the estate declares that the title can be transferred without probate.

I did some searching and everything that I found was based upon transferring an out-of-state car INTO California. Nothing specific to transferring out. Maybe a good source of information for you would be your North Carolina DMV? After all, all you really care about is a valid NC title and registration. If the car leaves California it's not California's concern any more, huh?

Hope this helps a bit. Or doesn't muddy the waters too much.

[alexiskai]

I'm not worried about NCDMV as far as titling an out-of-state car. I know the requirements. I just want to make sure the California end is tied up.

[P.S.]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have sold several California licensed Model As to out of state buyers. Please email me or get my attention at Model A day and I will gladly discuss.

[alexiskai]

Thanks Paul, I sent you an email.

[ModelA29]

If the title was in the husband and wife's name and it was listed as John OR Mary Smith she can sign it with no problem. If it's just John then the executor signs it noting it's as executor on behalf of the deceased. If the title was John AND Mary then she and the executor sign. There is probably a legal form that would be sent with the title confirming the executor has the legal right to sign the title.

Once it's sold there is an online form that is easy to file and record the sale. This protects to old owner from any further liability related to the car.

In reality I doubt a DMV in another state would question the (forged) signature - whoever signed it. Include a bill of sale with the car (in case the other state wants it) and the plates (in CA they are assigned to the vehicle - unless they are personalized ones). The plates and title will be surrendered to the new state who will return them to CA.



https://www.clearestate.com/en-us/bl...-in-california

[ronn]

no different then any other state title. signed by seller and buyer left open. that simple.

[desotoguy]

In South Carolina, registering a vehicle purchased from an estate, the title may be signed by the Estate Representative but the buyer must also obtain an original embossed death certificate to present to the DMV upon title transfer. A copy of the DC will not suffice. Personal experience.

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by desotoguy

In South Carolina, registering a vehicle purchased from an estate, the title may be signed by the Estate Representative but the buyer must also obtain an original embossed death certificate to present to the DMV upon title transfer. A copy of the DC will not suffice. Personal experience.

Yeah, we'll see what they ask for here. We have the DC, the will, Administration letters, etc., if it's asked for, but hopefully it won't be.

Originally Posted by ModelA29

Once it's sold there is an online form that is easy to file and record the sale. This protects to old owner from any further liability related to the car.

In reality I doubt a DMV in another state would question the (forged) signature - whoever signed it. Include a bill of sale with the car (in case the other state wants it) and the plates (in CA they are assigned to the vehicle - unless they are personalized ones). The plates and title will be surrendered to the new state who will return them to CA.

I'm pretty much in agreement here, I don't think NC will question the CA executor signature. Guess we'll find out.

[1931 flamingo]

Doesn't matter where they are sold. Follow your states directions. I assume you have the titles in hand.


Paul in CT

[Jim Brierley]

I live in CA and sold a '21 Dodge to a friend in OH several years ago. I had bought it from a friend in AZ and had never registered it in my name. OH required it be inspected by our DMV, it was an easy process, I just had to take it to our local DMV office, the whole process took about 20 minutes. My friend still has it and has never had a problem.

[CarlG]

I purchased my Model A with a California title. The title (pink slip) had been signed by the previous owner (not the person I purchased it from). Alaska DMV just accepted the signed title and issued me an Alaska title and plates. I still have the California plates.

I bought an antique Mullins trailer titled in Texas. When I received the title from the previous owner, he failed to sign it. It wasn't any problem at all. I was issued an Alaska title and plates. I still have the Texas plates as well.

[MVal]

Something else to consider today when selling a car. There was an article on the local news in Sacramento (Channel 13) about an older lady who sold a modern car. The new owner didn't reregister it with the DMV and she started getting all these demands. It included parking tickets, toll demands, towing invoices, and about everything else. The DMV said she was still the registered owner and despite her sending a completed form to them stating she sold the car to the named buyer they said she was still the official registered owner and responsible for all of these expenses. She had to get an attorney to finally get her name off with the DMV. Think the bottom line is when you sell a car, boat or trailer that involves the DMV you should go with the buyer to the DMV to be sure they re-register it with the DMV so you are off the hook. Crooks have an infinite life and more scams are popping up every day. Just beware!

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by MVal

Something else to consider today when selling a car. There was an article on the local news in Sacramento (Channel 13) about an older lady who sold a modern car. The new owner didn't reregister it with the DMV and she started getting all these demands. It included parking tickets, toll demands, towing invoices, and about everything else. The DMV said she was still the registered owner and despite her sending a completed form to them stating she sold the car to the named buyer they said she was still the official registered owner and responsible for all of these expenses. She had to get an attorney to finally get her name off with the DMV. Think the bottom line is when you sell a car, boat or trailer that involves the DMV you should go with the buyer to the DMV to be sure they re-register it with the DMV so you are off the hook. Crooks have an infinite life and more scams are popping up every day. Just beware!

You have to send the NRL form in before the traffic violations. The purpose of the form is so you don’t have to go with the buyer to the DMV, which no buyer will let you do anyway.

[ronn]

Mval- valid point. this same thing happened to my brother here in NJ. But, he does make the buyer sign 2 bills of sale, and keeps one that shows the day and time the vehicle was bought.