California DMV Title and Registration after 26 years - Need Advice Options

[LukeD]

I have an appointment to transfer the car (http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=257483) and get a title. Plates and registration in the glove box show last registered in 1989 and I have a signed bill of sale from the last registered owner (not the person I bought it from)

From some research according to California DMV vehicle code 4604(d)(3) and 5051 exepmts the car from penalties.

Does anyone have experience in this area in California that can chime in? My appointment is Monday and I'm a little nervous (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[FL000]

Just about completed this process with my 62 Lincoln. CA car that was last registered in CA in 1981 (according to plates). No title and got the car from someone who was not the last reg owner. You need to complete CA DMV form REG 256 (statement of facts), and REG 343 (app for title or transfer). Take those along with bill of sale to DMV. I had to pay ~$139 for my Lincoln which I did last week. My next appt is to bring the vehicle down for a VIN verification, which it sounds like you plan to do at the same time. After that you should be good to go. I was nervous too but it turned out to be a pretty simple process (go figure!). Good luck.

[Tom_T]

Just about completed this process with my 62 Lincoln. CA car that was last registered in CA in 1981 (according to plates). No title and got the car from someone who was not the last reg owner. You need to complete CA DMV form REG 256 (statement of facts), and REG 343 (app for title or transfer). Take those along with bill of sale to DMV. I had to pay ~$139 for my Lincoln which I did last week. My next appt is to bring the vehicle down for a VIN verification, which it sounds like you plan to do at the same time. After that you should be good to go. I was nervous too but it turned out to be a pretty simple process (go figure!). Good luck.

Sometimes it's the luck of the draw on who you get at the DMV counter!

When I did the YOM plate for our 1960 Avion T20 (sim. to Airstream) which did have current plates, it sailed through. But I've talked to lotsa other trailer owners at the vintage rallies & they have had nightmares lasting months or years when they got somebody who didn't know what they're doing.

And then my son's renewals from out-of-state in the Army & therefore exempt from smog checks (military exemption when you maintain a CA address) always seem to take 3-4 months to actually get the tags/stickers!!!!

Imagine all that from state employees at DMV!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

Hopefully he'll get a good clerk! Otherwise, leave & use one of the services!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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