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.

[LukeD]

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.

Just got back from the second trip to the DMV this week, first appt was Monday and they added the car back into the system, gave me a statement of facts sheet and VIN verification form and charged me $110 for a list of things. Called a local place that does VIN verification and they came out the next day to my house, verified the VIN and filled out the form. My appointment today the lady took all my paper work, asked about the plates, I asked if I could reinstate them and she said no that I had to turn them in, she gave me new ones and stickers and said my title would arrive in a couple weeks.

I was grumpy about not being able to keep the original California plates on the car but oh well...overall not bad