Registering An Out of State Truck Without a Title

Mike DQ

Member
Been a while since I’ve done this and want to gather some opinions before I move forward: just bought a ‘76 Traveler out of OR with no pink slip, just a bill of sale, and, it’s not running ... AND, it’s not the original owner but the grandson I bought it from. So, would it be less hassle with the DMV to register it with just the bill of sale or say it’s been on my property and I’ve decided to register it with zero paperwork and starting from scratch? I’ve found it’s out of OR’s books as well. I realize I’ll have to have it inspected by the CHP & a brake & lamp check, but I figure I might have to do that anyways without a title. I can’t get to it for a couple months so it’ll have to register as a non-running vehicle.
 
From my experience you will be able to start the paperwork at the DMV, but not finish titling it until you get the VIN verified via either CHP, local law enforcement or a VIN verifier. Not sure if you will need the brake & lamp inspection but DMV will let you know. Either way best of luck as these last couple of trucks I registered recently, one with a CA title but was out of the system, was still a pain in the ass to get done, but I got it done.
 
Thanks Jeff - I think I’ll do that, bring the bill of sale and start the paperwork with DMV ... hopefully they’re somewhat gentle.
 
Well, went in to the Placerville DMV and of course, they’re not going to play nice. I basically need the guy I bought it from to get a title and in his name; a VIN verification; and a completed Form 343. They said they can’t touch it until all that’s done. The guy inherited it from his deceased grandfather and all the paperwork is lost. There’s no way he’s gonna jump through all those hoops, part of the reason I got it so cheap and he’s already got his money.
Anyway, I’m putting this out there for things to consider if someone is thinking of doing the same.
 
Well, went in to the Placerville DMV and of course, they’re not going to play nice. I basically need the guy I bought it from to get a title and in his name; a VIN verification; and a completed Form 343. They said they can’t touch it until all that’s done. The guy inherited it from his deceased grandfather and all the paperwork is lost. There’s no way he’s gonna jump through all those hoops, part of the reason I got it so cheap and he’s already got his money.
Anyway, I’m putting this out there for things to consider if someone is thinking of doing the same.
I suggest you go to a different DMV and maybe stretch the truth a little and say you have had this old truck on your property for many years and have lost the title on it. That might keep you from having to get the seller involved.
 
Things have probably changed over the years but when I did my scout, I filled out a statement of fact at the auto club, then they vin verified it. Done deal. All I had was a bill of sale. Now I think you’ll need more. Like starting over from 0.
 
You could always register it in Vermont with a bill of sale, then take that paperwork to your state for title transfer. Or a Bonded title?
 
Don't forget being 76' don't you have to have all of the emission's junk intact too and original carb?

Did CA move the years up? The last time I did this they had it locked in at ‘75. I would love for this to be true and can do away with the 2210 Holley!
 
It went pretty well. I went with Jeff’s suggestion and ran with buying the truck years ago as a parts truck and therefore was careless with the paperwork and lost it; that it was still rebuildable and worth putting back on the road.

I had to say as much in the statement of facts and had to fill out an application for title. I will also have to get a VIN verification which I already knew. Once it’s up and running I get it smogged and finish the registration.

A pain but still a lot easier than getting the old owner to get something into his name that he doesn’t even own anymore, and, already has the money in hand …
 
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