Registering an out-of-state car in CA

[DonNewton]

(Ladies and) Gentlemen:

After reading the CA DMV requirements, I have a question. I've owned a 1975 Porsche since 1988, and in that time, it's been either registered in the state of VA (military. . .) or, off the road as a pure race vehicle. The time has come to either put it back on the road or sell it for scrap. As the second option is not viable, I've decided to put it back on the road. (Full Disclosure: It's a 1975 914 that is, except for the body, a 911. 1975 911S (yeah, I know) engine, 930 suspension, 901 gearbox, but upgraded with LSD, cooler, you get the idea. CA DMV gives the standards: Smog: not required for bi-annual testing (whew-- the Webers were pretty expensive), insurance, blah, blah. OK, the question is, and Jim-Bob can sound off here if he's available, what exactly will I be facing when I go to CA DMV with a VA title trying to register a car that's been off the road for over 15 years?

Again, the CA DMV web site is not too helpful. Any input is gratefully received. Except: crushing it, and selling it to "you" for $10.00 are not options. I've seen these threads before. . .

Thanks for the assistance. I wouldn't have come here except I was not able to find the answer from "the source".

[Joe Bob]

If it is a Model Year 1975 you are exempt and simply have to present a title, proof of insurance and have a visual verification of the VIN#. 1976 and up.....smog test, visual then the anal probe. If you have AAA you may even be able to get it done with them.....a much kinder and gentler experience. Best not to open the engine lid.....act stupid.....yep, it's stock.....

BTW, IF YOU DO go to DMV, make an appointment and act like it's the soup Nazi, hand yer stuff over and STFU.

[Noah930]

Joe Bob's suggestion of trying AAA first is not a bad one. When I moved back to CA, I used AAA to transfer the titles of my vehicles. They were all currently registered in the other state, but I can't recall that ever being an issue with the AAA paperwork. The AAA clerk just checks to make sure that the VIN on the paperwork/title matches the VIN stamped on the car. On the motorcycle they wanted the additional step of recording the engine serial number (PITA in a fully faired motorcycle, and retarded, as that's not a piece of information logged anywhere else in the world, let alone the paper title from the other state), but that's not something they checked on any of the cars.

[wes_r]

Bought my 87 from Nevada and AAA could not register an out of state car.

Unfortunately had to go to the DMV. Think they changed the rules...

[Noah930]

I think that's a different situation, wes. When I purchased a motorcycle from out of state, AAA was unable/unwilling to help. But when it was an out-of-state vehicle already titled in my name, then AAA could help.

[wes_r]

Fair point Noah since it's in his name (skipped over that part). AAA apparently used to do this regardless of who owned it or at least that's what I was told.

[DonNewton]

Thanks so much for the info. When I returned to the state in 2003, I intended for this car to remain a "racer". Now that the buy-in is a GT3, a 1900# 2.7 (built to old GT4 specs) just don't cut it. I've found that I'm a liability (moving traffic cone) and it's no longer fun. Rather than sell it and waste all the blood, sweat, money, and tears, I've decided to move it back to the street.

Again, thanks for the reports. 3A is my default for all vehicle registrations; I just hoped there wouldn't be any trip wires and the CA DMV website is less than useless. DMV still has me on the hook for the '83 911 though. Once I get the interior fitted out with a passenger seat, move the ignition controller, remove the fire extinguisher, clean out the fuel cell, change the suspension, get new tires, and replace the windshield (picked up a rock my last time at VIR. . .) I can make my way to 3A. This oughta be fun. . .

[Joe Bob]

Don't know if Nevada was where the registration was attempted but Nevada is a special case.....they specifically don't allow it.

Weird State....carry guns on your hip and pot is a felony. DUI if you have an accident and pot in your system.....

[ossiblue]

The question of whether or not AAA will register the car has been discussed before, so I did some personal research--I went directly to the AAA office.

Here's the reason there is some debate--there are two separate, privately owned, AAA's in California, one in Southern California and one in Northern California. They are not the same company and have different policies. I asked the agent about the issues raised by Noah930 and wes-r, and she didn't know why they couldn't get their vehicles registered/titled but she was not aware of the Northern California policies. They could have had their DMV work done at AAA if they were in the So. Cal area.

AAA of Southern California will and does register out of state vehicles without issue. They process the paperwork for the DMV and do the VIN inspections. Since you are in San Diego, that would be the place to go.

[DonNewton]

Thanks LJ. I'm about 2 months out from going to AAA here in San Diego. Given the state of CA is always looking for money, didn't know if there was something that DMV would play "I've got a secret" with. So, head down until it's ready to go!

[Rodsrsr]

If I were you I would do it in two steps. I'd first do a title only. This way you now have a Ca title. Once you get the title go back and register your now CA car. You'll still need to drive it down so DMV can verify the vin, but its much cleaner this way since the out of state and smog issues are completely off the table.

[Joe Bob]

Unless CA DMV policy has changed, I am unaware of a title issuance w/o full compliance with the registration process.

Maybe non op?

[Peter Zimmermann]

My '74 914 had not been registered, non-op'd, or insured for more than ten years. After I bought it (I got the pink slip), fearing the worst in non-op penalties, I took my license plates (I got to keep them!), my bill of sale, and an old, stained, wrinkled registration doc I found in the glove box debris, to the DMV. A terrific gal took care of me, waived the non-op fees (don't know how or why and didn't ask!), signed everything off, took my check, and gave me a temp permit. Got my deed/registration in the mail about 6 weeks later. Never had such a great CA DMV experience! Oh, the car didn't run yet, they didn't even ask to inspect it.

[Bristol]

Originally Posted by Rodsrsr

You'll still need to drive it down so DMV can verify the vin

California has licensed VIN verifiers. You can find them listing their services in Craigslist. I had a '75 I bought that I wanted to get titled and needed the VIN verified. The car could not be driven though. So I had someone come out to my house and fill out the paperwork. I think it cost me like $20. What was nice was that she looked at the engine but really didn't ask any questions about it. Since it was a '75 I don't think it really mattered. I would opt for a private VIN verifier before taking it to the DMV. I'd just hate to have them looking at a race car and raising other issues.

I was not so lucky on the fees though. I ended up paying over $700 in fees for a car that cost me $1,000!!!

Kirk

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by Bristol

California has licensed VIN verifiers. You can find them listing their services in Craigslist. I had a '75 I bought that I wanted to get titled and needed the VIN verified. The car could not be driven though. So I had someone come out to my house and fill out the paperwork. I think it cost me like $20. What was nice was that she looked at the engine but really didn't ask any questions about it. Since it was a '75 I don't think it really mattered. I would opt for a private VIN verifier before taking it to the DMV. I'd just hate to have them looking at a race car and raising other issues.

I was not so lucky on the fees though. I ended up paying over $700 in fees for a car that cost me $1,000!!!

Kirk

Auto Club of Southern Cal. does VIN verification.

[boyt911sc]

I drove the '87 Carrera the other year from Philadelphia to Carmel, CA and sold the car to my son for $1 (gift). The first thing we did was had the emission checked by a private auto shop and it passed without any problem. And went to AAA the following day. Since it was an out-of-state vehicle, AAA would not be able to register it to the new owner. It had to go to DMV.

The following day, we went to DMV and had it inspected and checked (visual). An hour later, we went home with the new registration and two (2) tags on the car. I took the personalized plate from PA and later used it on my other car. I was not sure if the lady inspector could differentiate a CIS car from a Motronic one!!!!! She inspected the VIN tag, door jamb, and the engine bay. And that's it.

I was a little bit concern (worried) about the stories I read people say about the CA DMV protocal. To my surprised, it was a regular, conventional visual inspection.

Tony

[Bristol]

Originally Posted by boyt911sc

I was a little bit concern (worried) about the stories I read people say about the CA DMV protocal. To my surprised, it was a regular, conventional visual inspection.

Oh please don't let your one good experience lead you to think otherwise. Going to the California DMV can most certainly be a nightmare. Add to that some strict laws and emissions testing and the "Communist State of California" can be one of the worst states for an auto enthusiast to live in. It surprises me that the car culture is so strong there then, must be the good weather. My wife wants to move back (lived in NorCal for six years), but I am enjoying equally good weather in Texas with out the BS car laws.

By the way, nothing against Communists, my wife is one (Chinese). Have you kissed a Commie today???

Kirk

[Chino]

I purchased an out of state vehicle, in the past, that had current registration. I went by the local AAA office in Sacramento, they said they're only set up for registration. I made an appointment at DMW, for VIN ID. There's an area where you park and a DMV person comes out and checks your VIN. Then I went up to the counter and took care of business. It's real simple, no problems / nightmares. Lived in CA all my life, used different DMV offices (in Sacramento), never had any problem. Just make sure you have the necessary paper work or they'll let you know what they need and they'll give you a pass to come back. If you're not sure about anything, call first.

[Rodsrsr]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Unless CA DMV policy has changed, I am unaware of a title issuance w/o full compliance with the registration process.

Maybe non op?

You can title something like a roller for example that you may have just purchased, or a track car. Its legally titled in your name but not registered for street use. You can title a car from out of state no problem.