Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2003 11:32:59 -0500
Reply-To: David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Brodbeck <gull@GULL.US>
Subject: Re: Going south again, to buy a Westy,
i need info on US/state law.
In-Reply-To: <vanagon%2003122910564014@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
On Mon, 29 Dec 2003, Ben huot wrote:
> -Clear title??? The "title", is it what we call "Registration paper-
> certificate of ownership", what does "clear" mean, what if the title is not
> clear???
"Clear" means there are no liens (i.e., no one else owns an interest in
the van, such as a bank with a loan on it) and usually also means it's not
a "salvage" title. A salvage title means that at some point the vehicle
was damaged badly enough that the insurance company wrote it off as a
total loss.
> So, can I get a transitory registration/title?
> Like a 8 to 15 days title???? (Am having problem getting the right English
> words here but i hope you understand what am trying to say!) In other
> words, they must be a way I can get a temporary licence plate so I can drive
> this one back home. (I will drive there with a friend in my 73)
What you want is a temporary registration. Most states offer 30-day
temporary registrations. I'm not sure about California. You generally
get either a paper sticker for the back window or a cardboard temporary
license plate. You'll probably need to visit a DMV office to get the
title transferred to your name and get the temporary registration. This
all varies from state to state, so your best bet is to contact the
California DMV, or check their website.
A bit of clarification of terms, since you seem to be unfamiliar with
them: The "title" is a document that states who owns the vehicle.
"Registration" is a document issued by the DMV that allows you to legally
drive the vehicle on public roads -- generally you get this along with a
license plate.
Most states require you to provide proof of insurance to get a
registration. You should check with your insurance company and see how
you can arrange this. In the past I've called my insurance company, given
them the information, and had them fax me a "binder" that states that
they're covering the vehicle, but it may be different with Canadian
companies.
Oh, and DMV = Department of Motor Vehicles. This is where you go for
registration and title transfers in pretty much every state except
Michigan.
David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si -- For Sale
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon
