Dumb question - I'm giving a car to my parents.

I'll sign over the title to them. In this state, there is a form (Statement of Facts) that needs to be filled out re: tax and smog exemption).

They'll get a new new registration I know. So, do I just give them the title? And keep my registration and insurance of the vehicle? Or should they keep my registration papers until they receive theirs?

I'm thinking keep but not sure what happens if they get stopped before they receive their registration.

Personally, I'd give them a basic bill of sale documenting the transfer and the signed title. That should be enough to get them through until DMV sends them their new registration and re-recorded title. They should be sure not to dawdle though in getting the DMV process taken care of.

50 states. 50 different sets of rules.

What state is gilded cage?

quote:

Originally posted by PD:
50 states. 50 different sets of rules.

What state is gilded cage?

California

You fill out the transfer paperwork and the registration goes with the vehicle...otherwise there would be nothing to show that the person transferring it to them was the registered owner.

While you don't have to, you might as well leave the proof of insurance in the car as well...otherwise there would be no required Proof of Insurance in the vehicle. It would save them a "fix-it" ticket and trip to the courthouse to clear it up if they happen to get stopped

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
Personally, I'd give them a basic bill of sale documenting the transfer and the signed title. That should be enough to get them through until DMV sends them their new registration and re-recorded title. They should be sure not to dawdle though in getting the DMV process taken care of.

If it's a gift there won't be any sales tax. Make sure you sign a "gift letter" in lieu of bill of sale.
Since it's your parents and you trust them you can leave the registration and plates on the vehicle so they can drive to the DMV. If it were a stranger I wouldn't do so. You're still the owner and liable until they do the transfer.

I sold a car to a guy who took it to Kansas City. Shit bum didn't register the car in his name. Stole a plate from someone. A year later I'm getting tickets in the mail from Kansas City.

Might sell it to them for a dollar. I'd be afraid of CA charging a 'gift tax'.

I gifted a car to my son. In Texas, can only do that for immediate family. Gave a vehicle to a friend's son. As a gesture, literally traded it for a bottle of scotch. The clerk at the courthouse annex didn't believe us. He ended up paying just over $250 in taxes.

The best recommendation that I can offer, at least in Texas, is to go to the registration office with the person that you are selling/giving the vehicle to. That way you are SURE that the vehicle has been transferred. There are lots of legal reasons to do this. A couple of simple reasons are insurance and toll tags.

Call your local DMV.

quote:

Originally posted by Fredward:
Call your local DMV.

And listen to the music for hours.

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quote:

Originally posted by PD:
50 states. 50 different sets of rules.

Recently I took possession of an AZ-registered vehicle. PA does not require a notarized title. So I have an un-notarized title signed in the proper spot on the back by Ms. XYZ, beloved of God, may she rest in peace.

My local title transfer guys will create a new registration for me, hand me a new plate, I'll pay fees, and they'll give me a pink copy (I think pink) of the new registration. In this enlightened age, they may even give me the new registration "card" (with online registration renewal, Harrisburg has stopped mailing out physical cards, requesting instead you print an emailed pdf).

In AZ, the process would be different. Show up to a sterile well-air conditioned building with notarized title, pay a two-year registration fee based on vehicle value, walk out with plate.

When I registered my 2001 Ranger in California (in 2003) I paid a one-time fee based on its value. We did not have smogging in that county, and there was no safety inspection. Aside from the four hour hassle and the large registration fee, I felt it a good deal. A better deal if you live there longer. (I forgot the details, but I think the bulk of the fee was one-time).

quote:

The best recommendation that I can offer, at least in Texas, is to go to the registration office with the person that you are selling/giving the vehicle to. That way you are SURE that the vehicle has been transferred. There are lots of legal reasons to do this. A couple of simple reasons are insurance and toll tags.

This, exactly.