buying an out of state vehicle? (Tucson, Bullhead City: sale, transfer, DMV)

[Vinny536]

I'm buying a car from its owner in California. The owner tells me in California that he only needs to sign his pink slip and hand it to the buyer. I'm under the impression that the signature would need to be notarized for me to transfer the title.

Can i get an out of state title transferred if it is only signed by the owner, not notarized?

[Master Shake]

Originally Posted by 61scout80

I'm buying a car from its owner in California. The owner tells me in California that he only needs to sign his pink slip and hand it to the buyer. I'm under the impression that the signature would need to be notarized for me to transfer the title.

Can i get an out of state title transferred if it is only signed by the owner, not notarized?

I am pretty sure the title has to be notarized. I know an Arizona title form has a specific section on the form for a notary to sign, and I would imagine that would apply to a California title form as well.

You might also need to have it smog checked and/or inspected in Arizona, since the vehicle is changing ownership.

Finally, the California title should not indicate a lien holder (bank, finance company, etc.). If it does, you might want to make sure the car is actually free of any liens.

Check out section 4 & 5 here.

[Vinny536]

Originally Posted by Master Shake

I am pretty sure the title has to be notarized. I know an Arizona title form has a specific section on the form for a notary to sign, and I would imagine that would apply to a California title form as well.

You might also need to have it smog checked and/or inspected in Arizona, since the vehicle is changing ownership.

Finally, the California title should not indicate a lien holder (bank, finance company, etc.). If it does, you might want to make sure the car is actually free of any liens.

Check out section 4 & 5 here.

The title is free and clear. its an old non operative vehicle for a small amount of money. I think that is why the seller doesn't want to go out of his way. he just wanted to sell it to a local and get it out of his way, then i messed up his plans by asking him to work more

[checkthecodes]

You don't need it notarized, just like they said here you just want the title free and clear and signed on the back, one thing you didn't mention is what year the vehicle is... if it's a classic car below I think 1976 then you don't need to worry about smog checks, if it's newer make sure it can pass an Arizona smog check...
FYI make sure the VIN # matches the pink slip... 3 of 5 of my Ca. cars had wrong VIN #'s... Ca. DMV made the mistake and was no big deal and Az. MVD corrected the problem with no hassle.

[KarmaPhx]

The title needs to be notarized, I would not buy a car from California, the emissions standards are much different there, they use different parts for the exhaust, so I would say just get a car locally, I doubt you are getting that good of a deal.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by checkthecodes

You don't need it notarized, just like they said here you just want the title free and clear and signed on the back, one thing you didn't mention is what year the vehicle is... if it's a classic car below I think 1976 then you don't need to worry about smog checks, if it's newer make sure it can pass an Arizona smog check...
FYI make sure the VIN # matches the pink slip... 3 of 5 of my Ca. cars had wrong VIN #'s... Ca. DMV made the mistake and was no big deal and Az. MVD corrected the problem with no hassle.

Correction: if living in either the Phx or Tucson metro areas; the emissions tests extends as far back as 1967. Stupid I realize (there should be a rolling 30 year cutoff but still). Outside of either metro area; no emissions test, period required for registration.

I will repeat: for God's sake; make sure the title is 'clean' and signed. I went down that road with a bill of sale for a car from California and was unable to register it due to the stubborness of the Bullhead City MVD.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by KarmaPhx

The title needs to be notarized, I would not buy a car from California, the emissions standards are much different there, they use different parts for the exhaust, so I would say just get a car locally, I doubt you are getting that good of a deal.

The emissions is not part of the problem: provided the smog equipment is intact (1975+). Too, since the vehicle in question is used---------Federal vs. Calif rules would be moot. Besides: Calif emissions are stricter than Federal as it is.............and, too, many new vehicles sold here in Arizona are Calif compliant already.

[Vinny536]

Originally Posted by KarmaPhx

The title needs to be notarized, I would not buy a car from California, the emissions standards are much different there, they use different parts for the exhaust, so I would say just get a car locally, I doubt you are getting that good of a deal.

oh, its not a good deal, its a great deal. the thing is dirt cheap, and comes with close to $3000.00 in aftermarket parts. its someones 1/2 finished project they lost interest in. they just want it gone.


cars are my hobby, I'm well aware of the equipment. thanks for your input

Originally Posted by checkthecodes

You don't need it notarized, just like they said here you just want the title free and clear and signed on the back, one thing you didn't mention is what year the vehicle is... if it's a classic car below I think 1976 then you don't need to worry about smog checks, if it's newer make sure it can pass an Arizona smog check...
FYI make sure the VIN # matches the pink slip... 3 of 5 of my Ca. cars had wrong VIN #'s... Ca. DMV made the mistake and was no big deal and Az. MVD corrected the problem with no hassle.

Its a 1994. i don't have to worry about emissions since I'm in an exempt area, but even still it will take quite a while to get this thing to the point of registration. it won't have plates for a while.
I'll check the VIN numbers, thanks!

[wit-nit]

Why don't you just contact the AZ DMV and ask them the requirements, that way you get the straight legal information?

[mikec34]

Originally Posted by 61scout80

I'm buying a car from its owner in California. The owner tells me in California that he only needs to sign his pink slip and hand it to the buyer. I'm under the impression that the signature would need to be notarized for me to transfer the title.

Can i get an out of state title transferred if it is only signed by the owner, not notarized?

What? I've never heard of such a thing. YOu must get it notarized as far as I know. Otherwise, what if someone stole your title and signed (forged it) using the original owenr's sig? Doesn't make sense....get it notarized. Also, be sure to check the car's history with carfax.com, otherwise you run the lisk of buying a lemon. It can still be a lemon, but at least accidents will show up....only like 25 bucks.