The Auto Registration deal (insurance, transfer, buyers)

[Jakehorror]

I've looked around at the CA DMV but cant find the answer. I see on craigslist alot of people selling their cars will have posted "TAGS GOOD UNTIL MAY 2008" or any date, that was just an example. So, does that mean you could buy the car and not have to put it in your name until that date? I'm confused. In Indiana you only have 30 days to transfer title and all paperwork into your (the buyers) name. A little info would be great. Thanks.

[Sassberto]

Originally Posted by Jakehorror

I've looked around at the CA DMV but cant find the answer. I see on craigslist alot of people selling their cars will have posted "TAGS GOOD UNTIL MAY 2008" or any date, that was just an example. So, does that mean you could buy the car and not have to put it in your name until that date? I'm confused. In Indiana you only have 30 days to transfer title and all paperwork into your (the buyers) name. A little info would be great. Thanks.

Couple separate things here. Registration and Title are not the same.

Title : ownership of the vehicle. Has nothing to do with the DMV per se. It's the document stating you own the car.
Registration: the documentation of the vehicle with the state. States who owns the car and who is responsible for it. If the registration fee is paid, you can transfer it without paying.

You still have 30 to transfer title, that is no different than Indiana. As an example, when you finance a car, the bank holds the title but the car is registered to you.

[YOU-CANT-EAT-SCENERY]

Actually you have 10 DAYS to transfer title, but you have 30 days to pay all the fees.

[OutOfSoCal]

you still have to transfer the title BUT if the tags are paid up you only pay a small transfer fee($12-$15). If they are expired you will pay to renew the tags as well, 100-500 depending on how old and/or expensive the car is.

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by OutOfSoCal

you still have to transfer the title BUT if the tags are paid up you only pay a small transfer fee($12-$15). If they are expired you will pay to renew the tags as well, 100-500 depending on how old and/or expensive the car is.

Cripes the last car I owned while still living there cost me under $50 and the car wasn't even 10 years old.

[Jakehorror]

Thanks everyone. It's totally different here. Indiana makes you buy NEW plates for a year on a car you just bought. Example:
I pay john doe 500. for a rusted out old beater, I go to the Indiana DMV and get everything in my name, I pay around $200.
Our insurance here may be alot lower than CA but we pay ALOT to drive here, and every other year the DMV tacks on misc. fees so you really have to save and budget for when plate renewal time rolls around.