buying a car... can i submit stuff online? (Santa Rosa, Bishop: sales, vehicle registration)

[grapico]

Just wondering... the dmv is daunting.

Just bought a car from priv party, do I actually need to go to a DMV???

I start a new job on monday and can NOT take off to go down there, you would figure they would have saturday hours or something for this... The DMV is also closed tomorrow, and the friday after that. arg.

It looks like I *may* be able to report the transfer title online and pay fees, but not sure.

Has anybody done this?

[Trash Can]

Are you a member of the Auto Club? I used them to transfer ownership a few times. Pretty painless - no long lines or hassles. AAA can handle a lot of DMV related services is most states.

[grapico]

no i was previously living in the city so haven't had a car in about 4-5 years.

[1200RT]

The seller can transfer liability (Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability) online, but the buyer cannot. I'm afraid you'll have to go into the DMV.

For whats its worth, this is all available directly from the horses mouth, on the DVM website: Vehicle Registration and Title Information

What to do when purchasing a car from a private party.

If you have purchased a vehicle registered in California, you will need to transfer the ownership within 10 days from the date of purchase. You will need to do and/or have the following:

Visit a DMV office to transfer vehicle ownership. Call 1-800-777-0133 to make an appointment at a local DMV office near you for faster service. You may also make an Appointment(s) online.
A properly endorsed title, also known as a pink slip, with the previous owner's signature on line one. If the vehicle is or was financed, line two of the title will also require a releasing signature. If the title is lost, an Application for Duplicate Title (REG 227) (PDF) must be completed and signed. There is an additional fee for a duplicate title, and signatures of the legal owner and lienholder must be notarized. If the vehicle was not purchased from the owner whose name appears on the title, you will need a bill of sale from each in-between buyer. View the video Title Transfer – Where Do We Sign?
The odometer mileage is required if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
If the title does not have a designated space for this information, the odometer mileage disclosure must be reported on a Vehicle/ Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form (REG 262) signed by both the seller and the buyer. The REG 262 cannot be copied. An original must be submitted. To obtain a form by mail, call DMV's automated phone service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-777-0133. To speak to an operator call between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, Pacific Standard Time, or pick one up from your local DMV.
A smog certification.
Smog certifications are good for 90 days from the date of the inspection. The smog certification is not required if a biennial certification was submitted to DMV in conjunction with renewal fees within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date. A statement to that effect must be signed by the seller or the buyer. A vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification.

When you transfer a vehicle that is four or less model years old a smog certification will not be required. A smog transfer fee will be collected from the new owner. When a vehicle is more than four model years old, evidence of a current smog certification must be provided by a seller except when the following occurs:
The transfer occurs between a spouse, sibling, child, parent, grandparent, or grandchild.
A biennial smog certification was submitted to DMV within 90 days prior to the vehicle transfer date (a vehicle inspection report may be required for proof of certification).
Pay the transfer fee.
Pay the use tax, if applicable.
Use tax is calculated based on the sales tax rate in your residence county.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

I have not bought a car from a private party in years. I always do my DMV's stuff online though.

[grapico]

1200rt, can I have somebody go to the DMV for me? I simply can't take off like that.

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by grapico

1200rt, can I have somebody go to the DMV for me? I simply can't take off like that.

Only if the other person is also going to be on the title/registration, and even then, i think both parties need to be present.

If you make a DVM appointment, it should only take 15 minutes. I'm sure you can do it on your lunch break?

Or .... Get a AAA membership, and do it there (much quicker). Its only like ... $30(?) per YEAR, and you'll want it anyway.

Where in CA are you?

Edit: I see you are in Nor Cal ... i'm sure some smaller DMV's around you are quiet most days. I remember i went into the Bishop, CA DMV, and there were 3 kind ladys in there to help me out. No one else was there.

[grapico]

I can't get an appointment within 10 days...next appointments are like 25 days out. I'll look into AAA. I went into DMV in September for my gf's car, there were at LEAST 200 people in front of us with a line out the door, it took about 2 1/2 hours. This was at Santa Rosa DMV, which I would recommend to avoid like the plague if you can.

[Trash Can]

Originally Posted by grapico

I'll look into AAA.

I just looked at their website.

California State Automobile Association - Insurance, Automotive, Discounts, Travel and Road Side Assistance

Basic membership is $54/yr. They can transfer ownership in CA. Some branch offices have DMV services on Saturdays.