Driving car across state (New York, York: sales, insurance, transfer)

[goldy1]

I am buying a Chevy G 20 V8 van that is registered and titled in Florida but is currently located in New York.

I am based in California and have a CA drivers license.

I want to drive the van across the country to Cali and am trying to work out the best way to do this legally.

I know that to register it in CA I will need to get it to pass the smog test and perhaps get a catalytic converter.

Lets assume that is taken care of and I will pass the smog test how should I do this?

Any ideas?

Someone said it might be easier to register and title it in New York, but wouldn't that mean I would need to have an address and license in NY?

Thanks for your help

Confused motorist.

[Wells5]

Does the vehicle have a currently valid Florida tag? Then get a notarized bill of sale from the seller and have him sign over the title. Drive the car with the Florida plates to CA. This will be dangerous because you will not be able to get an insurance binder in New York State. Since you haven't owned the out of state car for more than 1 year, you will owe CA sales tax in addition to registration fees. How old is the vehicle? Many states require "California compliant" emissions systems.

It would be much easier to transfer title if the seller drove the car to CA.

[VA Yankee]

Originally Posted by goldy1

I am buying a Chevy G 20 V8 van that is registered and titled in Florida but is currently located in New York.

I am based in California and have a CA drivers license.

I want to drive the van across the country to Cali and am trying to work out the best way to do this legally.

I know that to register it in CA I will need to get it to pass the smog test and perhaps get a catalytic converter.

Lets assume that is taken care of and I will pass the smog test how should I do this?

Any ideas?

Someone said it might be easier to register and title it in New York, but wouldn't that mean I would need to have an address and license in NY?

Thanks for your help

Confused motorist.

Couple of items:

1) A catalytic converter will be necessary to pass the emissions test in CA, find out the cost before you
buy the van.

2) For transit NY could issue a 30 day tag but check with them first to confirm this before you buy. I am
sure proof of insurance will be necessary.

3) Have you considered a car transport service to deliver it?