Question for members in California.
 

I have a guy in California that wants to buy a modified 67 mustang from me. He has some concerns about it coming from out of state, (Wisconsin), and being modified creating a problem with the DMV. Any input from someone that has bought an modified out of state car and registered it in California would be helpful.

Thanks,

Tom

Here's the deal.

If it's older than 76 then the DMV doesn't care about the smog deal (exempt). Since the car is coming from out of state the DMV will want to see the car in person to verify the VIN number. The the car is older than 70 then they only need to see the VIN in one location. If it's 70 or newer they need to see the VIN in two places. If they can't then the car has to go to the CHP for inspection and VIN verification.

Is the guy a member of Auto Club? If so tell him to take it there to get registered (so long as they can easily see one factory VIN number).

I don't think there will be a problem with a 67 Mustang so long as the title is clear and the VIN is verifiable.

out of state cars
 

Tom,

I live in N. Cal. (SF Bay Area) and have purchased multiple cars from out of state. Registering the cars in CA. is not a problem as long as:

1) The car is smog exempt (pre-73)
2) The car has some form of VIN, preferably two VIN tags, one on the door and one on the firewall but I have registered cars with just one VIN.
3) The car has a clean title from the state it was last titled in.

Sometimes they ask to see the shipping receipt but not always. There is no safety inspection, lights, belts, etc. The only thing that might prevent an easy registration in CA. (other than not meeting the 3 requirements above) would be an obvious fix-it ticket item like if the tires extended out past the fender wells or something like that. Otherwise, it is very easy.

If you have more questions please feel free to PM me or have your prospective buyer contact me.

Take care,
Chris

Thanks for the info.:thumbsup: There are a lot of nice cars in California, so I figured it couldn't be too hard to do. Thanks again.

Tom

Two corrections :)

Pre '76 for smog
1 VIN pre '70 and two VINs 70 and newer

Thanks
 

Steve,

Thanks for the corrections. :thumbsup:

Chris

I only know the VIN deal because I had to take my Fairlane to the CHP to get certified since the DMN girl could only find one.

The CHP knows all the secret VIN locations... :_paranoid

I think Steve addressed just about everything, but if you or your prospective buyer come across any other questions or concerns, go ahead and PM me. I'm a police officer in California and don't mind giving a little friendly advice to a fellow gearhead. :thumbsup:

Thanks. It's always good to know a police officer when you have questions about the law.

Also, make sure you have an actual Title. Some states (unsure about your's) only require and consider a bill of sale a form of title.

There are ways around it but it is time consuming and sometimes exspensive.