funkysi

What do I need to have paperwork wise to buy a car and drive it cross country. Bill of Sale, Old registration, insurance and my license? Do I have this totally wrong or am I close. Sorry this is off topic.

Erik N

Cash.

funkysi

Well yes would be needed as well....

Tarek307

are you buying a 911?

Richard S

Dont' forget the pink slip signed off by the previous owner/seller. In California, the seller detaches the top portion of it and sends it to the Ca DMV. Buyer gets the bottom portion, and takes that to his local DMV when he registers it. Make sure seller signs your portion properly.

Rich

Mark SF

Yes, the seller fills out the Title, and tears a portion off to send to the DMV. Meanwhile, you keep the main part of the title to take to your DMV. The very important part is the release signature on the title - which makes the car your's.

You also need insurance, obviously. I think there is a grace period but why not tell them before you set off and have a proof of insurance in your wallet listing the new car?

The Bill of Sale is optional (you can download it from CA DMV site) and is in two halves, one for seller and one for buyer. It is sensible to complete one for both party's records but not mandated by CA DMV.

If it was me I'd want to run a Carfax before I left - nothing worse than getting here and finding out the title is junk/lein/whatever.

danglerb

For a special car I can see doing some driving, but anything remotely normal I wouldn't be driving more than a couple hours.

dr bob

Cali offers a temporary red window sticker for car brought in to the state. Perhaps yopurs does the same. To get the Cali sticker you've got to pay Cali taxes and fees.

If the car you are buying has current tags on it, the signed title/bill of sale with the PO's current registration is all you'll need though. The seller will have a release of liability that he files with Cali DMV,so if you go on a wild shooting spree on the way home, he can show it was not him. If the mail gets through in time, before the tabloids get hold of the police reports... Have a great drive!

S4ordie

Some states along your route require proof of insurance along with current title (can be temporary) with your name on it. Be sure you have both before setting out.

James Bailey

The California title has on the back a place for the new buyers name and address. With your name there and the release signed on the face, it is your car. As stated get it on your insurance policy with the coverage you wish before heading for home.

goodspeed928

Hay man!
I sold the 86 and now have black 90.
Have a nice ride
Drop me a line!

slider172

A radar detector(until you get to Va), and a couple relays. A smile on your face. Company is good.

Erik N

California allows the seller to submit the release of liability online. The days of nervous wondering if the DMV got the paper you mailed in are gone.

Print a copy for your records, and bring it along on the trip.

I have been pulled over before, driving a just-bought, unregistered car between states. I had a nice fat pile of papers to show the officer... they let me go.

Ethre

MV.

Here its called a "Drive Out Permit". Costs you $10 or so. I don't know what the phrase is there.

EDIT: Sorry, it looks like I'm backwards on the California one. Here you can get one to drive you car bought in state to your homestate.

IcemanG17

I be comfortable with a bill of sale and the signed title....that should get you home...