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Selling a car to someone in another state

Discussion in 'General Chat Forum' started by volvo_nut, Sep 7, 2011.

  1. volvo_nut

    volvo_nut New Member

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    Does anyone have experience with selling a VA car to someone in another state?
    Is there a "Title and Tags" place in the area that could do a transfer? I have used these in PA but do not recall seeing them down here.

    I am trying to figure out the best way to get temp tags for the guy to drive back to MA. Do I need to take him to the DMV in Leesburg or Sterling?

    Thanks.
     
  2. Chsalas

    Chsalas Active Member

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    I've done it, print out a generic bill of sale, go to a place that will notarize the bill of sell with both you and the new buyer, take the plates off and walk away. Go to the DMV as soon as possible with the plates and show them the bill of sale, fill out a form stating that you do not own the car and it's not garaged in your name, that's it. Oh, the most important thing make sure you get CASH only!
     
  3. JLC

    JLC Member

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  4. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    But neither of these answer what I think the volvo_nut is trying to figure out.. which is how does the NEW owner get plates on the car so he can drive it back to MA since he can't just goto the MA DMV while here in VA :)
     
  5. JLC

    JLC Member

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    True, I guess I overlooked that part. When we sold our vehicle we left it up to the buyer to find out what he needed from his home state DMV (Washington). I know we took our tags off before he drove off but I can't remember what he did.
     
  6. Chsalas

    Chsalas Active Member

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    Quite Frankly, it's the new owners problem, not VOLVO nut. The guy I sold to , once I took my plates off, put on plates he brought with him from South Carolina and drove off into the sunset, once I got the cash, signed over the title and had the bill of sale notarized, oh and once last thing, called my insurance agent to cancel any coverage on it. It's the new owners responsibility to come up with plates, or whatever his state requires.
     
  7. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    Obviously... but the guy is trying to be a good guy and help out to figure how it could work.. so he can help ensure he sells his car to an interested party.

    I know it's a scarey thought for some people... but some people like to be helpful not just CYA!
     
  8. Chsalas

    Chsalas Active Member

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    No good deed goes unpunished.
     
  9. volvo_nut

    volvo_nut New Member

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    Yes the challenge is to get some temp tags on the vehicle so the new owner and family can drive back to MA. They want to fly in to DC, do some sightseeing before driving back, so I am trying to come up with temp tags. The VA DMV website is not clear on that.

    Options:
    1) Send cashier's check, I send title & bill of sale back to MA. He goes to MA DMV gets tags. Flies down, drives back.
    2) Drives down with a trailer, tows it back.
    3) Has vehicle shipped back
    4) Rolls the dice and uses tags from his current vehicle to drive back (not a legal option)

    If VA has a notary that can do a temp registration and issue a 30 day tag, that would be great. I wonder if my local dealer could (would) do a temp registration and tags?
     
  10. sri_n

    sri_n Member

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    I believe the owner had to be a VA resident to even get temp tags in VA. If option 1 works, that is the best way. However, do note that some states want to inspect the vehicle (this is typically based on age and mileage) before issuing tags.
     
  11. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    I think your best bet is just to call the DMV. I don't think he can get VA tags without paying for registration and sales tax. VA sales tax will be 3% he has to pay, plus the title fee/etc.

    In MA, the sales tax is 6.25%! http://www.mass.gov/rmv/regs/
    But it looks like he has to pay the sales tax in MA no matter what to title the car unless he claims it under one of their exemptions.

    Honestly he may just be better off driving with the wrong tags for the trip home! Dunno, doesn't seem to be an easy inbetween here. I'd tell the buyer he needs to call the MA DMV to ensure he knows a path. I don't think VA is really of any value to him unless he intends on registering it in VA, and then trying again in MA which will take more time and money.
     
  12. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    Yea I think it might be worth the risk driving home - assuming that he can get insurance to cover. If he has the signed title and a bill of sale, should be enough to get it home.

    I am sure he could still be ticketed technically but could be worth the risk. Also, you could make the bill of sale for $500 and be nice to him for sales tax. I am sure there is a minimum fee for that too but may be better than 6.25%.... just sayin'
     
  13. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    MA will charge you the higher of the estimated value or paid value. So writing it lower won't help the guy.
     
  14. gunzour

    gunzour "Living on the Edge"

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  15. volvo_nut

    volvo_nut New Member

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    I spoke with the DMV, he can use the Trip Permit for 3 days. I sign the title over to him and he puts the Trip Permit in his name, checks the box that he has insurance and off he goes. Since he is out of state, he needs to go to a DMV office whereas VA residents can do it online.

    Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback.
     

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