First, thanks to everyone who helped with advice on registering the '23 Ford that I bought out of state. The car is here now, but the situation isn't what I anticipated. It turns out there is no title because Georgia doesn't issue titles for vehicles over 25 years old. Here's what I have for documentation: 1. Notarized Bill of Sale from the previous owner 2. The previous owner's signature on Form 130U, Application for Texas Title 3. Previous owner's registration receipt (registration expires 2014). This document shows it to be a '23 Ford and has a 14-digit Title Number, followed by the words "NON-TITLE." 4. Tennessee Certificate of Title from the individual the previous owner bought the car from. That title is signed and dated by the Tennessee owner, and is signed by the person in Georgia I bought the car from. 5. License plate on the vehicle (matches the Georgia registration receipt). I have not been able to find information on the State websites as to how to title this car. Will the county tax assessor accept this documentation in order to issue a Texas title? Any help will be appreciated! Jack
I haven't done one lately, but 10 years ago, you needed the stuff listed above (I would leave the Tennessee stuff at home. You didn't buy the car from them. TMI) and an out of state inspection (green sheet) from an inspection station. That's all they needed.
Whoo Hoo! You guys are right! I finally located a document online called the Motor Vehicle Title Manual. It defines "Evidence of Ownership" in two places for vehicles purchased from out of state. What's actually required is... A. the current registration receipt (must not have a section that allows vehicle transfer, and the vehicle must qualify as a non-title vehicle in that state) B. a bill of sale C. a completed 130-U Texas Title Application, and D. VIN verification from an inspection station on form VI-30 Wow, I was really freakin' out over this. The seller told me repeatedly that this car was titled as a '23 Ford. He neglected the little detail that the title isn't from his state and is no longer valid. Grrr. Oh well, looks like I got lucky. Thanks guys!
For the benefit of anyone who comes along and reads this later, the Title Manual also says the vehicle must pass a Texas safety inspection, not just the VI-30 out-of-state identification verification.
I've transferred vehicle titles without a safety inspection. You can title it as an antique. Goes for five years, you just can't use it as a daily driver. (pssst, I always carry those little dash plaques with me, never fails) No safety inspection required. I've also requested "Title Transfer Only" and the folks working the counter have entered "classic/antique vehicle under restoration". Had a title in two weeks. Try to find you a gearhead working there, as there are some REAL dumbasses muddying up the gene pool there.
My standard advice to situations regarding registration questions or problems is to visit your local AAA office. They do this type of thing every day and have never set me wrong.
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