Why Register a Car?

Dear Miss Mota Mouth,

Why do I have to register a car that I bought to restore? I am not going to drive it until it is sweet.

Donovan, CA

Dear Donovan,

Generally, if you have a vehicle that is considered non-operational and therefore does not need to be registered or insured, it cannot be driven, towed, moved or left standing (parked) on any street.

You usually have to get a certificate from the state regarding non-operational vehicles until they are returned to service.

So, work on that ride off the curb and when it is tight, go to your DMV and register the VIN.

Good luck!

M

Stumble It!

Registering a Car and the DMV

Dear Miss Mota Mouth,

How do I put a car title in my name?
Where do I go and what do I need?
Kelley, Austin, TX

Dear Kelley,

Don’t be baffled by this process! A lot of people think that it is complicated but it isn’t at all and you need to do it within 10 days of taking possession of the car.

1. The previous owner of the car has to sign the title over to you and then you take the signed title to the DMV to register the car in your name.
2. You will have to pay state sales tax on the purchase price except in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon.
3. You will need to provide proof of financial responsibility or insurance. To get the insurance in advance just drop by your insurance agent's office with your VIN and they will give you a card or letter showing that it is covered.

Many states now rely on the insurance agents to upload their client’s info to the state so your insurance address must match the address where you register the car or the state will assume that you are not insured if they can't match them up. It takes about 3 days for the agent's upload to be seen by the state. If the car is not insured for over 30 days then the DMV will suspend your registration.

Many DMVs will require smog tests but you can easily find more information on that and even how to make an appointment so that you don’t have to wait in line by going here.

Good luck!

M

Stumble It!

Are VIN Numbers in Danger of Being Stolen?

Dear Miss Mota Mouth,

My mother emailed me and told me that I need to cover the VIN number in my car window because if I don’t, thieves will steal my car! How can they steal my car just by being able to see the little tag that every car has inside?

Laura C., Bakersfield, CA

Dear Bewildered in Bakersfield,

Don’t you just love those Fwd: Fwd: Fwd: emails that our mothers all seem to think we just have to have? As with any of these, approaching it with a bit of skepticism is always a good first move.

The 17 digit VIN could, in theory, be used by a thief if they copied the VIN, created fake registration and identification for themselves, went into a dealership and had them create a new key. That is not as simple as it sounds! There have only been a few cases of this ever happening and they were stealing the VINs from used car lots where the cars would be sitting still for some time.

Covering you VIN may not only be a futile exercise but also illegal. Several states have laws regarding the VIN being visible at all times and never obscured. Also, that little plate is not the only place where you can find your VIN. Manufacturers now put it many places including on the engine and inside door panel to dissuade thieves from being able to hide the identity of stolen cars.

My suggestion is that you ask your mother to stop forwarding you these urban legends and feel confident that your car will not end up in a chop house.

Sincerely,

M

Stumble It!