Buying used in California...

Time sensitive question: If one buys a used rig in CA what needs to be done to get on the road?

I think one will need to go to the DMV office in CA with a signed/notarized title and a bill of sale to get the process started. In this case I want to take the used rig back to Colorado to be registered and licensed. Will CA simply issue a temporary tag, not collect sales tax and send me on my way?

Please confirm or deny!

Are you dealing with a private party or dealer? A dealer or AAA can issue a travel permit for x number of days. Both of my RV purchases in CA were actually delivered to me in Yuma AZ. Avoid going to the CA DMV at any costs! If you are going directly back to CO and have a title signed over to you by the seller, I would risk getting stopped in AZ for no license plates and show the officer your paperwork. Too, make sure you have an insurance binder. Finally, don't over think this situation!

Klipstr said:

Time sensitive question: If one buys a used rig in CA what needs to be done to get on the road?

I think one will need to go to the DMV office in CA with a signed/notarized title and a bill of sale to get the process started. In this case I want to take the used rig back to Colorado to be registered and licensed. Will CA simply issue a temporary tag, not collect sales tax and send me on my way?

Please confirm or deny!

Click to expand...

Call DMV???

If you're buying used from a private party, the vehicle is already registered in CA. Keep your Bill of Sale with you and drive to CO. If you're buying from a Dealer, they will need to deliver it to you out of State. They will also need to furnish you with a trip permit from CA which allows you to drive it for the stated period.

Thanks all. Yes, Bob, calling DMV was next but knew this would be quicker (and it was!). It is a private sale. I like C21bill's solution and the one my buddy will most likely choose. The reason I wanted more paperwork is because I wanted him to park his rig in a storage lot for a few days while they visit us here in Rio Verde. We do not have anyplace for him to park the rig while they stay with us. Storage lot at local casino requires registration and driver's license which my buddy won't have if he does the drive to CO and take your chances thing.

DMV here in So-Cal are always clogged with lines out the door. Not sure if can get insurance without registration or, is it registration without insurance? Dunno. About 25 years ago, I tried to get a temporary permit to move a van, however, at the time they stopped issuing temporary moving permits. Things may have changed since. Good luck.

We bought a private party Unity in CA in January, had our insurance company coverage on it that day, and spent the week driving up the CA coast to Oregon. No worries. Bill of Sale and proof of insurance in hand just in case.

Title came about 6 weeks later via the lienholder.

I bought my 2014 UMB from dealer in Las Vegas w/ no plates. Registration was still in name of LTV. I drove home to CA and registered it there within 10 days of purchase date. No Problems.

Thanks all. We've got it licked. The seller agreed to leave the plate on it and send along a copy of his registration along with bill of sale, etc.

This is a funny deal. They are our neighbors from our place in Colorado. He calls me on Monday and says, hey, we're on our way and want to look at fifth wheels while we're in the PHX area. Arctic Fox please. So I sit down and google that bad boy. See a listing for 10 year old unit for $9K. Looks good. Not a bad idea. These folks haven't owned a rig like this and haven't RVed even. So no downside in the older rig. Learn if you like it etc. I have a long chat with them about buying a less expensive older vs. new while they decide. Then at the bottom of that rvtrader listing a see a premium add for a much newer rig. Click the button: perfect. So I call them back and say hey take a look at this one. It's Tuesday by now and they're half way to their destination in TX. They look at it and call me and say hey what do you think we should offer this guy. We really love it... Geez, what happened to buying an older rig and all that? Hey, Kelly, you said this rig is perfect! I know, but you haven't even seen it? So, you said we could buy sight unseen, you guys even buy houses like that! I know but I'm me and you're you! But we really wanna.

So they next thing you know old Jed's a millionaire and these guys have bought their first rig. I told 'em I want no credit if they love it and no blame if they don't. I guess we'll see how that works out for me.

I should also mention that I tried to talk them into an LTV of some sort.

Thanks again!