Titling a car in the USA + insurance

[Shadowess 13]

Hello All!

I have made the move to the USA and en route I imported my classic car.

Now the car is housed in my father in law's garage in Missouri and I have moved to my final destination, California.

I would like to transfer ownership (via a gift) to my Father in law, for him to then title and licence and insure the car. The car is staying in storage for the next 6 months or so.

My question is what are the specifics of titling a car in the USA?

1. I have my Ontario ownership, do I have to sign the back and have my FIL fill out the rest (like we would do for a transfer in Ontario?)

2. I have the paperwork the border gave me when I imported, I know that needs to go to the DMV

3. I have heard that out of state cars might need a VIN verification prior to allowing it to be titled?

4. Does the car need to have a safety done prior to transferring ownership?

5. Since I am gifting it to a family member, will this cost any additional money?

6. Is it possible to transfer my Canadian State Farm Policy to a USA State Farm Policy?

7. Do I have to be physically present at the DMV when my FIL takes in the paperwork (or at any point?)?

8. People who have done this before (even just titling/licencing) what is a list of paperwork needed to be brought to the DMV?

Sorry for all the questions, but after a long time researching I've not found a comprehensive guide on what to do.

Thanks for all your help!!

[Cathi 5,795]

Did you try calling the DMV to ask? Perhaps they would know.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Hello All!

I have made the move to the USA and en route I imported my classic car.

Now the car is housed in my father in law's garage in Missouri and I have moved to my final destination, California.

I would like to transfer ownership (via a gift) to my Father in law, for him to then title and licence and insure the car. The car is staying in storage for the next 6 months or so.

My question is what are the specifics of titling a car in the USA?

1. I have my Ontario ownership, do I have to sign the back and have my FIL fill out the rest (like we would do for a transfer in Ontario?) See below

2. I have the paperwork the border gave me when I imported, I know that needs to go to the DMV

3. I have heard that out of state cars might need a VIN verification prior to allowing it to be titled?See below

4. Does the car need to have a safety done prior to transferring ownership?See below

5. Since I am gifting it to a family member, will this cost any additional money?See below

6. Is it possible to transfer my Canadian State Farm Policy to a USA State Farm Policy?Contact State Farm

7. Do I have to be physically present at the DMV when my FIL takes in the paperwork (or at any point?)?See below

8. People who have done this before (even just titling/licencing) what is a list of paperwork needed to be brought to the DMV?See below

Sorry for all the questions, but after a long time researching I've not found a comprehensive guide on what to do.

Thanks for all your help!!

You won't find a comprehensive guide because each State has different rules and regulations. The rules and regulations associated with licensing of motor vehicles is under the purview of the individual States. You should like check out the licensing requirements of the Missouri DOL/DMV for specific instructions, and California as necessary, since it is your final destination.

http://dor.mo.gov/motorv/

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv

Found through a Google search. Google can also be your friend.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

~Moved from Canada Regional Forum to Welcome to the US and Your New Life in America Forum~

~Similar topics are often discussed at this forum.~

[Ortolan 381]

Take all your paperwork down to the local DMV, and they'll tell you exactly how to handle the transfer of title.

[russandraquel 86]

I think a lot of Americans would just put them on an insurance policy for the car and let 'em drive it.

[Ms Hogan 295]

When I import cars from Canada they go into my name as I am the importer of record. Yes, that is for my business BUT you are likely in the same situation. Collector car or not. Your FIL did not import the car, you did, so it is your information on the paperwork form the border. I would be very surprised if they allowed you to put it into his name directly. Why are you putting it in his name anyway? Why not ship the car directly to you in California?

If it's a collector car only being driven occasionally (or just stored for now) and the person who is driving it has a regular daily driver, consider buying different insurance as regular insurance is generally overkill on older vehicles that are driven occasionally. Look into Hagerty for example. It is a LOT less expensive.

Other people have explained you need to go to your DMV and that's accurate. Go to a local title office (county clerk) to find out what they need for the title. An out of state inspection is required in most states. Dealers can often do these or the DMV will have someone who can do it. The VIN on the car simply needs to match the documentation.

Each state truly is different. Read about Missouri http://dor.mo.gov/motorv/titling.php

But calling the DMV will be easiest.