OK, I know I'm going to get slack for this, but I bought my car 15 years ago and never titled it. I'm not sure why, but I just didn't. I've decided to get a proper title for the car and was looking over my documentation. What I thought was an original title is actually a notarized a bill of sale dated from May, 1928. I'm assuming it was from the dealer since the car was built in April of '28. Anyway, the bill of sale is still open. Has anyone had experience with NJ's DMV and how I should proceed on getting this car titled? I have the pictures, VIN/engine rubbing, and insurance for it. I just need to get this bill of sale converted to a NJ title in my name the best way possible. Anyone have experience in NJ doing this? If so, any tips would be appreciated.
I’m planning to go in two weeks and wanted to get my ducks in a row first. The DMV website is sparse and there was no answer on the DMV hotline.
It's an NJ bill of sale dated from May 1928. I seriously doubt the car was used and there was no title.
Go to the local dmv and show them what you have. From experience I can tell you that some offices are more knowledgeable than others. If you don't like the answer you get at one office drive to another. If the bill of sale is from out of state you are one leg up because it is notarized, although the notary is from 1928. They may not believe you bought the car from the original owner. If it's a NJ bill of sale it is probably worthless since NJ issues titles. I know from experience if you are titling a car purchased from NY (for example) it is easy if the car's registration is current. NY treats the registration as the title. If the NY registration is expired it has to be notarized. I have had to deal with both. The expired registration required a notary, which I did not have, and like yourself I waited years to title the car in my name and could no longer contact the seller. He died!!!! And I could not locate his estate. I ended up selling the car to a "know it all". I don't know if he ever titled it in NJ and since it was no longer my problem I wasn't concerned about it. I think your best bet is to go to your local dmv and inquire.
Now you have a problem. I would go to a regional or Trenton DMV for that info. Have fun you will get a different answer from everyone you talk to.
Good idea. Sometimes going to the DMV with the best intentions can lead you down a difficult path. I would check with an experienced DMV agent in your state. I went this route with my last 'out of the ordinary' transfer and saved not only a bunch of headache but it turned out to be less money than doing it myself.
Complete car or a pile of parts? I agree with Blowby, and also recommend hiring a 3rd party DMV/registration service to do all the leg work for you. For a stated single fee (couple hundred bucks ?), they'll produce all the forms, affidavits, etc. for you to sign, secure a VIN authentication if needed and they'll jump through all the flaming DMV hoops for you. You'll save yourself a minor ulcer and countless frustrating trips to the DMV, dealing with a different clerk each trip. Believe me, the DMV will treat you like a common criminal and have you standing on your head, spitting quarters before it's all done and you may still walk away without a title.
There is a place here in T.N. They say All-States Title Service. They can get titles for cars and trucks from 1910 to 1997 2 week turn around. The fellows name is Randy Pitt P.O. box 988. call any time 615-414-8063.Another one in Shelbyville T.N. they can get you a title from 1910 to 2012 with in a 10 day turn around he is Daves cars Tags & Titles their # is 913-619-8971.Back in the day I bought a car with no title so I was lucky and had a used dealer plate and I just used that.Another reason I left N.J. Good luck with it and keep us posted. Bruce.
^^^first time i've heard someone recommend going to a "title dealer". i've always heard that's a no-no. i had a couple problems with the title to my old ford (vin #), but mo. dmv searched the title to ky. and got everything squared away! my other problem was the amount of taxable h.p. i brought my factory service manual and a copy of the formula for figuring tax h.p., and they changed it. seems most dmv workers think ALL v8 cars are 54 horsepower.
Have any friends in Pennsylvania ??? PHILLY IS THE BEST for that kinda' stuff... MUCH easier than Jersey .... and there are "motor vehicle" Places ALL OVER Philly ....... If Your friend deals with one regularly it will be no problem ... Friend titles in his name -- transfers to you ....
dont know about n j but you would have a better chance of survival crawling through the swamps of mississippi then to get a title from ohio. but i think maine might be able to help you also i think vermont just send them money they cut you a title and you go to nj with it. ive heard
Used to live in N.J., and when I had anything questionable with "Trenton", I took the time and drove down to Trenton. Possibly I was extremely lucky, but each time I went direct, everything always got sorted out with just one face to face visit. A few years ago, I got a new Pa. title for a '34 Ford, that last changed hands (it was an open title from the Garden State) in '73. No problem. Good luck.
Yes, I'm going to do this first. Take the day off work and just go to the source. I'm hoping it's old enough, they'll just let it go.
You won't get a title for it in Vermont. Just plates after it's been vin checked by the local pd. Which means they will want to see the vehicle to check the vin.
Are you sure N.J. had titles in 1928? New York for example did not become a title state until 1973, pre 1972 vehicles do not have titles in N.Y. All you need is a bill of sale to register '72 or older car.
Also having 50 years experience in NJ, I would go to Washington, NJ rather than Trenton. They are the best I have found. Willing to solve a problem rather than make it worse.
Funny, I told my wife this morning they were my first choice. I use to live Stewartsville so I know the place well.