BajaNomad

California drivers question

BajaBlanca - 1-16-2018 at 08:25 AM

I sold a car to a Mexican and today we sign the pink slip. How will he get title if his address is in Mexico? He is going to import the car and I would guess that he needs that document.

TIA Blanca

Russ - 1-16-2018 at 08:36 AM

Can of worms dealing with the DMV. AAA much easier.Unless he and you can date the pink sign both parts and get it to the DMV in the time period required. I don't know how his address will work out but since it isn't CA probably easy transfer of liability. I sold my truck and the DMV still sends me registration letters. I have a copy of the new owners pink too.

Cancamo - 1-16-2018 at 09:09 AM

All that is required is the signed title to import the vehicle, granted it was manufactured within the current time period allowed, and has a clean title, not stolen. Can get pricey.
If not, there is the Anapromex, Amapafa route.
It's all doable.

BajaBlanca - 1-16-2018 at 10:45 AM

thanks all!

sancho - 1-16-2018 at 12:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Russ  

I sold my truck and the DMV still sends me registration letters.










I'm always cautious about the transfer of liability, it is my
understanding, until the new owner registers the vehicle,
until Sacramento makes the change,
the previous owners name remains the person to contact,
which to me leaves an uncomfortable time period, if
push came to shove, you could prove you released liability,
I'm sure it would work out.
I do the AAA route, happen to be a member,
it relieves me of concern




[Edited on 1-16-2018 by sancho]

Bob and Susan - 1-16-2018 at 12:41 PM

blanca...you need to file a "release of liability" form and mail it to the California dmv

it's online

I would also give a "limited DMV power of attorney" to the buyer so he doesn't have to come back to you if he needs additional info for registration

that's online too

TMW - 1-16-2018 at 01:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Russ  
Can of worms dealing with the DMV. AAA much easier.Unless he and you can date the pink sign both parts and get it to the DMV in the time period required. I don't know how his address will work out but since it isn't CA probably easy transfer of liability. I sold my truck and the DMV still sends me registration letters. I have a copy of the new owners pink too.


Russ did you send in the form (138A) to the DMV that says you sold the vehicle? It's attached to the title. Always make a copy too as proof you sold the vehicle and notified the DMV.

BajaBlanca - 1-16-2018 at 07:11 PM

Thanks guys. How he will ever get a title in his name eludes me?

Cancamo - 1-16-2018 at 08:25 PM


A signed pink slip, (title), releases your ownership in the eyes of the new owner and the new registering entity in Mexico, be it the Mexican DMV equivalent or Anapromex and Anapafa, (you see these plates everywhere).
The new title would then be in the buyer's name. It's always a good idea to submit a realease, form 138A as described above, even though I suspect it is unlikely the new owner will ever be NOB.
Calif DMV is out of the picture if/when re-registered here. Keeping the Calif plates for the new owner is risky as it could be confiscated if caught being driven by a national.
I've sold/gifted a few vehicles from NOB to local nationals, all they ever needed was a signed pink slip.

weebray - 1-17-2018 at 08:42 AM

Don't worry - ignore all the above advise. Do nothing as you may be getting the vehicle back some day as I did. Fortunately he saved the "pink" and my Calif. "ownership" continued normally. When it comes to registering a car in Mexico, a book could be written. Let's just say there's more than one way to skin a cat.

mtgoat666 - 1-17-2018 at 08:57 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca  
Thanks guys. How he will ever get a title in his name eludes me?


By mail. If he does not have an address, use the address of a friend or aquaintance.

CaboMagic - 1-18-2018 at 09:06 AM

Blanca sorry for late-to-the-party response - As mentioned definitely be sure and file the proper release of ownership/liability paperwork with CA DMV - can be done all online I believe. And sharing an experience: we've experienced CA DMV glitch where we received registration bill for previously sold car, but persistence and a phone call eventually resolved. You can hold on to speak w/someone (call hold time specified was 45 minutes - yuck) or provide a number for them to call you back (this worked for me)
Naturally, be sure and make and keep copies for at least a year or two (maybe three;) just in case ...
Hope this helps amiga.

JZ - 1-18-2018 at 11:01 AM

AAA is way easier than the DMV.

CaboMagic - 1-18-2018 at 11:20 AM

True and AAA is definitely more pleasant .. as long as 'you' are a member you can avail yourself of their services!