So as a foreigner (Australian) the DMV in the US is a scary and confusing place, although I'm told you don't need to be a foreigner for that to be the case.

I recently got my y block powered 1963 Mercury Comet home, and want to register it with the CT DMV, though like I imagine is the case for a lot of old cars, the paperwork isn't exactly what they request.

I have:
1. My CT driver's licence and insurance.
2. A Maryland title. Person A named on the title signed the back of it as the seller in 2009, leaving the buyer's details blank. I'm reading that this means it's an "open title" which the DMV does not like.
3. A Bill of sale signed by Person B, who sold me the car.
4. MD Registration slips in the name of person C, the original owner of the car dating from 1981 - 1987.
5. The original Bill of sale from when the car was bought new in 1963.

Now:
A) I could just take in what I have and be up front about it - incurring whatever wrath the DMV lady hurls at me.
B) I could sign the back of the title, but then it looks like the I bought the car 5 years ago and never changed over title - which could be a problem.
C) I could front the bill of sale and state that the car has been off the road for several years, which is true (but neglect to mention the open title) but then I have no registration...

Just wondering what you guys with experience with the DMV and old cars would suggest... man the US makes registering cars complicated...

Well each State has their own individual set of laws for registration.

Someone from Conn needs to provide some input here to properly assist you.

I am in Maryland (and think I know the car) so in Md all you need is the "open title" filled in, MONEY and insurance.

Good Luck,Oldmics

"B" is your best course of action. As long as you have the title and a bill of sale, you most likely will not need the registration. Fill in the bill of sale buyers name and info on the title. You can explaining that the bill of sale guy never titled/registered the car.

Another course of action is to take all your papers untouched to the DMV and see if they have a clerk that can advise you on what you have to do. You can explain just what you wrote here. Will probably require two trips, but it may pay off.

If you have a problem with a DMV office, try another location.

Be aware that you will have to pay sales tax on the purchase price when you title it.



54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

x2 on what paul said about the location or just a particular person.

While not in Connecticut, I've had various success at the local DMV, from helping correct the PO's bad work including loaning me the correct color pens to make "corrections", to another trying to confiscate my YOM plates I wanted to use.

Don

Arete,

My experience with the Calif DMV has ranged from very bad to just great. I tried for a number of years to get the year of manufacture plates ( Calif black plates ) approved for use on a 67 Jag. Each of the many times I went to the local DMV I got a completely different answer so I just kept going until I got the answer that I wanted.

You should use the fact that you are an Aussie to get the DMV clerk to help you get the results that you want. If that person will not help just leave and try again another time. Really all the state of Connecticut wants is your money and you are the customer. Pete

Arete how did you make out on this?

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Hi,

Sorry, with the latest bout of crappy weather here I haven't gotten around to it, I also had to do a bit of a dance to get insurance, as I only have a driveway to park it in (it's under a fancy covercraft cover, which seems to be doing a good job, aside from the fact it tore one week after I bought it).


I did however speak to the DMV on the phone - they told me the bill of sale form from their website was all I needed - I was planning to head in Friday and find out.

Back when I lived in Conn, cars 25 years or older did not require to be titled. However, there was an option to get one In my opinion, you would be better off getting a title so in the future if you sell the buyer will have an easier time titling it himself. Could be a good selling point. My 2 cents

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

A step in the right direction today.

I went into the DMV, the woman had me print in the previous owner's details on the title, and with the bill of sale (and $50) they issued me with a temporary registration, as I need the VIN verified at one of the garages certified to do emissions testing (i.e. pay some guy $20 to look at the VIN and check that it's the same as the one on the documentation).

She said they wouldn't issue me with a CT title, but I would be able to keep the MD title for what it's worth.

Went to replace a crudded up fuel filter this afternoon and didn't get to NAPA until after they closed - but once it's sorted I'll move onto "register the Comet phase 2".