Atom Question Advice Welcomed!

[187]

I'm sure this question has been asked before but...

If an Atom is currently registered in VA with VA plates and has a VIN and Title and I purchase that Atom and bring it to NC will I just be able to walk in my DMV with the Title, Proof of Insurance, and BOS and get plates for it that easy because it has already been registered for the street in a different state?

I had this question once when buying a Supermoto years back and actually had someone register a CRF450 in Maryland (which is clearly not street legal) then I bought it and walked in the NC DMV hoping for the best and sure enough I walked out with plates. Was this because the bike was registered in a different state before?

Basically what I'm asking is, Is getting the VIN and the title for the Atom the hard part in getting it registered? I have seen a couple For Sale Ads on Ariel Atoms claiming, "the hard work is done." Referring to getting it registered in a state before selling it.

Am I really ahead of the game by buying a used Atom that was registered and has a title and a VIN in any state or am I at the same step if I just purchased a brand new Atom 3 with no VIN or title?

Please let me know your experience as I can't wait to get my Atom and this greatly affects which Atom I will be buying!

Thanks A lot!

[Texasclassiii]

While you may or may not have a problem with a new car with no vin, your chances Of succes are MUCH higher with a used car that has an existing title and vin. I suspect you will have absolutely no problems with an already titled car.

[Terry Kennedy]

If an Atom is currently registered in VA with VA plates and has a VIN and Title and I purchase that Atom and bring it to NC will I just be able to walk in my DMV with the Title, Proof of Insurance, and BOS and get plates for it that easy because it has already been registered for the street in a different state?

It depends on the states involved as well as intangibles like the mood the DMV clerk is in that day.

Broadly speaking, there are two categories of this transaction:

1) "I used to live in State A, now I've moved here to State B and need to transfer my title/tags." (easier - usually - but see below)
2) "I bought a used car in State A. Here's the completed bill of sale / old title. Please register it to me here in State B, and here's the sales tax payment."

In theory, the first case should be a walk in the park. BUT... in some states like California, you be forbidden from bringing a car you already own with you if you move to California. Don't even contemplate the second alternative there.

Basically what I'm asking is, Is getting the VIN and the title for the Atom the hard part in getting it registered? I have seen a couple For Sale Ads on Ariel Atoms claiming, "the hard work is done." Referring to getting it registered in a state before selling it.

I expect a large part of these are from California sellers who waited in line the first business day of the year to get one of the 500 or so SB100 exemptions. These used to "sell out" on that first day, but since the economy tanked they seem to be available for a while longer. In California a SB100 goes with the car for the life of the car (including subsequent owners). I'm not certain what happens if it gets sold out-of-state and then sold back into California.

My general advice for people is that if they have any concern about this, they should consult a lawyer in this (narrow area of) specialty practice. Don't rely on "Motor vehicle law our specialty" type practices - those are mostly DUI / speeding / etc. lawyers. A good place to ask would be your state / local Bar Association.

[187]

Thanks for the information, well noted.

[jeff8407]

As of this morning California still had 200+ SB100 permits available for the 2013 year.

Just a helpful FYI....

[bolus]

As of this morning California still had 200+ SB100 permits available for the 2013 year.

Just a helpful FYI....

wow, I remember guys here camping out for them overnight and having them all be gone within an hour of the DMV opening that morning.