Shitty CA DMV registration back fees

[craiggroves91]

So the time is nearing where I can finally get my car into my name and registered.
I'm in a odd situation.
I bought this car at the beginning of this year not knowing it was still in the name of the previous owner that owned the car two sales ago, until I went to the DMV. I had to go through hell to get the paperwork filled out for the last two sales.

The car hasn't ran so it can't be smogged yet, which means no registration or title transfer, but that time is coming soon (with an s52, but thats a different story).

Anyway, the main question is, is there anyway to get these back fees lowered? They are nearing $700 for it not being registered since 2010.

I've heard of sometimes the clerk showing some sympathy and reducing them. do I go and beg and plead?

Also, I've heard of registering in another state and then re registering in CA and it gets rid of the fees?


Any advice?
I can fork out the cash, but it will not be easy on me at all and frankly it just pisses me off.

Thanks
-Craig

[der affe]

In AZ if yu tell them that the car has not been running and you have no violations on that car, they will waiver the fees. You live on Ca though and they are irrational so i can't say they will be as kind.

[Wschnitz]

They will probably add charge if you give a reason lol.

[TurboJake]

Have someone else title it in another state that doesn't have those laughable backfees, and send you the signed title back.

In WI, as long as that title is signed by the owners name on the title, you can transfer it. $75 and you're on your way. (Not including registration)

[craiggroves91]

In AZ if yu tell them that the car has not been running and you have no violations on that car, they will waiver the fees. You live on Ca though and they are irrational so i can't say they will be as kind.

Yeah, I've heard of this happening sometimes. Maybe I can hop around till I find a nice clerk.

They will probably add charge if you give a reason lol.

I doubt they'd be that douchy

Have someone else title it in another state that doesn't have those laughable backfees, and send you the signed title back.

In WI, as long as that title is signed by the owners name on the title, you can transfer it. $75 and you're on your way. (Not including registration)

This could work. Thing is I would have to find someone on the forums to help me out since I don't really have any out of state family.

[2mAn]

go kick the previous owners in the balls. it costs $5 to non-op the car and you avoid all those fees. sorry dude but you're probably going to have to pay up. Id beg and plead prior to forking over the cash

[slammin.e28]

This is another LOL CALIFORNIA time.

Seriusly, they charge you for not having a car registered? That's ludicrous. It wasn't using the road, or the air, in California's case, so how do they justify charging you for it?

I've had cars where the title went back three owners and it's BAM! $35 tax, $50 for tags title and reg. Done. I walk in, 15 minutes later I walk out, slap a tag on my car, and am driving it.

Good luck OP!

[e30jake]

I've had cars where the title went back three owners and it's BAM! $35 tax, $50 for tags title and reg. Done. I walk in, 2 hours later I walk out, slap a tag on my car, and am driving it.

Good luck OP!

fixed

[slammin.e28]

fixed

No sir! I'm a smart DMVer. I go in Wednesdays in the middle of the month.

Ghost town.

[craiggroves91]

This is another LOL CALIFORNIA time.

Seriusly, they charge you for not having a car registered? That's ludicrous. It wasn't using the road, or the air, in California's case, so how do they justify charging you for it?

I've had cars where the title went back three owners and it's BAM! $35 tax, $50 for tags title and reg. Done. I walk in, 15 minutes later I walk out, slap a tag on my car, and am driving it.

Good luck OP!

Its seriously a joke. This state is all about revenue, no other reason for bullshit laws like this.

Thanks for the luck!

[bmwstephen]

sigh... legalized extortion

[MR 325]

Sorry man but 2 years back registration does NOT equal $700. Something else is going on there...

If you have a AAA membership go to them when you register it. They're more likely to help.

[craiggroves91]

Sorry man but 2 years back registration does NOT equal $700. Something else is going on there...

If you have a AAA membership go to them when you register it. They're more likely to help.

You'd be surprised, thats what the calculator says.

I have AAA, but I heard they aren't able to void back fees like the DMV can.

[DuMa]

wow 700 bucks. i would shit if saw that in my DMV letter

[craiggroves91]

wow 700 bucks. i would shit if saw that in my DMV letter

I try to tell myself that its all worth it in the end. Afterall its a 1991 318is CA car that I got for $1300 from a friend. So plus $700 thats $2000 for a straight bodied 318is

Doesn't sound so bad after that.