California Registration

[Avenger3]

I have a M38A1 I bought from a private dealer in Arkansas
I have a Bill of Sale but no other vehicle documents
The vehicle apparently came from the AR Dept of Agriculture and sat in a field for along time. It is a restoration project.
California DMV says I need some kind of Title or certificate of ownership.
The seller has no other documentation.
Any ideas ?
Thanks, Patrick

[RonD2]

Hi Patrick,
Well, I was going to suggest researching possible title and registration issues before plunking the cash down --- but its' too late for that now.

A notarized Bill of Sale isn't a certificate of ownership?

I'm sure there's a few California resident members here that'll pipe up with some good advice for you. I also predict some possible interaction with the Arkansas DMV and the dealer you bought it from.
I hope they're helpful if you need them.

Good luck, and welcome!

P.S. because you aren't selling anything here, I predict Wes will move your post to a more appropriate category (more member views and responses).
_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

[Mike_B]

Does your Bill of Sale list the body and engine serial numbers documenting what you bought?

The Jeep should have a dash Data Plate with the body serial number and the Patent Plate with the same number located on the wheel house behind the passenger seat..

The engine serial number should be stamped in the block above the water pump.

These two different numbers (body and engine) may help in researching if the Jeep has been registered before.

If all of these numbers are missing, you basically have a parts Jeep as there is no way to prove ownership.

Mike B
_________________
Mike B
1953 M38A1 Brush Truck
1952 M38
1951 M100 Trailer

[mdainsd]

Don't waste your time at the DMV. A bunch of clueless bureaucrats. I use a private registration agency for ALL my dealings with those fools. I have used them for years. Try one of them. Yes it costs extra, but mine have rammed so many military vehicles through for me that its funny. Even Gamma-Goats street licensed in California.
_________________
'52 Dodge M37, '42 GPW, '48 FrankenJeep CJ2A/M38, '50 CJV-35(U), '51 M38, '42 WC-57 Command Car, '44 WC-51 Weapons , (2) M1941 Sperry 60" Anti-Aircraft Searchlights, John Deere M-gator, '44 White M3A1 Scout Car

[wesk]

If the jeep left the Arkansas State Agency via a GSA auction call the old civvy owner and ask if he has a copy of the SF-97 they issued him for the jeep.
_________________
Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[aslanperro]

CA DMV doc has this about "evidence of ownership" and what else is acceptable. I haven't encountered this myself so not sure how well it will work out.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2/nonresident-vehicles/evidence-of-ownership/

you can try DMV again and with luck maybe getting a more knowledge and easy agent to work with. Or what mdainsd suggested of private agency to work with you.
_________________
Anthony
1963 M38A1

[RonD2]

It looks like the Avenger got what he needed?
_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari

[mdainsd]

Yeah, looks like another one hit wonder. Not even the courtesy of a .........
_________________
'52 Dodge M37, '42 GPW, '48 FrankenJeep CJ2A/M38, '50 CJV-35(U), '51 M38, '42 WC-57 Command Car, '44 WC-51 Weapons , (2) M1941 Sperry 60" Anti-Aircraft Searchlights, John Deere M-gator, '44 White M3A1 Scout Car

[Avenger3]

Sorry, got tied up "restoring" I am new to this and tend to go slowly so I don't have to do something 2x ..which still hasn't always worked!

I found a private licensed guy here in California. Jeep is not far from his office and he offered to come out and fill out the forms needed for me. Not sure what it will cost yet, but I see daylight.

Thanks for the help
PL

[Avenger3]

Took me a while but I got it right
1. Down Load a Vehicle Identification form from the CA DMV
2. Get the CHP or a local police officer to fill out the form.
Because it was pre 1970 there is no VIN number and it has to be created
We used a combination of the engine block number and the frame ID
No problem
3. Get a Surety Bond from an insurance agency.
It should be 3x the purchase price
It costs $15/ thousand dollar
4. Fill out a Statement of Facts Form downloaded from CA DMV
5. Take the above with a Bill of Sale and a Request for Title
Walk out of the DMV in 20 minutes with title, registration and plates

At the end of the day the process was not difficult. Learning the process is difficult. Few people in the DMV have delt with this problem. I found a great DMV Supervisor who worked with me. Hope this helps somebody in the future

[aslanperro]

Avenger3, thanks for updates. Yeah even with out-of-state title, step 1, 2 and 5 are the same so additional step 3 & 4. It sure helps someone in future to know the process.
_________________
Anthony
1963 M38A1

[kenperkins]

glad that worked for you...California DMV sucks. took me 4 months to receive plates for an m100, m762 and a m416. all had form 97s....gals at DMV really didn't want to deal with me at all
_________________
'51 M38 #22936,
'51 M100 Dunbar
#01164782
'53 M100 Dunbar
M416b1
2- M762
MVPA #11788
MVCC LIFER