You read the headline correctly. It really doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Think of how you currently take care of your out-of-state buyers. You either a) have a service take care of it all, b) place the burden on your staff to research and facilitate your out-of-state buyer’s title and registration process, or c) have your buyer take care of it themselves. It doesn’t matter which option you choose, it’s all a nightmare. Worst of all, if you are currently using an existing service, how often are you or your buyers left in the dark?
How Complex is National Title and Registration?
Short answer — very complex. Think about it. When a vehicle is purchased, it always has an origin — the state it’s being sold from. Your buyer may or may not be living in that same origin state, but either way, the title and registration are needed for the buyer’s state. This process involves a wide variety of rules, requirements and fees from state to state, not to mention the specific circumstances for each vehicle and buyer. It’s clearly evident that a comprehensive national title and registration solution is a necessity.
What Do You Really Need When Selling to an Out-of-State Buyer?
When you are selling a vehicle to an out-of-state buyer, you need details — and fast. How much do the registration fees cost for the vehicle in the buyer’s state? What forms do they need? How do I get these forms? And, maybe most importantly, “Can’t someone complete the title and registration — we’re busy selling cars?”
Give Me the Estimated Fees
Of course, one of the most important questions your buyer may have is, “How much is it going to cost to register the vehicle in my home state?” This is where fee estimates come in. With some basic information about the vehicle, the buyer and the selling and destination states, a detailed fee estimate is needed. State registration and title fees, county fees, taxes — you need all of this information to present to your buyer.
With a comprehensive set of fee estimates, you and your buyer have a good idea of just how much titling and registering the vehicle is. Being able to provide an in-depth breakdown of fee estimates is a great way to provide a complete picture of the complete cost of a vehicle sale.
A Checklist of Necessary Documents
Titling and registering a vehicle always requires specific paperwork — either state forms or ancillary items such as a driver’s license or proof of insurance, to name a few. Wouldn’t it be nice if all of those required items were on a single, easy-to-read checklist? The vehicle title or MSO, bill of sale, title application, odometer disclosure, power of attorney — the list goes on as you all know. And when dealing with out-of-state transactions, the scenarios and possible permutations number in the millions.
As a dealer, you expect a checklist that is easy to follow and in plain English — especially if you ever needed to present this type of information to your buyer. All of the paperwork and documentation needed for a smooth title and registration process is listed and needed for eventual submission to your buyer’s home state. Having all required paperwork listed in one place makes for a smooth title and registration process once all is said and done. Go through the list and check each item off — that’s how it should be.
Pre-Populated and Ready-to-Sign State Forms
Think about all of the title and registration forms we have here in California — the REG 397, REG 51, REG 227 and on and on. Now, imagine trying to get a hold of the forms needed for your buyer’s home state. Sometimes it’s as easy as downloading them off of the internet, but then you have to fill it out. When your buyer is there and finalizing the sale, who has time to hunt around the web or call other states to track down specific forms? What you really need for a smooth vehicle sale are state forms pre-populated with all of the information about the vehicle, buyer and the selling and destination states.
Full-Service Title and Registration
If you sell to many out-of-state buyers, chances are you would want to work with a service or partner that “just takes care of it all.” Time is money and if your staff is spending hours on the phone or hunting down fees and forms, you’d probably rather have them selling or servicing customers.
Choosing a trusted partner with the complexities of out-of-state title and registration for your buyers is important. And if you currently use a service, are you getting all of the fees, checklists, forms and customer service you are hoping for?
It’s that last part — customer service — that might be non-existent. Once you send all your paperwork to be processed, wouldn’t you like to ask questions and get answers? How about knowing exactly where in the title and registration process things are?
Looking for a True Partner
There are several providers that might offer some of the above, but CNCDA recommends Vitu Interstate for that complete toolbox you need when selling to out-of-state buyers. Did you know that each day, we here at Vitu processes thousands and thousands of transactions across the nation? Our partners rely on and trust our expertise in providing accurate title and registration fee estimates, pre-filled forms and, when requested, offering that “over the finish line” service where plates and indicia are delivered directly to you or your buyers.
