The weaponization of the DMV

[polara66hardtop]

I had a quite an experience in 2014 when I bought a 1971 Demon from a guy in San Fransisco.He said he had to sell it because the car had an exhaust cackle under the car according to DMV so he couldn't license it. and he had the title, but had four pink slips attached. so, apparently it had been sold several times before he got it, and he was the last pink slip.
Being from nebraska, I thought, what state would allow pink slip after pink slip to be sold, but He said as long as it was lnot relicensed, it was legal.
So I took all his copies to the dmv here in Nebraska. They looked at all of it, scratched their heads, called the California DMV, and then said it's all good!
So I sent the payment for the car thru my Daughter whom was attending Berkeley, caught a shipper that was coincidently heading east on I 80 that week, and two days later she arrived. It is a beautiful car, and with a new manifold and valve job, runs like a sewing machine.
The funniest part was when the truck showed up in Fort Calhoun, it was the last car of eight and on the bottom row with mainly lexus,mercedes, corvettes, heading to chicago. The driver was a moldavian, and asked in broken english:What is Demon?
I told him, and he said man, at every fuel stop people came out to look at the Demon, and not any of the other cars!
he asked ,how much? I told him, and he said Hell! That is less than the front clip of the lexus!
He then yelled as he left, go Mopars! and by the way, back then it cost $563 dollars to transport that car 1800 miles!

 

[saforwardlook]

I had a quite an experience in 2014 when I bought a 1971 Demon from a guy in San Fransisco.He said he had to sell it because the car had an exhaust cackle under the car according to DMV so he couldn't license it. and he had the title, but had four pink slips attached. so, apparently it had been sold several times before he got it, and he was the last pink slip.
Being from nebraska, I thought, what state would allow pink slip after pink slip to be sold, but He said as long as it was lnot relicensed, it was legal.
So I took all his copies to the dmv here in Nebraska. They looked at all of it, scratched their heads, called the California DMV, and then said it's all good!
So I sent the payment for the car thru my Daughter whom was attending Berkeley, caught a shipper that was coincidently heading east on I 80 that week, and two days later she arrived. It is a beautiful car, and with a new manifold and valve job, runs like a sewing machine.
The funniest part was when the truck showed up in Fort Calhoun, it was the last car of eight and on the bottom row with mainly lexus,mercedes, corvettes, heading to chicago. The driver was a moldavian, and asked in broken english:What is Demon?
I told him, and he said man, at every fuel stop people came out to look at the Demon, and not any of the other cars!
he asked ,how much? I told him, and he said Hell! That is less than the front clip of the lexus!
He then yelled as he left, go Mopars! and by the way, back then it cost $563 dollars to transport that car 1800 miles!

A lot of my cars still have their original pink slips from back in the day......................they are still just titles but about one quarter the size of current titles.

 

[SGT FURY]

FWIW a wrecked 23k 70 440+6,shaker,4.10 4 speed cuda l had in the early 80s.
It had the N95 code. If I remember right it had an extra steel tube that went back to gas tank?
Also a note no exhaust tips on such a performance car

 

[73Coupe]

Update - three years later. Still not registered yet, still in drydock....
Letter received from Stellantis in September. I took that, along with an identical OEM emissions sticker, the broadcast sheet, into my local DMV and they sent it all up to Sacramento.
Sacramento got back to me a month later and said that I now have to get the vehicle re-inspected, and now they are reneging on the title issue of the PO / Alberta. They also want $281 more. The good news is that the emissions sticker issue is resolved for now.
I had CHP come to my house in early November to verify the car (their regional office is right around the corner from me). I sent the paperwork back to Sacramento this week, so let's see what happens this time. If needed, I am still in contact with Wayne (the PO) and he knows of a method of getting a duplicate title from the province if necessary, that will just take up to 3 months.

 

[73Coupe]

Update - Just got another reply from the DMV. Now they are not satisfied with the US Customs forms and want an additional $778.
Every time it is something new. When I satisfy that requirement, then they think of something else.
Weaponization, I tell ya....
I am going to make an appointment and go down to the DMV this Friday to raise hell.

 

[CBODY67]

What do they claim the additional $778.00 is for? How did they determine that amount?

I'm not sure about "weaponization" per se, although it might certainly seem that way, but it could well be "people not knowing what they are doing" nor "understanding what they should be doing". At least that has seemed to be what the discoveries in TX have revealed. FWIW

A LOT of vehicle registration statues are usually found in the State's website, in the DMV area. From what I have seen.

Take care,
CBODY67

 

[73Coupe]

What do they claim the additional $778.00 is for? How did they determine that amount?

I'm not sure about "weaponization" per se, although it might certainly seem that way, but it could well be "people not knowing what they are doing" nor "understanding what they should be doing". At least that has seemed to be what the discoveries in TX have revealed. FWIW

A LOT of vehicle registration statues are usually found in the State's website, in the DMV area. From what I have seen.

Take care,
CBODY67

I went back in person last Friday and spent about an hour down there. By my luck, the manager on duty at the time caught ear of my case as I was explaining to the lady at window #1, and took it on himself. He first mentioned that "Sacramento is increasingly reluctant to register pre-emission cars in California" and went off about electric cars for a minute. But then agreed that my case was FUBAR and decided to help.

After about 30 minutes on the phone with the field assistance office and talking to multiple people layers deep down in the beurocracy, he determined that the $778 was a mistake.

It turned out the DMV also marked down my previous $281 charge as "unpaid" and thus charged me the $778 in penalties for that. However, they still cashed my check, and I had to download a PDF of said check from my bank and email it to the DMV manager to prove it.

His final analysis is that "somebody that didn't pay attention nor care" got assigned my paperwork when I sent it to Sacramento and carelessly rebuked it.

This time, he said, he requested that it go directly to a supervisor for processing.

Next time, hopefully I get a manilla envelope in the mail (with a "prison industries" stamp), and not a white envelope with returned/rebuked paperwork.

 

[3175375]

I went back in person last Friday and spent about an hour down there. By my luck, the manager on duty at the time caught ear of my case as I was explaining to the lady at window #1, and took it on himself. He first mentioned that "Sacramento is increasingly reluctant to register pre-emission cars in California" and went off about electric cars for a minute. But then agreed that my case was FUBAR and decided to help.

After about 30 minutes on the phone with the field assistance office and talking to multiple people layers deep down in the beurocracy, he determined that the $778 was a mistake.

It turned out the DMV also marked down my previous $281 payment as "unpaid" and thus charged me the $778 in penalties for that. However, they still cashed my check, and I had to download a PDF of said check from my bank and email it to the DMV manager to prove it.

His final analysis is that "somebody that didn't pay attention nor care" got assigned my paperwork when I sent it to Sacramento and carelessly rebuked it.

This time, he said, he requested that it go directly to a supervisor for processing.

Next time, hopefully I get a manilla envelope in the mail (with a "prison industries" stamp), and not a white envelope with returned/rebuked paperwork.

Unbelievable! You can’t make this $hit up! And they’re paid for this work!

I’m so blessed to have escaped nearly 8 years ago and I absolutely don’t regret it!

 

[saforwardlook]

Unbelievable! You can’t make this $hit up! And they’re paid for this work!

I’m so blessed to have escaped nearly 8 years ago and I absolutely don’t regret it!

I went back in person last Friday and spent about an hour down there. By my luck, the manager on duty at the time caught ear of my case as I was explaining to the lady at window #1, and took it on himself. He first mentioned that "Sacramento is increasingly reluctant to register pre-emission cars in California" and went off about electric cars for a minute. But then agreed that my case was FUBAR and decided to help.

After about 30 minutes on the phone with the field assistance office and talking to multiple people layers deep down in the beurocracy, he determined that the $778 was a mistake.

It turned out the DMV also marked down my previous $281 payment as "unpaid" and thus charged me the $778 in penalties for that. However, they still cashed my check, and I had to download a PDF of said check from my bank and email it to the DMV manager to prove it.

His final analysis is that "somebody that didn't pay attention nor care" got assigned my paperwork when I sent it to Sacramento and carelessly rebuked it.

This time, he said, he requested that it go directly to a supervisor for processing.

Next time, hopefully I get a manilla envelope in the mail (with a "prison industries" stamp), and not a white envelope with returned/rebuked paperwork.

A few years ago, I also had a very frustrating time at my local California DMV office, and I asked to speak with the office manager. In a matter of minutes, she had my paperwork back on track and it was very clear she took pride in trying to ensure I had a really good experience. Given your prolonged and drawn-out nonsense, and your good results with your DMV office manager, it seems like we should just go there as soon as things get off the track.

 

[3175375]

A few years ago, I also had a very frustrating time at my local California DMV office, and I asked to speak with the office manager. In a matter of minutes, she had my paperwork back on track and it was very clear she took pride in trying to ensure I had a really good experience. Given your prolonged and drawn-out nonsense, and your good results with your DMV office manager, it seems like we should just go there as soon as things get off the track.

One shouldn’t have to go to the manager to start. The place is a train wreck.

 

[Samplingman]

Wow, this is crazy, 3 years and waiting. In that time you could have established a second residence in another state and gotten the car titled and on the road, lol. Might have even been cheaper. Regarding PA and the titling agencies and inspection regs, I opted not to move there in '05 and stay in Jersey.

Quick story about the legendary NJ DMV. A few years back I bought an '02 Corolla for $1500. On the back of the title I had to put in the amount paid so they can charge taxes. Being old and of poor sight, I didn't see the printed dollar sign so naturally I hand wrote it next to the 1500 ($1500, NOT the illiterate millennial way of 1500$). Anyway, the clerk took the paper work and disapeard for a bit. Finally, she came back and said I needed to apply for a new title. Confused, I asked why and she said that it looked like I was masking $15,000 with my hand written dollar sign and pointed to the minature printed dollar sign that I didn't see. I then produced the hand written receipt from the seller with signatures, but she said that wasn't good enough. I asked for a superviser. They huddled. They disapeard again for 15 minutes. Then she came back. "I just spoke with the Supervisor's 'supervisor'. You can apply for a new document, and it will take a few months, or pay a $25 dollar altered doc fee and be on your way". I handed her $25 cash, said "enjoy your lunch wink wink" took the plates and new regestration and walked out. No title no problem, and NO inspection for cars made before 1998. Gotta love NJ DMV!

 

[73Coupe]

Wow, this is crazy, 3 years and waiting. In that time you could have established a second residence in another state and gotten the car titled and on the road, lol. Might have even been cheaper. Regarding PA and the titling agencies and inspection regs, I opted not to move there in '05 and stay in Jersey.

Quick story about the legendary NJ DMV. A few years back I bought an '02 Corolla for $1500. On the back of the title I had to put in the amount paid so they can charge taxes. Being old and of poor sight, I didn't see the printed dollar sign so naturally I hand wrote it next to the 1500 ($1500, NOT the illiterate millennial way of 1500$). Anyway, the clerk took the paper work and disapeard for a bit. Finally, she came back and said I needed to apply for a new title. Confused, I asked why and she said that it looked like I was masking $15,000 with my hand written dollar sign and pointed to the minature printed dollar sign that I didn't see. I then produced the hand written receipt from the seller with signatures, but she said that wasn't good enough. I asked for a superviser. They huddled. They disapeard again for 15 minutes. Then she came back. "I just spoke with the Supervisor's 'supervisor'. You can apply for a new document, and it will take a few months, or pay a $25 dollar altered doc fee and be on your way". I handed her $25 cash, said "enjoy your lunch wink wink" took the plates and new regestration and walked out. No title no problem, and NO inspection for cars made before 1998. Gotta love NJ DMV!

Good thing it was a Corolla - if it was a Cadillac they would have shaken you down for a lot more. $25 would have been enough for one of the captains to get some gabagool on the way home.

 

[SIPLOWGUY]

All the states have their quirks.

 

[Jakter]

A few years ago, I also had a very frustrating time at my local California DMV office, and I asked to speak with the office manager. In a matter of minutes, she had my paperwork back on track and it was very clear she took pride in trying to ensure I had a really good experience. Given your prolonged and drawn-out nonsense, and your good results with your DMV office manager, it seems like we should just go there as soon as things get off the track.

Then there would be nothing for folks to complain about.

 

[Big_John]

New York State DMV is spotty at times. I've sailed through their red tape and gotten tangled up in it too. It's all about who is behind the counter.

Back, many years ago, when you would chose what line you stood in, I discovered that a cousin worked there and she made it easy... But that was at least 40 years ago and she retired (and passed). Now you get who you get via a number system where you wait for them to call your number, like the deli counter at Wegman's. Once I got a guy (older guy too) that never heard of a Plymouth and couldn't understand that I didn't need a title for a 1965 Plymouth. NYS is 1973 and up for titles. There was a little friendly pushing the paperwork back and forth and then a request for a supervisor. Once I got one involved, she straightened him out. In fact, the supervisor asked "Can I use this as a training moment for him?. He's not familiar with this." Of course, I said yes and when all was done, I was thanked by both for my patience.

He spelled Plymouth wrong though.... I let it go until time to renew. I had to go back in to get it corrected. This time I got a different clerk and she said she owned a '65 Mustang! So we talked cars while the paperwork was printing. Then she mentioned renewing my drivers license while I was there... and I wanted the "enhanced" version that let's you fly and get into Canada (even though I have a passport). I needed another form of government issued ID, so I pulled out my concealed carry pistol permit. Turned out she did some cowboy shooting and then that went into more interesting chatting. Everything was good with the world that day...

The Syracuse DMV office has some "interesting" customers. You can count the ankle monitors. Mrs. Big John was down there once and someone flipped out at the counter. Seems no one spoke his language and he got frustrated and started shouting and threatening. All the clerks escaped through a back door and left everyone standing there with an unarmed security guard. They even locked the doors so no one could leave. Not good.... Security did their job (surprisingly) and kept the guy under control. Once the local cops showed up everything settled down. Now we go up to the next town where it's attached to the county sheriffs building and the clientele don't seem to be quite as combative. Only issue is they don't take reservations like the local place, but the wait is a lot less and the attitude is quite different on both sides of the counter. A lot of the stuff like registration renewals can be done online so that has cut the trips to the DMV down significantly.

One thing I have learned to do is print and fill out all the paperwork before walking in the door. Be ready to go... Dress decently and smile and ask "how are you doing today?". The last six customers might not have been pleasant, so I'm going to be an easy deal for them.

 

[sixpkrt]

Jeezus!! Just reading through some of this post I have to commend you for having extreme patience with the CA DMV. 3 years of mistakes is unacceptable.

 

[SIPLOWGUY]

New York State DMV is spotty at times. I've sailed through their red tape and gotten tangled up in it too. It's all about who is behind the counter.

I registered a 1978 Chevrolet Caprice I bought from the original owner. The titles in 1978 were in a letter size envelope. The "young" person behind the counter said she never saw a title like that and couldn't accept it. I asked her to show the Supervisor. After a roll of her eyes and a call for a supervisor all was good. lol