Getting a new title for export purposes - help please!

[amysemmens]

Hi everyone, I'd love some help if you're able.
I recently purchased a 1960 Airstream from WA,for import to Australia. I bought it knowing it didn't have a title, as a friend who has also imported one said that a bill of sale and some other ID would suffice. It seems not. I've had so much conflicting info, and would love anyone who has clear info to help out. Basically, the seller can get a lost title cert, that seems easy. My shipper says that he can take the trailer to CA, have it inspected at DMV and get a new title issued in about 30 days, then ship from there. Does this sound right? I've read threads on here where people certainly have done this, in CA, as WA seems quite a lot stricter. Obviously I have thousands invested and want to make sure I have the right info. Any help would be much appreciated.
Amy

[polarlyse]

I think it would always be easiest and best for the previous owner to replace lost documents in their own state. That is provided they really held clear title in the first place and they are really lost. Otherwise it might be very troublesome especially in another state. Good luck on this.

[Smartstream]

If the seller actually has a title on record in Washington getting a replacement if he lost the original is very easy and will provide a proper and correct title. If the original title is not in his name then it will be more difficult.

You can create a title if you can demonstrate the vehicle has been in your possession for a period of time such as a vehicle abandoned on your property. The state will create a "conditional" title that you can sell but a previous owner can challenge it for three years. After three years it becomes a normal title.

I would guess going to another state might just complicate the situation.

[DavidsonOverlander]

Here is an option that has worked twice for me bringing trailers into Canada from the USA. In both cases there was no title or registration, just a bill of sale - and you can't import a trailer into Canada with only a bill of sale. We solved it by licensing the trailer in Maine through the Staab Agency, then used the Maine registration to bring it across the border. Maine does not require a title for trailers that are more than 15 years old, and they don't require you to be a resident in order to license a trailer there. In neither case did the customs agent ask why we had a receipt showing the trailer was purchased in New York State but with paperwork showing it was registered in Maine in my name but with my in-laws' Michigan address. No questions at all.

You will need an address in the USA, but I wasn't required to show any ID with that address on it. The form asks for a Social Security Number (which I don't have) but when I asked they said they didn't need it. The bill of sale needed to be notarized and to include the seller's address. I also had to provide the Staab Agency with a Power of Attorney to allow them to act on my behalf in licensing the trailer.

The forms are all on the Staab Agency web site. Give them a call, they're very helpful and will walk you through it.

[amysemmens]

Thank you everyone for your input. Can you pls tell me what the cost was from Staab?

[Shacksman]

I did the same thing from Staab and the cost was about $130. You get a registration and a new license plate.

[amysemmens]

Thanks Shacksman

[amysemmens]

I've sent Staab an email enquiry, and will wait to hear back. Lots of late nights with the time difference

[polarlyse]

I'm just being curious here. What might you expect the cost of shipping to Austrailia to be. I've always thought it would be a lifetime adventure to ship our trailer to some far off continent and spend time traveling.

thanks, good luck with your document dilemma. Hope all come out OK .

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by Shacksman

I did the same thing from Staab and the cost was about $130. You get a registration and a new license plate.

I can't recall the exact amount, but that sounds about right.

Grant

[bobbygee]

Hi Amy,
Having imported to Australia all you require is a Bill Of Sale with details of the person selling the item. Basically a receipt as proof of purchase that should enable you to get your Vehicle Import Approval along with the a letter from an engineering company that will bring the Airstream up to comply with Australian standards. ie brakes, lights.

The requirement for the engineering proof is a fairly recent addition to getting a VIA so be careful. You wont have many issues with Airstreams that predate 1989 as the ADR's around caravans were pretty well non existent prior to that date.

All the best

Bobbygee

[amysemmens]

Hi Bobbygee,
Thanks for your response. My shipper says that from his end he needs the title to export. At this end your right, I just need the bill of sale. I hears from Staab and they said they do tissue titles for pre-1995 trailers??

[amysemmens]

Polarise - shipping for Roro to Australia from CA is just over $5000 US. This is by far the cheapest rate I've found, and recommend U-ship if you decide to make the trip. Would to hear from you if you do!!
Amy

[polarlyse]

Thank you. Have to think long and hard on that one. Sounds as if you are well on your way. Good luck and hope your shipping experience is trouble ( stress ) free.