Hey guys, need some help.

I'm purchasing a car for my sister here in CA, and shipping it out on a trailer to her in NM. I've heard that if I do so, I will NOT have to pay CA sales tax on the vehicle. Is this correct? Where can I find the appropriate statute or law as a guideline? I need to find something in writing to show the dealer...

Any help is appreciated!

Mike

 

These three threads are possible info sources:

Edmunds out-of-state thread

Edmunds Which State thread

Edmunds Vehicle Sales Tax

 

In a nutshell,
If you are buying a NEW car, and it's being registered in her name and her address in New Mexico, you will need to flatbed the car to her. The trucking company will have to pick up from the dealership. Make sure it is a reputable company with enough insurance coverage. Ask the dealership which comany they use.
The dealership will want the signed paperwork and check from your sister before they start any process. Usually they will FedEx to her directly.
You need to have the dealership order a MSO (Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin), this takes about 3 weeks, give or take. In the meantime, the car should have a temporary reg so she can drive. Then she will have to take car, MSO, and sales contract to local DMV to pay tax and reg. Hope this helps. Good luck.

(Your other option is to pay Calif tax and lic if you want to drive car off the lot.)

 

Thanks enigma and asiangirl! Much appreciated.