First truck, how to transfer title while using Landstar plates

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by DedicatedDriver, Jan 11, 2019.

  1. DedicatedDriver

    DedicatedDriver Light Load Member

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    Hey guys,

    I am based out of Georgia (my corporation is also based out of Georgia); I am buying a truck in Michigan and wanting to use Landstar's base plate program out of Indiana.

    I've spent all evening browsing old threads about others who have transferred out-of-state titles but I still need this absolutely watered down for me to understand (lol). I decided to take the plunge and purchase a used straight truck (GVWR 33,000#) and run with Landstar Express America.

    The dealer in Michigan says they can give me an instant title in my name for a fee. Landstar says they need a copy of the title before they can issue the base plate (among other things like filling out paperwork to finalize the process for insurance, etc). I made a phone call to Georgia to ask them about how to transfer a title, but felt even more confused when I got off the phone. I don't want to have to make a special trip back to Georgia to show up in person just to get the title; I want to avoid that if I can.

    Does it matter where the truck is titled? If it gets titled in Michigan through the dealer's instant title thing, will that affect taxes, registration or insurance? Also, if I get it registered in Michigan (or any state besides Georgia), won't I need a Michigan address (or other out-of-state address?)

    I am confused with this whole process... what address would be on the cab card if I used Indiana's base plates? I always thought that the registration needed to be in the state where the plates are issued.

    Can you guys please shed some light on this? I know this shouldn't be this complicated, but it's hard to understand. Thanks!
     
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  3. blade

    blade Heavy Load Member

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    I could be wrong but I think you are over thinking this process!! Title the truck wherever you like. if you are using Landstar plates it will be registered under the Landstar umbrella if that’s Indiana then it’s Indiana. All you need to do is get a copy of the lease if you have been approved by Landstar. Pay your 2290 then take bill of sale and 2290 along with lease to the dmv to title vehicle in whatever state your heart desires.. but someone who has actually done this part may have a Better answer. I carry my own plates in the same state I live and the truck is titled in! But since most Landstar o/o’s have there plates I doubt there all titled in Indiana insurance I would think you would go through Landstar taxes there should be none at least not sales tax as long as you have a lease or it’s a commercial vehicle in most states
     
  4. AlexanderK

    AlexanderK Light Load Member

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    You will need to pay sales of the state tax at the time of getting your vehicle titled.
    Some states allow out of state residents to register/title their vehicle in the state.
    You can have truck titled in one state (your state) and IRP registration in different state (Indiana in your case). There will be landstar Indiana address.
    If Michigan dealer offers to get it tilted in Michigan for a fee he must be serves as an agent, and his address will be on the title.

    In all your situation I’d highly suggest you to get it titled and registered in your home state and have your own vehicle under your control, rather then taking landstars registration “opportunity”.
     
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  5. Old Man

    Old Man Road Train Member

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    Oklahoma City, OK
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    First you don’t need 2290 to title truck. If the dealership can do it in Michigan for a few dollars and no tax, let them.
    I just bought a new trailer and had it titled and tagged in Maine, saved over $1000 in sales tax. I used the stabb agency in Maine.
    If you get a title in a no tax state you should be able to transfer to Georgia with no tax.
    My truck is titled in Oklahoma and has a Indiana tag.
    Trucks aren’t like cars, you can title without insurance if you are getting a prorated tag.
     
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  6. blade

    blade Heavy Load Member

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    Some where, Mo
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    My apologies I needed the 2290 to register the truck or tag the truck however you wanna say it I also didn’t have to pay sales tax in Missouri on my truck or my trailer so I guess that depends on the state just fed on the trailer
     
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  7. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    In Missouri if title is from another state you get a ID/OD the bring paperwork to license office and turn it in. No big deal except make sure you have a waiver for taxes from business or if titles in your name then personal tax receipt.
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  8. Buckeye 60

    Buckeye 60 Road Train Member

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    Georgia has a tax on trucks there are other posts on here with details I would just keep a Michigan title on it . landstar doesn't care I had 3 trucks leased on and running there plates , Mississippi, Oklahoma and ohio titles and I live in Ohio. always have had a clear title but there is a form to release funds if truck is financed but that shouldn't matter . when selling the truck you would have to deal with Michigan but that's more or less on buyer
     
  9. tallmon

    tallmon Medium Load Member

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    In CT you need a VIN verification, letter explaining why you're doing"title only," and the title application. Also, no sales tax on big trucks.

    That's it.
     
  10. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    You guys.....

    Ok op read this ...

    Have the dealer give you the Michigan title, it doesn't matter where it is titled, Michigan is fine.

    You can transfer it later on. All you have to do is have it in your company name and you are good to go.

    Make sure that they do not charge you sales tax (actually it is a use tax), there is none for trucks used in interstate commerce - PERIOD!

    to get that, have the single page contract from ls with you, he can copy it and process this through the nearest sos office, they know what to do.

    This is not rocket science, I do this all the time, I have some trucks with different states titles because the dealers are idiots where I buy a few trucks in the past.
     
  11. tallmon

    tallmon Medium Load Member

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    OP! This is truth right here.
     
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