Tips on Buying Cars: Out of state car purchase, bill of sale, time chris

Question
I live in Evans CO and on the 14 of Nov I am going to California to buy a car from a private seller. First of all where do I apply for the temp plates, where I live or where I buy the car? Also this will be my first car, and I asways thought that it was simple meet, look at the car, get the title signed over and pay for the car. But I'v been trying to look up what i'll need and it said something about Bill of Sale. Do i need this? What exactly will I need to do? Thank you for your time!!!!

Answer
Chris,

Buying a car from a private seller is very complicated, but here is what you need to do.  The seller needs to provide you with a bill of sale.  If the seller doesn't then you need to provide one.  A bill of sale, can be typed up on the computer or you can search for one on google.  All it says is the details of the purchase, the VIN, the miles, the previous owner needs to sign it, and you need to sign it agreeing to the figures of the purchase.  You will need to go to the Department of Transportation in your state prior to purchasing the vehicle and get a temp tag.  You will have to pay taxes on the purchase of the vehicle when you get it back to your state with the Bill of Sale.  Then you can apply for a title in your state, and you will have to surrender the title that you got from the seller in the state of California.  The DMW in your state will mail you a new title several weeks later, unless you have a lien in which case they will mail it to the lender.  

I hope this helps, and everything goes smoothly.  If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks - JB