getting a title for a classic stang

[Airshowguy]

Hey gang, I just moved back to my home state of Kentucky where my grandmother still lives.

When visiting here and being a snoop since I never get to see her I found a 1965-6 mustang coupe bullitt green with A/C in her garage. Turns out the uncle I never talk to owned it since the 60s. I asked her if I could have it for a weekend project car but she had forgotten it was there and has no idea where to begin looking for the title and my uncle is the same.

My uncle is afraid he will owe some back taxes or something on it if he registers a new title again.

since I've only bought and owned new cars can someone help me. How can I get the title and will anything be "back-owed" will it be the same kind of title value wise if my uncle still knew where the paper work was to begin with?

Thanks
Mark

 

[jae902]

I'm not sure how it is in kentucky, but here in california, all you need to do is go to the dmv and fill out a lost title form. There will be some late registration fees, but don't think it would be too much. The dmv should be able to tell you how much to bring it up to current registration.

 

[69PaleHorse]

I would simply go to the DMV and enlist their help. It may take you a few days and some paperwork shuffling to do it, but I'm sure they could re-issue a title to the last registered owner (your uncle). As for back fees, they will more than likely charge the $5 or so non-operation fee for each year if you indicate it has been in storage.

Check in at the DMV and let us know how it goes!

 

[J-Scratch]

either way if you just have to pay the back taxes you are making out like a thief. A/C and all. A steal.....

 

[Max Power]

Just offer to pay the back taxes.

 

[candy-a-Mach1]

Welcome to Kentucky !!!! Maybe I'll see you around.

In Kentucky, I believe that you only have to pay property taxes if it is in use (registered, licensed and drivable). Uncle will have to sign a waiver that states that the vehicle has not been been driven since it was last registered. However, you need to be able to drive it down to the courthouse and get the local vehicle enforcement official procalim it "road worthy" and "not stolen" before you can get it registered.

Two years ago, I bought a fixer-upper ('69 Mach1). I tried to get the title converted and was told that I had to drive it to the courthouse and have it inspected first, then registered. Since it was not drivable, I still haven't. My yearly taxes would be based on either the bill of sale amount, or thier determined value ($14,000) if I didn't have a bill of sale. No back taxes. It should be the same for you. Filing for a lost title should only take a few weeks, as long as the VIN numbers are clear and not "adjusted", and it was never reported stolen. You can call your courthouse and and ask the same question. It's not that uncommon.

Let us know how it turns out. What part of Kentucky are you in?