So, basically, the Colorado DMV has decided to pretend that Mitsubishi is not registered with the NHTSA so they can deny me a title for my 25+ year old import kei truck. They won’t listen to me at all and the NHTSA won’t respond to my emails. The seller insists that other Colorado purchasers have been able to launder a title into CO through another state, but I only live in CO. Is there a state that lets you title a vehicle that will never enter their state without you even going there, much less living there?
Montana. Base an LLC there and title/ register your vehicle to the LLC. Registration is permanent and it is self inspect. They will send you the plate, title and registration. Hagerty will insure it in an LLC as long as it is a sole proprietorship. You will have to shop on line for a provider. There is whole industry there that helps people develop a LLC and title and register vehicles to it. It is going to cost somewhere between $700 and $1200. Yearly maintenance of said LLC can be as low as $50 if you are willing do the paperwork. The plate, reegisteration and title remain in effect if you sell the vehicle. The name of the LLC owner is all that changes between owners. That way a new owner does not have to register, title or plate anything. They can buy your LLC as well!
That does sound like a lot of work, but it is a full explanation of an option that would certainly work. Thank you for providing it. I will keep it in my back pocket if there isn't a simpler alternative. It's a relief to have a solid backup plan.
That is how people in NY, CA and other states that do not allow KEI registration are able to drive in their state. Here in PA the state flirted with not allowing Kei registration. Now, we can only register and title them as antiques. If I wanted to use it regularly or in the course of occupation, the Montana route is the only alternative. I am considering doing this for all the KEI trucks purchased since most are refurbished and sold. That way I can sell a truck and the LLC to anyone in any state. It will be legal anywhere regardless of the state laws on registration.
It looks like Montana is the only state in the union where you don't have to reside there to register. I'm in the process of consulting with a company that does LLCs for imports.
Registering an out-of-state vehicle like a mini truck often comes down to understanding the specific emissions and safety requirements of your home state. Many owners find that starting with a VIN verification and a weight certificate is the best way to avoid multiple trips to the DMV. It is usually a good idea to call your local office beforehand to see if they have specific restrictions on "off-road" or imported labels that might affect your title application. If you are using your truck for a business or want to register it under a corporate entity to manage your liability, a service like https://www.incorp.com/resources/knowledge-base/business-entity-identifier can be a huge help. They specialize in registered agent services across all 50 states, which is essential if you are operating or registering vehicles in a state where you don't have a physical office. This ensures that any legal or tax notices regarding your business fleet are received and processed on time, no matter where your trucks are actually on the road.
