Registering an imported HJ, that has no papers. Help!

[toycruisingclub]

Hello,

I’ll be buying an HJ soon that was imported from Australia a while back. The guy doesn’t have the papers on it as of now, but still looking.

Can someone break down the process of what it will take to register the car in oregon? (That’s where I live)

I want to daily drive it

 

[AdamFire]

an HJ what?

without import documentation you won't be able to register it unless you keep dealer plates on it until the end of time.

 

[PAToyota]

Considering the hoops you have to jump through for an US vehicle without a title, I doubt there is even a way to title an imported vehicle without documentation without getting super-sketchy.

 

[gilmorneau]

imported from Australia a while back

How long ago?

By "imported" do you mean it was cleared through US Customs? Or that it was brought into the USA by unknown means?

The guy doesn’t have the papers

Which papers does he not have? Oregon Title? Title from another State? Import documents from US Customs?

If the seller literally has nothing, how do you even know it's his car to sell?

If he has a Title, things should be easy. If he can't find the Title, but knows he had one at some time in the past, then the State of Oregon (or wherever it was Titled) should be able to issue a duplicate. If he never had a Title, you'll need to apply for one.

If the seller doesn't have any of the Import documents, but knows the car was cleared through US Customs, then you should be able to get a duplicate of the Entry Summary from your local Customs office.

If the seller doesn't have any of the import documents, and the car was never cleared through US Customs, you should be able to visit your nearest Customs office and get it cleared. You'll need to declare that it's over 25 years old and that the the engine and emissions systems are unmodified (form HS-7 and 3520). You'll also need to pay duty on the declared value (usually the sale price). After doing that, they should issue you an Entry Summary (or Proof of Entry), usually a form 7501. Once you have that, you should be able to go to your local DMV and apply for Title.

 

[AdamFire]

If that’s the case what’s stopping me from buying a 2010 VDJ79 and importing it and then not bringing to customs for another ten years?

I could just put dealer plates on it until then?

 

[gilmorneau]

If that’s the case what’s stopping me from buying a 2010 VDJ79 and importing it and then not bringing to customs for another ten years?

Nothing, I suppose, but if you want to drive it around for ten years, you can't actually "import" a 2010 VDJ79 in any meaningful sense of the word, you can only smuggle it across the US border. If you're willing to risk it, go for it.

I could just put dealer plates on it until then?

Not sure how this is relevant.

 

[AdamFire]

It wouldn’t be smuggling it. Just bring it over as an off road vehicle and slap some dealer plates on it. As long as those plates are on it legal it’s covered - at least in Oregon.

 

[gilmorneau]

It wouldn’t be smuggling it

It would, but I won't belabor the point.

bring it over as an off road vehicle

A 2010 VDJ79 was manufactured primarily for use on public roads, and is thus not eligible for the Federal "off road" exemption (see NHTSA form HS-7, box 8).

slap some dealer plates on it. As long as those plates are on it legal it’s covered - at least in Oregon.

It's feasible that you could get Oregon plates for it, but that would not make it a legal import. It would be contraband in the eyes of the US Federal government.

Look, if you want to get a 2010 VDJ79, bring it to the USA, and drive it around, I don't care--have at it. I wish you the best. I'd even like to see photos. I was just trying to answer the OP's questions.

 

[rick_d]

Since the OP posted other threads about a hj47 since they joined Mud 2 months ago his “hj” is just that- a pre 1985 truck.
Might be able to pursue a bonded title or another route in alternate state. If it is through customs I doubt anyone is looking for a 40 plus year old rig.