How screwed am I?
Forging? Doctoring? Just Sign it? What are you guys.....? These are all CRIMES and you have now made yourself an accessory. Yes you can have state requirements but federal law trumps state(s) law. There are legal and legit ways to solve your problem. Find out what they are in your particular state from someone who actually knows the correct answer. I get some of your answers. It's worked for you before. Doesn't make it right.
The best piece of advise you got so far was, do not put a dime into the vehicle until you get this sorted. If the vehicle is confiscated. They take everything.
IF the vehicle is not stolen, then there is no harm done to anyone. Sometimes, there is no other way. If law enforcement comes after someone for something so trivial, then they are hurting for something to do.
Gubmint makes this stuff so damned complicated to begin with. All of this needs to be the SAME across the board in every state. It is total bullshit to have to even worry about a stupid title on cars this old anyway. DMV check to make sure it's not stolen and bill of sale is ALL that should be required.
Just more reasons for the gubmint to tack on extra fees and taxes. Once a vehicle is bought, you should never have to pay bullshit taxes on it again. Same with a house. You never own anything anymore and all because we as a society have sat on our fat asses watchin American Idol, playin on forums and Facebook and let it all happen.
Anytime you have to have a license for something, that means the gubmint has stolen a right and is selling it back to you. Same with a car title. You don't have to pay a recurring tax on anything else you buy except cars and houses. It's legalized theft and it's total bullshit. When you buy a new car, you pay taxes on it. You buy a house, you pay taxes on it. That should be the end of it. No more taxes, no more tags or bullshit.
The gubmint bends us over so much and STEALS from us on a regular basis, yet calls it legal. I don't think one little document being a little fuzzy JUST so you can get the paperwork you need for it will hurt a soul.
It's not like it's Wall Street. It's an old car.
