When is a car exempt from title transfer in massachusetts?

Is there any way to get a waiver to avoid paying the penalties on a car title transfer?

• Here's what happened: When I was college, my father bought me a car. He lives in a different state, I paid the car notes, and when the car was finally paid off, the title came to me. Well, I live in Texas so I knew I would have to get the title transferred into my name. I called the county tax assessor for the steps to completing the transaction, since dad lives in another state. They told me what forms I needed, so I sent them off. Well, two weeks later, after my father mailed the forms back, the car broke down. And I mean in a major way--the engine and other issues. At the time, I was more focused on trying to get back and forth to work and school, so I wasn't able to get the title transferred at the time. I was told that I would given 20 working days to complete the transfer without having to pay a penalty. Well, it has taken me over a year to get enough money together to take care of the car repairs and I finally have enough to complete the title transfer--or so I thought. When I called the tax assessor's office back, I was told that I would be charged an add'l $25/month for every month, AFTER, the date on the back of the title (where me and my dad signed). Well, my dad signed it back in March '08. The person I originally spoke with, back in March, told me it was be about $93 to complete the transfer. The person I spoke with today says I'd have to pay an add'l $400 + the cost of registration. OMG!!!! I finally get enough money together to fix the car and complete the transfer (or so I thought) and now this. Does anyone know if I can get a waiver or something? Heck, I don't mind paying a penalty, but $400!!?? I mean, at this point, I can't get the car registered because it's in my dad's name--not without him flying down here from CA to do it anyway. I'm really in a box here. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

• Answer:

  If your problem is in Texas then all you need to do is sign an affidavit stating that the vehicle has been broken down (not drivable) and this will work......... If the problem is in California the charges by law are $100.00 dollar additional for vehicles that have not be registered for two years or more..