All car dealers are out to get your private information but new car dealers are the worst. No matter that you are offering them top dollar and all cash, they still demand to see and copy your driver's license.
A few days ago I put a dealer in Seattle to the test because he had a low-mileage mint-condition 2006 Camry V6 XLE that my wife really wanted to buy.
"I will pay your asking price," I said, "and in cash. However, I value my privacy so this car will be titled in the name of a New Mexico limited liability company. I will sign as sole member but I will not show any identification other than the NM LLC documents. Do we have a deal?"
"No way!" was his firm answer. Many other readers of this blog have reported similar results. So what's the solution? How can you buy a car without revealing your true name? Here's the 1-2-3 answer:
1. Pick up a low-cost
New Mexico LLC.
2. Buy a car from a private party.
3. Fill out the "Buyer" boxes on the title with the NM LLC name, and scribble a signature. If required to print your name, list the initial of your middle name and your last name.
When you show up at a licensing bureau or DMV, have everything filled out. When asked for ID, hand them them your passport (rather that your driver's license, which lists your address). In most states the clerks will merely glance at the name and the picture and hand you back your passport. The only name on the registration will be the name of the NM LLC.
Labels: anonymous ownership, how to buy a car from a private party, New Mexico limited liability company, NM LLC
Privacy blog post by JJ Luna at 6:14 PM
