Tesla Being Bureaucratic is Not Becoming!

[barjohn]

[Moderator note (bmah): Edited to remove names, email addresses, and contact information of various parties. I have substituted them with the notation "(redacted)"]

Having worked as an innovator and manager in the Department of the Navy, I am very familiar with how bureaucracies create policies so that employees, even managers do not have to think or use logical reasoning. Following policy becomes the “holy grail” as opposed to thinking and taking action.


Sadly, my first experience in dealing with Tesla as a new owner illustrates that the company I associate with innovation has fallen prey to “policy think.” Here is my story to illustrate why I make this claim.


On February 3rd of this year I entered into a Bill of Sale for a private party Tesla Model S 75D. I wired funds to the Credit union holding Title and entered into a loan agreement with the same credit union for the balance. On February 5th (a Monday) we completed all of the documentation and the lender collected the sales tax and registration fees for the DMV and submitted the documents to the California DMV to establish me as the registered owner. I was given copies of all of the documents. The seller and prior registered owner submitted release of liability documentation to the DMV making me the liable party in the event of an accident or ticket. I submitted all of these documents to Tesla CS to have the vehicle added to my account and to allow me to gain access via the Tesla App in addition to the key FOBs. On Tuesday, I took the vehicle into Tesla’s Service center in Costa Mesa, CA. The vehicle had its 12-month service and I was informed that it needed at least 2 new tires. I took it to Americas Tires and had all 4 tires replaced. I also added the vehicle to my insurance policy and submitted the additional proof of insurance to the lender.


About a week later I received an email from Tesla stating that my documentation was insufficient to allow them to show me as the owner. They requested a copy of the registration or temporary registration or title. I went back to the lender asking for a copy of a temporary registration and was informed that they had no authority to issue one. I had provided Tesla with the lien holder and lending officer contact information, the seller’s contact information (which should match their records) and explained to them that I could not provide those documents at this time as I was dependent on the pace at which the CA DMV operated (slow and very slow). I also discovered at this time that only dealer’s in CA could issue a temporary registration.


I engaged in further emails with Tesla CS suggesting that they could easily verify that the vehicle was not stolen and that I was the legitimate owner by contacting the lender and the seller and that it should satisfy the purpose of “protecting their vehicles and owners.” Never mind that they no longer have any “ownership” in this vehicle whatsoever other than their obligations to meet their warranties.


I suggested that they could make it a temporary addition to my account (I am a reservation holder on a model 3) and if I failed to provide the copy of the registration or title in 60 days they could remove it. The email I received back from the CS stated that she had taken the information I had provided to her manager and he had stated that he could only accept the registration or title. In other words, he could not use his own thought process to override policy and make a decision as to whether he was meeting the goal of the policy despite knowing that the California DMV is notoriously slow and can take months.


Do you agree that Tesla is appears to be locked in policy and unable to provide managers with the ability to override policy as long as the objectives of the policy are met?


Below are copies of the emails minus the attached documents.


Hello John,

I had my manager review the documents and unfortunately, we do need the actual registration to be under your name. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused but we do this in order to protect our customers and our vehicles.

If you have any further questions or concerns, you can reach Customer Support 24/7 at [email protected] or by phone at 1-877-79-TESLA (83752).

Best regards,
(redacted) | Customer Service Specialist | Customer Support NA
45500 Fremont Blvd | Fremont, CA 94538
p 877.798.3752 | e [email protected]


--------------- Original Message ---------------
From: John Griffith]
Sent: 2/20/2018 7:39 PM
To: [email protected]

Subject: Re: Transfer of Ownership [ ref:_00D506dxX._5005012gOWR:ref ]

(redacted),


See the email thread attached between my lender and me regarding this issue. I understand your need to ensure that I am the legitimate new owner; however, the DMV in CA is incredibly slow and there are other ways that Tesla could verify my legitimacy as the registered owner.


1. You could contact the lien holder that actually held the title for the seller (I financed the vehicle through the same credit union as the seller). The loan officer’s contact information has been provided to you and is in the email thread attached.

2. You could verify with the Seller. I have provided her contact information and you also have it on file in her account.


Any steps you could take to resolve this would be greatly appreciated. I have the vehicle and keys, it clearly is not a stolen vehicle so I’m not sure why Tesla needs more than has been provided. Perhaps you could provide a temporary addition to my account to be rescinded if you don’t receive the registration in 60 days?


Thank you,


John


On Feb 20, 2018, at 1:18 PM, Customer Support Tesla <[email protected]> wrote:


Hello John,

Unfortunately, we can't accept these documents as proof of ownership for an ownership transfer. We need the registration or title in order to complete your request. Once you get the registration, just send it right over and i'll be sure to expedite your request.

If you have any further questions or concerns, you can reach Customer Support 24/7 at [email protected] or by phone at 1-877-79-TESLA (83752).

Best regards,
(redacted) | Customer Service Specialist | Customer Support NA
45500 Fremont Blvd | Fremont, CA 94538
p 877.798.3752 | e [email protected]



--------------- Original Message ---------------
From: John Griffith
Sent: 2/20/2018 3:46 PM
To: [email protected]

Subject: Re: Transfer of Ownership [ ref:_00D506dxX._5005012gOWR:ref ]

I have attached all of the documents I have received from the seller and lien holder Pacific Marine Credit Union:


1. PMCU Two Party Sale Form & Check Off Sheet

2. DMV Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form

3. DMV Application for Title or Registration Form 343

4. Copy of Prior Registered Owners Registration

5.Copy of Cashier’s Check to DMV for Registration, transfer and sales taxes

6. DMV Calculation of Fees and Taxes

7. Copy of Proof of Insurance

8. Copy of Driver’s License

9. GAP Waiver addendum

10. Agreement to Provide Insurance

11. Receipt for 12 Month Service by Tesla SC (I took it in for its first service)

12. Bill of Sale


My Tesla Account email is: xxxxxxxxxxxx

I have a reservation request for a Model 3, Reservation # RN108542XXX


I believe that form 343 acts as the temporary registration until the DMV issues the actual registration.


Thank you,


John




On Feb 10, 2018, at 3:24 PM, Customer Support Tesla <[email protected]> wrote:


Hello John,

Thank you for contacting us at Tesla Customer Support in regards to an ownership transfer. We appreciate you forwarding us most of the requested information and documents. Unfortunately, we are missing one of the requested documents needed to process the transfer of ownership.

Please send the following:

· Copy or photo of your (temporary) registration or title (it would need to be under your name)


After we receive what is needed, we will process the transfer of ownership. Please note that this change will take up to 5 days to process in our system.

Best regards,

(redacted) | Customer Service Specialist | Customer Support NA
45500 Fremont Blvd | Fremont, CA 94538
p 877.798.3752 | e [email protected]

I am attaching the requested items. Note that the registration has been submitted to the DMV by the lender; however it can take several weeks for the registration to be issued. I have attached the documentation sent to me by the lender.



1. Driver’s License


2. Documents submitted to DMV by lender


3. Email Address


4. Home Address

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Riverside, CA 92506


5. Phone No.


xxx-xxx-xxxx


6. Purchased Via Private Sale from a TMC Member


May be verified by contacting Lien Holder at (redacted), (redacted) @ (redacted), email (redacted)

Or by contacting prior owner:

(redacted) @ xxx-xxx-xxxx


Thank you and feel free to call me at any time for any questions.


John Griffith





Hello,


Thank you for contacting Tesla and congratulations on your purchase! In order to transfer your Tesla into your name in our system and gain access to the vehicle through the Tesla Account and the Tesla Application, we will need the following information:


1. Color copy or photo of your current driver’s license or state/province ID.


2. Copy or picture of your title or registration (Bill of sale does not qualify as a valid document. (If registering under a business, please include your business card with your name and name of the business)


3. Email address you would like linked to your account (your Tesla Account email if you have already created an account)


4. Home or mailing address


5. Phone number


6. Confirm if vehicle was purchased through a Third Party Dealership or the Previous Owner as a Private Sale.



Please note the name on the title or registration must match the ID provided. Reply with this information (to [email protected] ) and we will submit your request. Once submitted, please allow up to five business days for processing. You will receive an email notification once the transfer is complete.


Thank you,

(redacted) | Customer Service Specialist
45500 Fremont Blvd | Fremont, CA 94538
24/7 Support 1-877-79-TESLA

[email protected]

Model S video walkthrough

 

[mongo]

I understand your frustration.

However, Tesla is under no obligation to update MyTesla, since as you say,

Never mind that they no longer have any “ownership” in this vehicle whatsoever other than their obligations to meet their warranties.

They do have liability if they change the account improperly. How are they to very the lender/ seller info are accurate (v.s. spoofed/ impersonated)? Why do they have any obligation to do so?
They have a reasonable process, once the vehicle is shown to have officially (DMV) been transferred, they transfer the account. To add the level of human judgement/ third party verification/ leg work is to invite errors, complexity, and cost.

 

[Max*]

Bill of sale does not count as a valid document. What if I fake a bill of sale, how would they prove otherwise? With a title or registration, they can call the DMV.

I understand your frustration, but it's a valid policy. And Tesla should not be obligated to jump through hoops (contacting the seller, etc.) to appease one customer. Imagine if everyone was going to call them and tell "if you call person X, then call person Y, then person Z, we could all speed up the process".

While rules for the sake of rules are bad, this rule holds water.

 

[barjohn]

Bill of sale does not count as a valid document. What if I fake a bill of sale, how would they prove otherwise? With a title or registration, they can call the DMV.

I understand your frustration, but it's a valid policy. And Tesla should not be obligated to jump through hoops (contacting the seller, etc.) to appease one customer. Imagine if everyone was going to call them and tell "if you call person X, then call person Y, then person Z, we could all speed up the process".

While rules for the sake of rules are bad, this rule holds water.

Note, they would have to call DMV to validate the registration or title as both of those can be faked too. In other words to validate any document they have to take some action such as calling DMV. Calling the lender is no more difficult, in fact probably easier as CA DMV can require over an hour being on hold. Calling the lien holder or the seller should be sufficient to validate. They have the seller's information so they don't need to rely on the information I provided. The rule does not hold water for the reasons you present.

 

[Max*]

Note, they would have to call DMV to validate the registration or title as both of those can be faked too. In other words to validate any document they have to take some action such as calling DMV.

...

With a title or registration, they can call the DMV.

 

[Eclectic]

As a lawyer, I have to say that this is not bureaucracy, it's the legal department being a legal department.

 

[mongo]

Calling the lien holder or the seller should be sufficient to validate. They have the seller's information so they don't need to rely on the information I provided.

Is it the seller? Or is it the seller's brother/ sister/ son/ daughter/ parent/ soon to be ex who answers the phone?

Calling the lender is no more difficult,

The lender can say they made a loan (if you provided the lender a release of information approval allowing them to provide your financial information to Tesla) they cannot say whether the transaction was legal.

Similar to a real estate purchase, the title transfer is the thing that determines ownership (and why title insurance is important)

 

[barjohn]

By the way, I am a lawyer too. Exactly what liability would Tesla have and to whom if they change the owner information on their web site with the prior owner's permission? In fact, they could allow owner's selling private party to do just that and meet any reasonable obligation they would have to an owner.

A dealer is not constrained by this policy, only owners wishing to sell private party are hampered by this policy. Dealer's can issue a temporary registration which Tesla will accept. Shouldn't owners wishing to sell private party be accorded a similar courtesy?

 

[barjohn]

Is it the seller? Or is it the seller's brother/ sister/ son/ daughter/ parent/ soon to be ex who answers the phone?

If it wasn't the seller how would they be able to answer the question of whether I was the buyer and they had sold the car to me? They can verify it is the seller by asking questions only the seller would know just as banks verify you over the phone by doing the same thing.


The lender can say they made a loan (if you provided the lender a release of information approval allowing them to provide your financial information to Tesla) they cannot say whether the transaction was legal.

The lender can provide the same documentation they provided to DMV and there is no title insurance on automobiles. The lender holds the title and thus controls it in CA until the loan is paid in full at which time they release their lien (sign the back releasing the lien).

Similar to a real estate purchase, the title transfer is the thing that determines ownership (and why title insurance is important)

 

[mongo]

Exactly what liability would Tesla have and to whom if they change the owner information on their web site with the prior owner's permission?

Regrading the liability: Once the information is changed, the new account holder drive/ summon/ crash the car. If this was done under false pretenses, Tesla is liable to the true owner for damages. Similar to a locksmith providing access to a locked vehicle, proof of right to access the vehicle is needed. Assuming Tesla would even be willing to expend the effort: How does Tesla verify that they are indeed dealing with the owner?

If it wasn't the seller how would they be able to answer the question of whether I was the buyer and they had sold the car to me? They can verify it is the seller by asking questions only the seller would know just as banks verify you over the phone by doing the same thing.

Easy, the owner was never the person you dealt with, they were someone else living at the same residence, so they know all the details of the transaction when Tesla calls. Just like they have access to all data (birth date, SSN, mother's maiden) that one might use to verify identity.

 

[Blup85]

I've done this 3 times private party sales. Seems reasonable that they require a copy of the registration in your name prior to issuing ownership transfer. You can do this in one day if you have Title and go to DMV and get a temporary Registration slip.
One thing I wasn't happy with was how long it took to actually transfer title even after they have the documentation Tesla requires. 1 car was pretty quick (2-3 days),the other two took over a week and two phone calls.

 

[bonnie]

Having worked as an innovator and manager in the Department of the Navy, I am very familiar with how bureaucracies create policies so that employees, even managers do not have to think or use logical reasoning. Following policy becomes the “holy grail” as opposed to thinking and taking action.


Sadly, my first experience in dealing with Tesla as a new owner illustrates that the company I associate with innovation has fallen prey to “policy think.” Here is my story to illustrate why I make this claim.


On February 3rd of this year I entered into a Bill of Sale for a private party Tesla Model S 75D. I wired funds to the Credit union holding Title and entered into a loan agreement with the same credit union for the balance. On February 5th (a Monday) we completed all of the documentation and the lender collected the sales tax and registration fees for the DMV and submitted the documents to the California DMV to establish me as the registered owner. I was given copies of all of the documents. The seller and prior registered owner submitted release of liability documentation to the DMV making me the liable party in the event of an accident or ticket. I submitted all of these documents to Tesla CS to have the vehicle added to my account and to allow me to gain access via the Tesla App in addition to the key FOBs. On Tuesday, I took the vehicle into Tesla’s Service center in Costa Mesa, CA. The vehicle had its 12-month service and I was informed that it needed at least 2 new tires. I took it to Americas Tires and had all 4 tires replaced. I also added the vehicle to my insurance policy and submitted the additional proof of insurance to the lender.


About a week later I received an email from Tesla stating that my documentation was insufficient to allow them to show me as the owner. They requested a copy of the registration or temporary registration or title. I went back to the lender asking for a copy of a temporary registration and was informed that they had no authority to issue one. I had provided Tesla with the lien holder and lending officer contact information, the seller’s contact information (which should match their records) and explained to them that I could not provide those documents at this time as I was dependent on the pace at which the CA DMV operated (slow and very slow). I also discovered at this time that only dealer’s in CA could issue a temporary registration.


I engaged in further emails with Tesla CS suggesting that they could easily verify that the vehicle was not stolen and that I was the legitimate owner by contacting the lender and the seller and that it should satisfy the purpose of “protecting their vehicles and owners.” Never mind that they no longer have any “ownership” in this vehicle whatsoever other than their obligations to meet their warranties.


I suggested that they could make it a temporary addition to my account (I am a reservation holder on a model 3) and if I failed to provide the copy of the registration or title in 60 days they could remove it. The email I received back from the CS stated that she had taken the information I had provided to her manager and he had stated that he could only accept the registration or title. In other words, he could not use his own thought process to override policy and make a decision as to whether he was meeting the goal of the policy despite knowing that the California DMV is notoriously slow and can take months.


Do you agree that Tesla is appears to be locked in policy and unable to provide managers with the ability to override policy as long as the objectives of the policy are met?


Below are copies of the emails minus the attached documents.


Hello John,

I had my manager review the documents and unfortunately, we do need the actual registration to be under your name. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused but we do this in order to protect our customers and our vehicles.

If you have any further questions or concerns, you can reach Customer Support 24/7 at [email protected] or by phone at 1-877-79-TESLA (83752).

Best regards,
[redacted]


--------------- Original Message ---------------
From: John Griffith]
Sent: 2/20/2018 7:39 PM
To: [email protected]

Subject: Re: Transfer of Ownership [ ref:_00D506dxX._5005012gOWR:ref ]

Indiana,


See the email thread attached between my lender and me regarding this issue. I understand your need to ensure that I am the legitimate new owner; however, the DMV in CA is incredibly slow and there are other ways that Tesla could verify my legitimacy as the registered owner.


1. You could contact the lien holder that actually held the title for the seller (I financed the vehicle through the same credit union as the seller). The loan officer’s contact information has been provided to you and is in the email thread attached.

2. You could verify with the Seller. I have provided her contact information and you also have it on file in her account.


Any steps you could take to resolve this would be greatly appreciated. I have the vehicle and keys, it clearly is not a stolen vehicle so I’m not sure why Tesla needs more than has been provided. Perhaps you could provide a temporary addition to my account to be rescinded if you don’t receive the registration in 60 days?


Thank you,


John


On Feb 20, 2018, at 1:18 PM, Customer Support Tesla <[email protected]> wrote:


Hello John,

Unfortunately, we can't accept these documents as proof of ownership for an ownership transfer. We need the registration or title in order to complete your request. Once you get the registration, just send it right over and i'll be sure to expedite your request.

If you have any further questions or concerns, you can reach Customer Support 24/7 at [email protected] or by phone at 1-877-79-TESLA (83752).

Best regards,
[redacted]


--------------- Original Message ---------------
From: John Griffith
Sent: 2/20/2018 3:46 PM
To: [email protected]

Subject: Re: Transfer of Ownership [ ref:_00D506dxX._5005012gOWR:ref ]

I have attached all of the documents I have received from the seller and lien holder Pacific Marine Credit Union:


1. PMCU Two Party Sale Form & Check Off Sheet

2. DMV Vehicle/Vessel Transfer and Reassignment Form

3. DMV Application for Title or Registration Form 343

4. Copy of Prior Registered Owners Registration

5.Copy of Cashier’s Check to DMV for Registration, transfer and sales taxes

6. DMV Calculation of Fees and Taxes

7. Copy of Proof of Insurance

8. Copy of Driver’s License

9. GAP Waiver addendum

10. Agreement to Provide Insurance

11. Receipt for 12 Month Service by Tesla SC (I took it in for its first service)

12. Bill of Sale


My Tesla Account email is: xxxxxxxxxxxx

I have a reservation request for a Model 3, Reservation # RN108542XXX


I believe that form 343 acts as the temporary registration until the DMV issues the actual registration.


Thank you,


John




On Feb 10, 2018, at 3:24 PM, Customer Support Tesla <[email protected]> wrote:


Hello John,

Thank you for contacting us at Tesla Customer Support in regards to an ownership transfer. We appreciate you forwarding us most of the requested information and documents. Unfortunately, we are missing one of the requested documents needed to process the transfer of ownership.

Please send the following:

· Copy or photo of your (temporary) registration or title (it would need to be under your name)


After we receive what is needed, we will process the transfer of ownership. Please note that this change will take up to 5 days to process in our system.

Best regards,
[redacted]

I am attaching the requested items. Note that the registration has been submitted to the DMV by the lender; however it can take several weeks for the registration to be issued. I have attached the documentation sent to me by the lender.



1. Driver’s License


2. Documents submitted to DMV by lender


3. Email Address


4. Home Address

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Riverside, CA 92506


5. Phone No.


xxx-xxx-xxxx


6. Purchased Via Private Sale from a TMC Member


May be verified by contacting Lien Holder at Pacific Marine Credit Union, [redacted]

Or by contacting prior owner:

Isabel Simons @ xxx-xxx-xxxx


Thank you and feel free to call me at any time for any questions.


John Griffith





Hello,


Thank you for contacting Tesla and congratulations on your purchase! In order to transfer your Tesla into your name in our system and gain access to the vehicle through the Tesla Account and the Tesla Application, we will need the following information:


1. Color copy or photo of your current driver’s license or state/province ID.


2. Copy or picture of your title or registration (Bill of sale does not qualify as a valid document. (If registering under a business, please include your business card with your name and name of the business)


3. Email address you would like linked to your account (your Tesla Account email if you have already created an account)


4. Home or mailing address


5. Phone number


6. Confirm if vehicle was purchased through a Third Party Dealership or the Previous Owner as a Private Sale.



Please note the name on the title or registration must match the ID provided. Reply with this information (to [email protected] ) and we will submit your request. Once submitted, please allow up to five business days for processing. You will receive an email notification once the transfer is complete.


Thank you,

[redacted]

[email protected]

Model S video walkthrough

I notice you redacted any of your personal info and that of the seller - but didn't extend that courtesy to anyone else. Really poor form.

I don't know what the big deal is. Tesla has a policy in place to protect current owners. You're upset because you don't have the required documentation. CA DMV can issue you a temporary registration or permanent registration if you go in with the correct documentation. I've done it.

If you cannot get the correct documentation that the DMV requires (and Tesla), the issue is with your lender NOT Tesla.

 

[barjohn]

I already have the vehicle and the fobs so I can drive it and crash it. I also took it in for service and paid for it to be serviced. If it was stolen they could have kept the vehicle and key and kept me from getting it back. In other words they have no liability when I already possess the vehicle and fobs.

Again, they have the original owner's information and we are only talking about changing the information on their web site not with DMV. These are pretty lame arguments defending Tesla's actions for the sake of defending and not backed by any real logic. Wait until you want to sell your Tesla to buy a new one and want to go private party to maximize your sale. It is difficult enough with a big ticket item and the last thing you want is for it to be more difficult and to discourage buyers from going PP. I purchased from a seller on this forum.

 

[mongo]

I already have the vehicle and the fobs so I can drive it and crash it. I also took it in for service and paid for it to be serviced. If it was stolen they could have kept the vehicle and key and kept me from getting it back. In other words they have no liability when I already possess the vehicle and fobs.

Fob possession is not ownership, not being on stolen vehicle database in not ownership.

Each individual action comes with the potential for individual consequences. If they grant you access you did not have and should not have, they are responsible for that.

 

[barjohn]

I notice you redacted any of your personal info and that of the seller - but didn't extend that courtesy to anyone else. Really poor form.

I didn't view the other information as being private, i.e. Tesla CS is not a private thing nor is the information on the lender.

I don't know what the big deal is. Tesla has a policy in place to protect current owners. You're upset because you don't have the required documentation. CA DMV can issue you a temporary registration or permanent registration if you go in with the correct documentation. I've done it.

I tried taking in the documentation to DMV but because the lender collected the fees and submitted the documentation to DMV they could not provide anything.

If you cannot get the correct documentation that the DMV requires (and Tesla), the issue is with your lender NOT Tesla.

The lender is used to dealing with other manufacturers and is unfamiliar with the requirement for Tesla, otherwise I could have gone down with the seller to DMV or AAA and done the transfer right then. This doesn't mean that Tesla has to be rigid in its policy but could provide reasonable accommodation to buyers and sellers. For example, 60 day access pending receipt of registration copy. I think, the last time I checked that "SERVICE" is in the name CUSTOMER SERVICE. Perhaps it should be called CUSTOMER ADMINISTRATION instead. In other words expending a little effort to help a customer should not be that big of an exception. They can access the vehicle to verify that I have a FOB in my possession that goes with the vehicle.

 

[barjohn]

Fob possession is not ownership, not being on stolen vehicle database in not ownership.

Each individual action comes with the potential for individual consequences. If they grant you access you did not have and should not have, they are responsible for that.

Neither is a forged title or registration. One only needs to satisfy a reasonableness test. Speaking with a phone verified seller and/or lien holder along with all of the documentation sent to DMV meets that requirement just as well as receiving a copy of a title or registration.

 

[bonnie]

I already have the vehicle and the fobs so I can drive it and crash it. I also took it in for service and paid for it to be serviced. If it was stolen they could have kept the vehicle and key and kept me from getting it back. In other words they have no liability when I already possess the vehicle and fobs.

Again, they have the original owner's information and we are only talking about changing the information on their web site not with DMV. These are pretty lame arguments defending Tesla's actions for the sake of defending and not backed by any real logic. Wait until you want to sell your Tesla to buy a new one and want to go private party to maximize your sale. It is difficult enough with a big ticket item and the last thing you want is for it to be more difficult and to discourage buyers from going PP. I purchased from a seller on this forum.

tl;dr: Tesla needs at least a temporary registration. CA DMV will give you a registration if you have proper paperwork. If you don't have it then the lender is your issue, not Tesla. You can drive your car. Temporary lack of phone access doesn't hinder a private sale.

--------------

If someone managed to fake the information and make it look as if you'd sold your car ... and then it disappeared from your Tesla account, I suspect you'd be upset over lack of controls. I suspect that the reason that at least a temporary registration is required is that then Tesla has a government-issued document showing a sale took place. That's reasonable.

This isn't the kind of thing that Tesla should be wasting time upon. I look at it as one of those 'no brainer' things that should just be done the same way, and save exceptions for real issues. Again, their guidelines are reasonable.

Your only real issue is that you cannot yet access from your phone. You have the car, and as you note, you can drive it. This is not a real problem. It doesn't hinder a private sale, it doesn't do anything EXCEPT prevent you from using your phone to monitor the car. Temporarily.

FYI, I recently moved a car from my account to my sister's account. We supplied them with all the requested info after receiving an email saying they needed one more thing. I didn't stamp my feet and demand they just do it because they had enough. They were doing the job they were supposed to do. It was sent, the car was put on her account.

And again, CA DMV will give you a registration on the spot IF your lender has given you the proper documentation. The fact that you don't have it is an issue with your lender, not Tesla.

Since you have made it clear that you are a lawyer, you're probably very familiar with internal audits of company controls. Making exceptions like you're asking for because you've decided they should make an exception would be something noted on such an audit, since it violates internal controls.

Give them a break. They're not being overly bureaucratic.

 

[commasign]

With all the phishing schemes going around, I'm glad Tesla is being a stickler on documentation.

 

[Max*]

Come on people, you're all doing it wrong!

The OP didn't come here to get a real opinion, he came here looking for like minded people to defend his point of view!


I'm with you OP, I also love nachos! Carry on.

 

[SMAlset]

Sorry you feel put out over this but seeing as how Tesla is not a party to any of the original documentation or financing of the sale, I'm actually glad to hear that they are requiring the appropriate state documents. I don't blame any of the employees who you feel lack initiative to process your request on their own against company rules.

Most people I have known who bought from a third party (especially one they didn't know personally) have met together at a DMV to pay the fees and submit the Registration transfer and get a temporary registration in the meantime. Things done by mail just take time.