Questions RE getting an SC registration for your car after moving here (Charleston: sales)

[emilybh]

Now that I've moved to Charleston I'm wondering if getting an SC auto registration is going to be as expensive as the forms (if I'm reading them correctly) make it seem.

Is it true that you have to provide your cars TITLE, and a BILL OF SALE (even if you didn't just buy it) and a receipt from the county for paid property taxes? Also is there some sort of 5% use tax where you have to pay the state 5% of what you paid for the car? They are asking for a Bill of Sale also and I bought my car over a year ago.That sounds kind of excessive. Someone who's moved and registered their car, please tell me I'm wrong. It has to be easier than this.

The only forms on the DMV website are for application for certificate and Title Registration form 400. Plus they ask for all sorts of ID! You'd think showing your prior state's registration, license and proof of insurance and proof of residencey would be enough but they ask for a birth certificate and SS card too (which of course are still packed).

[Jim3310]

Emily,
Where are you? I'd walk into the DMV in Ladson and talk to the help desk. Unlike other DMV's they actually help you.

It's true, it's a wacky system. County first, they'll put a value on your vehicle & assess the tax. Figure $200 per $10K? That's every year by the way.

Then you take that paid receipt to DMV for the title change.

Let's see:
New DL = $25
Change out of State Title = $15
County tax on $20K car = $400 or so.

I have no 'Priceless' part here like the commercial...
jim

[Cobabana]

Gosh, that is awful. I am glad that I read this thread to have a heads up!

[Jim3310]

It's ok. Just think how low your property taxes are to get you through that day each year.

The folks at the county & DMV will help you right through with the rest of the huddled masses that are coming here.

[seacoastbill]

The sales tax is a one-time fee and is not paid annually. The property tax is paid annually. I paid $12 for this year's property taxes on one car and $56 on the other. The key is to drive cars that are several years old.

SC has one of the HIGHEST prices for car property tax in the nation. It is a real scam, but you can argue it a bit too if you car is not worth what they say it is worth.

[janrey]

Originally Posted by emilybh

Now that I've moved to Charleston I'm wondering if getting an SC auto registration is going to be as expensive as the forms (if I'm reading them correctly) make it seem.

Is it true that you have to provide your cars TITLE, and a BILL OF SALE (even if you didn't just buy it) and a receipt from the county for paid property taxes? Also is there some sort of 5% use tax where you have to pay the state 5% of what you paid for the car? They are asking for a Bill of Sale also and I bought my car over a year ago.That sounds kind of excessive. Someone who's moved and registered their car, please tell me I'm wrong. It has to be easier than this.

The only forms on the DMV website are for application for certificate and Title Registration form 400. Plus they ask for all sorts of ID! You'd think showing your prior state's registration, license and proof of insurance and proof of residencey would be enough but they ask for a birth certificate and SS card too (which of course are still packed).

AFAIK you don't need a bill of sale when you move here but you will need proof of insurance. Here is the site and what you need to do SC Department of Motor Vehicles.

Yes, for a license you'll need your birth certificate and SS card. If you are married you should also include your marriage license as it will differ in name from your birth certificate. Feel lucky that SC so far isn't following the national id, then you'd have to provide your first born (ok kidding here).

Licensing itself isn't expensive but be prepared to kick out taxes first. You must pay your taxes first, make sure your insurance is covered (check to see if your insurance company can change to your new address or if you have to seek out a new company) and provide proof of both to get the tags.

BTW never pack up important papers when you move. Keep them with you, they could get lost.

[emilybh]

Thanks for the responses and the tip about the property tax value. Maybe I'll bring a Kelly Blue Book or Auto Trader quote in with me so I don't overpay. I did find the DVM website and downloaded the forms before I asked the question. I couldn't believe my eyes about all the requirements and charges so while I was waiting for your responses I went to the SC general laws and read those. Geeze. You'd expect all this if you were moving to another country (did SC secede from the union and not let the rest of the out-of-staters know? Just kidding) but it is a bit much for another state. At least to get your drivers license all they make you do is get an eye exam.

Speaking of which, the eye exam is reading a chart through one of those machines at the DVM right? I don't have to go to a doctor or anything, do I?

Now I'm wondering if the income tax will be higher here. I seem to remember 7%. Is it 7% of the total adjusted gross income or 7% of what you pay the IRS?

[emilybh]

Originally Posted by Jim3310

Emily,
Where are you? I'd walk into the DMV in Ladson and talk to the help desk. Unlike other DMV's they actually help you.

It's true, it's a wacky system. County first, they'll put a value on your vehicle & assess the tax. Figure $200 per $10K? That's every year by the way.

Then you take that paid receipt to DMV for the title change.

Let's see:
New DL = $25
Change out of State Title = $15
County tax on $20K car = $400 or so.

I have no 'Priceless' part here like the commercial...
jim

Jim,

I'm in North James Island near the ICW and Maybank Highway/Folly Road.
I'll call today and find out where I need to go to pay the fees etc. Thanks for telling me more about what's involved.

[janrey]

Originally Posted by emilybh

Thanks for the responses and the tip about the property tax value. Maybe I'll bring a Kelly Blue Book or Auto Trader quote in with me so I don't overpay. I did find the DVM website and downloaded the forms before I asked the question. I couldn't believe my eyes about all the requirements and charges so while I was waiting for your responses I went to the SC general laws and read those. Geeze. You'd expect all this if you were moving to another country (did SC secede from the union and not let the rest of the out-of-staters know? Just kidding) but it is a bit much for another state. At least to get your drivers license all they make you do is get an eye exam.

Speaking of which, the eye exam is reading a chart through one of those machines at the DVM right? I don't have to go to a doctor or anything, do I?

Now I'm wondering if the income tax will be higher here. I seem to remember 7%. Is it 7% of the total adjusted gross income or 7% of what you pay the IRS?

While in the beginning it may seem a bit of a pain having to do it in person next year is much easier as you can do it all by mail. They send you a bill, you mail it back with your check and they send the stickers (every 2 years) and the card (every year). Taxes are every year but the sticker is only once every 2 years. Nothing to it (well except writing that check). Now getting a license, oooh boy. Right now it's easy, once and you can get it renewed in 10 years by mail but the Feds are aiming to make us change all that. I came from Massachusetts and at least here we don't have to do a yearly inspection.