Regarding my car....what first, registration? license? (Charlotte: car insurance, DMV)

[HGONZ001]

So I just arrive in Charlotte and I have a car....what should be done first regarding my car....do I get a new driver's license, change the car's registraton or change my car insurance? Thanks.

[mm34b]

You need to notify your auto insurance company of your change in residence. Hopefully, they won't have to cancel your policy because they don't insure in the state of NC.

Newcomers Guide to the NC DMV
http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/moving/newnc/newComersGuide/download/newcomers.pdf (broken link)

[FLtoNC]

1) Get new car insurance (NC policy)
2) Get new car tags/registration (bring proof of insurance & proof of residence - i.e. utility bill with your address on it)
3) Get an emissions/safety inspection within 10 days of obtaining car tags (bring registration)
4) Get NC driver's license (bring unlaminated SS card & current driver's license)

This is assuming you moved here from out of state.

[DBGNCSU05]

The order in which I'd do things:

1) new insurance policy
2) new DL
3) new registration
4) emissions inspection.


Also, per the NCDOT Website, "To apply for your vehicle title and registration you will need to obtain your North Carolina Driver's License."

[groove1]

Checkbook for taxes and fees.

[JoeandFamily]

Originally Posted by DBGNCSU05

The order in which I'd do things:

1) new insurance policy
2) new DL
3) new registration
4) emissions inspection.


Also, per the NCDOT Website, "To apply for your vehicle title and registration you will need to obtain your North Carolina Driver's License."

Now do out of stater's have to take the written again? That is unreal if so.

[groove1]

Yes, you do have to take the written when moving to NC.

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by JoeandFamily

Now do out of stater's have to take the written again? That is unreal if so.

Each state writes their own motor vehicle laws, rules and regulations.

I've lived in 4 states and was required to pass a written test each time to indicate I was aware of the specific laws of that state. In addition, NC license holders, like many other states, are required to be periodically re-examined due to changes made in the state's motor vehicle laws.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by FLtoNC

1) Get new car insurance (NC policy)
2) Get new car tags/registration (bring proof of insurance & proof of residence - i.e. utility bill with your address on it)
3) Get an emissions/safety inspection within 10 days of obtaining car tags (bring registration)
4) Get NC driver's license (bring unlaminated SS card & current driver's license)

This is assuming you moved here from out of state.

Exactly what I did except I still don't have my NC license yet, which is good because I'll be getting my SC license instead.

[saralee]

Originally Posted by JoeandFamily

Now do out of stater's have to take the written again? That is unreal if so.

This is the first time in many years and many states that I had to take the written test again. I was surprised too! DH wasn't worried one bit but I was a nervous wreck thinking there was no way I would pass on the first try. To my surprise, the test was quite easy and it mostly boiled down to common sense. I am happily a legitimate NC lincensed driver now.

A quick review of the book wouldn't hurt but you'll likely have no problem!

Good luck!

Sara