Motor Vehicle registration (insurance, credit, DMV)

[NJeaglesfan]

I called motor vehicles today to ask about registering our cars when reloacating from New Jersey because I have heard conflicting information. I was told the only thing we would pay is $40 title charge, $25 tag charge and up to $150 highway tax and each year the only fee we would be charged is $25 for renewing the tags. We were told there was a 10% charge based on the value of your car when registering and MV said no. That was something that concerned me. The other thing was getting a NC license and the fact that we would be given a written test (up to the examiner) besides the vision test and sign test. Not too worried but wonder how others felt about it and it there were any problems. Also, how about registering your dogs. We have 3 small dogs.

[theroc5156]

First off, I didn't register my car for over 2 years. I moved down here from New Jersey in April 2005 and I just got my NC registration done this past November. Part of the reason why was the hours that the DMV has (9-5 M-F) and part of it was that I was lazy. Anyway, I ultimately got it done and it was no big deal. However, I did get a speeding ticket in February 2007 with my NJ plates and thankfully the cop was a very nice guy and told me how to get the charges dropped. He could have towed my car since my registration expired and I still had NJ plates on my car long after the 30 day grace period. Anyway, here is what you need:

First, get your NC license. It is a written test and it's pretty easy. You can download their book to study. I would read it over as there were a few questions I wouldn't have gotten right had I not read it. Before you take the test, make sure your driver's license from NJ is current and you have a copy of your registration and insurance just in case. You need to have a utility bill in your name with a North Carolina address on it. Make sure this name is exactly how it is on your NJ driver's license. Mine wasn't because I had my middle initial on the utility bill, but not my license. I had to go back and get another proof of my name with my middle initial. I was pissed. Either way, you can never have enough documentation when you go to the DMV. Bring a manila folder with a bunch of proof of your identity that is up to date. If in doubt, bring it anyway. You also have to have a picture identification with you. A current passport should suffice.

So after you take the test and pass, you get your license then and there. Now you can get insurance and trust me, insurance in NC is much cheaper than NJ. This part of the process you will enjoy because it will save you money and can do it all in one day.

After you have your insurance, now you can register the car. The place where I registered my car wasn't the same place I took the license test, but it was down the road a bit on Route 74 in a small strip mall. Download the application online and fill it out before you get there to save time. Once again, bring plenty of documentation AND A BLANK CHECK OR CASH with you. They don't take credit/debit card. Here is a list of things they need:

1) The actual title of the car
2) Leinholder
3) NC Drivers license
4) Insurance card (I think, have it anyway)
5) Current registration (I think, once again bring it anyway)

This process took me about 10 minutes and they gave me my plate right there. Bottom line is to be patient and have tons of documentation on you. You may get lucky like me and only have to wait in a line of 4 people. For some reason, they didn't take my NJ plates.

Once again, DOCUMENTATION, DOCUMENTATION, DOCUMENTATION!!

Good luck.

[NJeaglesfan]

Thanks. I understand the process, that wasn't the problem. My question was to dismiss ironious information people have been giving me about the COST of registering our cars when we first move down their and the renewal costs. Again, I was told (from MV) there is a title, tag and highway fee for first time residents. Other people have told us there is a 10% tax based on the blue book value of your car when you register or re-register. So, if that is true is it a charge they hit you with every year? Some people tell me no, some say yes. Can someone shed some light on the cost of renewing your registration and if this 10% thing is correct. Thank you.

[tmorrell]

Registration is $28 a year.

Once you're an "official" NC resident you will pay a Highway Use Tax which I believe is about 3% of the blue book value when you register any new vehicle. Out of state residents pay a flat $150 HUT the first time.

My total was $218 (title, tags, hut tax and notary fee)

Originally Posted by NJeaglesfan

Thanks. I understand the process, that wasn't the problem. My question was to dismiss ironious information people have been giving me about the COST of registering our cars when we first move down their and the renewal costs. Again, I was told (from MV) there is a title, tag and highway fee for first time residents. Other people have told us there is a 10% tax based on the blue book value of your car when you register or re-register. So, if that is true is it a charge they hit you with every year? Some people tell me no, some say yes. Can someone shed some light on the cost of renewing your registration and if this 10% thing is correct. Thank you.