Becoming an SC Resident (Georgetown, Central: sales, real estate, 2010)

[tmozer]

Even though we will probably keep our house in New Jersey for awhile, I am tempted to become an official SC resident. For anyone who has done so recently, what are the steps.

Another question: As soon as the 2010 light trucks are available (Chevy or GMC) I plan to trade up for one. Since I hope to spend a lot of time at our townhouse in Murrills Inlet, it would probably make sense to purchase from one of the area dealers. With a Jersey DL, would I have any trouble with the purchase? Could I register the vehicle in SC with a NJ DL?

[baylovers]

As long as the property taxes (not to be confused with real estate taxes) & insurance is paid for the vehicle you should be able to register your vehicle at the SC residence. If you buy the truck in SC & register it here then all you will have to pay is $300 sales tax, as opposed to whatever the sales tax is in NJ.

In order to become a full time SC resident, you will need to change your driver's license to SC. Then file taxes as a SC resident. Not sure if there is anything else.

[scdawg7]

When you go down to the DMV to get your license, make sure to bring a certified copy of your birth certificate and not a regular old copy. Also, you will need to surrender your NJ license and bring something to prove you live here (utility bill with your name on it works) along with your social security card.

I found SC Department of Motor Vehicles to be a particularly useful resource.

[scdawg7]

Expect a somewhat long wait as the DMV is always busy, took me about 45 mins each time I went.

[southernbychoice14]

I find if you are very organized with your paperwork it takes no time at all.....I got in and out in 20 minutes each time I was there. Go to the website mentioned above and make sure you bring everything it lists....oh and I had to have my marriage license too.
birth cer,
ss card
proof of residence...rental agreements dont count
Insurance info
And if you make a copy of the form from the websiteand have it filled out when you go in....it goes even faster!

[tmozer]

Marriage license? Does that mean we both have to switch?

[southernbychoice14]

Well we didn't at the same time..a couple months apart...he didnt have to have it but I did. I think has to do with name chnges and such..

[GJM]

Expect a somewhat long wait as the DMV is always busy, took me about 45 mins each time I went

Coming from NJ - 45 mins. isn't a long wait at all!! DMV in NJ can be an all day thing depending on which one you go to.

[tmozer]

Originally Posted by GJM

Coming from NJ - 45 mins. isn't a long wait at all!! DMV in NJ can be an all day thing depending on which one you go to.

Being a retire NJ State worker, we hated what they did to DMV years ago (privatizing the sytem). But I have to admit, the DMV Office and Inspection Station in Lakewood NJ has been great over the years. Much better and faster then it use to be.

Anyway, speaking of "Coming from NJ", I just did my 6th or maybe 7th drive from Central NJ to Murrills Inlet last night/this morning. My timing was not bad so we did not encounter any significant delays. However, everytime we skirt Washington and travel 95 in Northern Va I just think there has got to be a better route, even if it is more miles.

Anyone who travels from NJ or North come up with a route that completely cuts out DC and Northern VA??

[baylovers]

I have never had to wait more than 15-20 minutes at the Georgetown office. A HUGE (and welcome) difference from the DMV in NY.