Process for registering an out-of-state car in NC (Raleigh, Wake Forest: car registration, employment)

[sneezecake]

What are the steps I must take to legally and successfully relocate to NC?

Both with regard to car registration and Drivers License - (Coming from CA)

What are the timeframes for each?

[5XY1XX]

NCDOT Division of Motor Vehicles: How do I title & register a vehicle?


"How do I title & register a vehicle?"

"In the case of new residents, you must register your motor vehicle at the expiration of the time granted by reciprocity agreement between North Carolina and your prior state of residence (usually 30 days) or when gainful employment is accepted, whichever occurs first. "

[mm34b]

DMV Newcomers Guide

http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/moving/newnc/newComersGuide/download/newcomers.pdf (broken link)

[jkmeca11]

New rule: you will need your DL first before you can register the car.

Moderator cut: link removed

[bunnyrider]

OK, so I just went through this this week. I just moved from Boston and had to register my car. A few things:

I didn't need my NC driver's license. She did say it would have been 'easier' if I had my license, but that I had 30 days to get it. I guess once I get my new license the registration will need to be reissued with the new license number. But I'm not sure.

When they say you need "proof of title" they mean the actual title. Not a copy. Somehow I didn't equate titles being state-specific (duh), so it makes sense they need the actual title.

They have a quick turnaround in getting you the new title - I got mine in the mail today (7 days later).

Once you register, you have (I think) 10 days to get it inspected. Don't go driving around looking for gas stations that do inspections - you won't find them! Go to oil change places like Jiffy Lube. Inspection fees are NOT mandated by the state (they give ranges of prices) so shop around if you have things like tinted windows because it's up to the individual shop to set their price.

Hope that helps.

[saturnfan]

Some independent mechanics and most car dealers do inspections.

I use eastgate Shell on Wake Forest Road in Raleigh. Very good work and no phony inspection issues.

[jkmeca11]

Originally Posted by bunnyrider

I didn't need my NC driver's license. She did say it would have been 'easier' if I had my license, but that I had 30 days to get it. I guess once I get my new license the registration will need to be reissued with the new license number. But I'm not sure.

Must have gotten lucky and got someone in a good mood I was told you must have your DL to register a vehicle after 7/1/07.

From the NC DMV Website (http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/vehicle_services/registrationtitling/howToRegister.html): (broken link)

"To apply for your vehicle title and registration you will need to obtain your North Carolina Driver's License."

[mm34b]

Originally Posted by jkmeca11

Must have gotten lucky and got someone in a good mood I was told you must have your DL to register a vehicle after 7/1/07.

From the NC DMV Website (http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/vehicle_services/registrationtitling/howToRegister.html): (broken link)

"To apply for your vehicle title and registration you will need to obtain your North Carolina Driver's License."

I wonder what will happen to non-driving folks who buy motor vehicles for use by others but still maintain ownership?

[gubben1]

We also just completed the whole "auto process" this week. We were also told and followed :
1) NC driver liscense
2) NC registration
3) NC auto inspection
It went very easy for us but we did our business in Wendell/Zebulon/Knightdale, a little less crowded.
The main thing is to have all the necessary paperwork!!

[jkmeca11]

Originally Posted by mm34b

I wonder what will happen to non-driving folks who buy motor vehicles for use by others but still maintain ownership?

Will probably accept non-driver state ID in lieu of DL?