HELP! How do I register my car here!? (credit, loan) - Washington, DC (DC) - City-Data Forum

caitlindwarf · 08-11-2010, 10:18 PM

Just moved to DC, but I have a problem.

My car is not registered under my name, it's currently being financed by a friend of the family's, but it is my car.

The person it's registered to does not live here. How do I go about registering it in DC?

EDIT: Yes I know technically it's not "my car" but you know what I mean, I pay the payments, I use it everyday, it's mine in every way other than actually legally being mine. I am young and was not approved for the loan because I have no credit. I DID NOT want a car in someone else's name but I needed a car so now this is the situation I'm in.

akorosdc · 08-12-2010, 05:42 AM

"Buy" your car from them for $1. Get a title, then go to the DMV and register it.

Otherwise, they have to come over and register it (and probably get a DC license). I don't think you can register a car that's legally not yours.

The Heartbreak Kid · 08-12-2010, 07:09 AM

If your name is no where on the title, you can't register it. You need to atleast be a co-signer.

stars99 · 08-12-2010, 09:12 AM

You will need to go to the dreaded Room 1000, C Street. Bring food to eat while you stand online, wear Depends if you think you need them.

YouTube - Primus - DMV (Album Version)

caitlindwarf · 08-13-2010, 01:28 PM

What happens in Room 1000?

I did read on the website that I can get my license etc and then fill out a Proof of Residency form for the person on the title using myself as Certifier, then they could get their DC license, etc, and get the car registered.

The car is still being financed, I don't think the company will go for putting my name on the title, and in DC doesn't the PRIMARY owner have to live here anyways?

1200RT · 08-13-2010, 01:37 PM

have the registered owner (friend of yours) change the address to your new address in DC.

You will then need this person to register the car for you in DC.

This sounds like a mess ...

next, establish credit.

stars99 · 08-13-2010, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caitlindwarf

What happens in Room 1000?

No one knows for sure, because no one has ever emerged from there sane.

kodaka · 08-13-2010, 06:32 PM

Why can't you just leave it registered in whatever state it is currently registered in, until you pay it off?

dkf747 · 08-13-2010, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kodaka

Why can't you just leave it registered in whatever state it is currently registered in, until you pay it off?

My friend did that and kept getting ticketed.

caitlindwarf · 08-14-2010, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kodaka

Why can't you just leave it registered in whatever state it is currently registered in, until you pay it off?

I live on a zoned street and they are pretty strict about out-of-state cars being registered in DC if they're here for more than 30 days.

Anyone have any experience with the Proof of Residency forms?