Registering in CA from NC w/out old NC registration card (Los Angeles: insurance, transfer)

[youwiththeface]

Hoping someone has some input on this. I know this may be a bit of a headache to solve, but it has to be done.

I moved to Los Angeles 2 years ago from North Carolina. I still currently have NC tags (expired in 2010, yes I know, terrible). I attempted to register my vehicle here, in LA, at some point earlier this year. Unfortunately since I couldn't find my old NC registration, they wouldn't go any further. My work schedule has been crazy this year, and I just now have time to try and sort this out.

I worry all of the time while driving, although I've not had any problems yet. I fear when I do get stopped for whatever reason, it won't be as simple as a citation and they send me on my way.

With that said, is there any way possible to register my vehicle with expired NC tags in CA without having my old NC registration card? If not, does anyone have input on what I need to do to resolve this fiasco? I attempted to talk with the NCDOT earlier this year, and they actually wanted me to re-register, although I explained I no longer reside in NC.

Any and all help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[Think4Yourself]

Get a duplicate copy of your registration from NC's DMV and then bring the duplicate to the CA DMV. You're going to have to pay transfer fees to register your car in CA & get a CA license plate but you might get lucky and not have to pay the late fees and back payments you'd have to pay if you simply brought your car current in NC. Best of luck and make sure you take care of this because they will impound your car if you get pulled over.

[youwiththeface]

Originally Posted by Think4Yourself

Get a duplicate copy of your registration from NC's DMV and then bring the duplicate to the CA DMV. You're going to have to pay transfer fees to register your car in CA & get a CA license plate but you might get lucky and not have to pay the late fees and back payments you'd have to pay if you simply brought your car current in NC. Best of luck and make sure you take care of this because they will impound your car if you get pulled over.

That's what I had attempted to do earlier, but since my registration was expired, they wouldn't send me a duplicate.

Perhaps I'll just call the DMV and talk it out with them. Assuming I should just start with CA DMV.

[Curmudgeon]

My best guess is that CA's DMV is still going to require NC registration or a clear title to your car before they'll register it to you in CA. Otherwise you have no proof that it's yours. That will be especially important to them if you still owe on the car which means there's a loss payee for insurance purposes and you will need proof of insurance as well.

[youwiththeface]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

My best guess is that CA's DMV is still going to require NC registration or a clear title to your car before they'll register it to you in CA. Otherwise you have no proof that it's yours. That will be especially important to them if you still owe on the car which means there's a loss payee for insurance purposes and you will need proof of insurance as well.

Well I stayed up so late stressing over this (and still looking for the old registration although I knew I wouldn't find it) that it was early enough to call the NC DOT. They're sending me a letterhead NC DOT copy of my old registration.

Here's to hoping this copy will be accepted by the CA DMV!

[Curmudgeon]

It will likely suffice because it gives them something to run by registration number and VIN.

[youwiththeface]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

It will likely suffice because it gives them something to run by registration number and VIN.

Went in today and they did indeed accept it and I'm now registered in CA.

I did have to sign a form giving my statements on why I couldn't produce the actual registration, but that was as far as that discussion went.