[theprolix]

I am currently in St. Louis, MO and will be moving to Norwalk, CT this weekend.

Problem is (call me stupid/ignorant/whatever) I just bought a used car from a dealer with 30-day temp tags under the impression that I could drive to CT and directly register the vehicle there. I confirmed this with the dealer. But when I called the CT DMV they said its absolutely not possible unless the vehicle is already registered in Missouri.

Now, all of this would not be a big problem if I was not joining work soon. And the dealer says the title and other paperwork will take upto two weeks to arrive in the mail.

Here are my options:

1) Drive the car to CT this weekend, start work and fly back to STL in two weeks (was going to do that anyway) to register the vehicle in MO.

2) Fly to CT now and start work. Fly back to STL in two weeks, register/title the vehicle in MO before driving out to CT. This option would be less desirable in CT as I will need the car immediately to get around.

3) Maybe I did not explain the situation correctly to the CT DMV and I can in-fact register the vehicle directly there.

So here are my questions: Is the first option legal? Is the third option legal? Is the 2nd option my only option?

I'm a first time car buyer and am not American and did not know local laws all too well - the only things I can say in defense of my colossal stupidity.


Any timely help would quite genuinely be appreciated!

[Angelic_Avalon]

I'm not too sure since I dont drive, but hopefully we have someone here to help you out.

[theprolix]

Originally Posted by Angelic_Avalon

I'm not too sure since I dont drive, but hopefully we have someone here to help you out.

Let's hope so. Thank you!

[Angelic_Avalon]

Originally Posted by theprolix

Let's hope so. Thank you!

You'er welcome


ps Welcome to Connecticut hope you enjoy your time here

[DawnMTL]

I'd call the DMV in CT again (Option 3), just in case there's an easier way, but I think that Option 1 sounds like a good plan, considering that you were going to make a trip to STL anyway.

As for legalities, I don't know, but you're talking about a two-week span and, fact is, you're allowed to drive an out-of-state registered car.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

[jaydez]

People buy used cars out of state all the time then bring them to CT and register them. I think you need to talk to someone else at the DMV.

[davwve]

I've purchased several vehicles from out of state and drove them back on temp registration and took care of the paperwork at DMV once back.

DMV: Registration of a Used Vehicle Previously Registered Out Of State

[QuietCorner]

Hello theprolix,
I have just recently had the same problem. The glitch is that the car has to be registered in the former state before you can transfer your papers(registration, plates, etc.) to CT. Then you have 30 days to register the car once you become a resident of CT. Check with the CT DMV though because in my situation I had to have the out-of-state car registered in that state for 30 days before switching plates. I'm not sure in your case though. Mine was a gift from a family member.