After just completeting the relocation process I had the pleasure of dealing with the NC DMV.
I know there have been threads in the past that ask questions on these topics but I figured I'd consolidate the info in an effort to give back to the board that has helped me so much.
1. Getting your license:(assuming you already have a valid out of state license)
1st, get your documents together.
You'll need two forms of ID. One will need to be a valid state/federal photo ID like a drivers license. The other will need to be proof of your social security number. They only accept original paper Social Security cards, not the lamintated or photo copied ones. Orginal birth certificates work too. You'll also need proof of insurance called a "DL-123" form. Request this from your insurance company. Don't forget to bring proof of your new residence (phone, cable, utility bill) Oh by the way if you have a middle initial, the ID paperwork listed above has to list your full name including middle name.
2nd, Get ready to take your test.(only a written, vision & sign test are needed)
Pick a DMV location to go to. Raliegh is the biggest and even though busy they are well organized and you'll be done in under an hour. Cary is small, often very busy and understaffed...plan on being here for a while. I've been told Durham tends to be the least busy and folks have told me you usually get in and out in less than 30 minutes (can anyone confirm?)
Be smart, if you can, avoid the end of the month when it's busy no matter where you go.
Time to study, don't waste your time with the state provided 100 page book. It's a good idea to be familiar with state laws but your focus now is passing the test and that book won't always do it. Study this
North Carolina Driver License Exam BrainDumps: Study Guide for the NC DMV exam website and
you will pass.
3rd, Misc info
Cost for a standard license is $32 ($4x8years)
Cash or check only, no credit/debit cards
Don't be offended when they ask you to sign the Sex Offender disclaimer form. It's standard process.
2. Registering your car/getting plates
Same as above in terms of picking a location, just know that you can't get you plates at the same place you get your license. Licensing is run by the state, vehichle registrations is subcontracted to a 3rd party company. Ask the DMV officer and they will all have printed maps/addresses of where to register your vehicle.
1st, get your documents together.
While you don't need an NC license, it sure makes things easier.
You will need:
1. Proof of insurance called an "FS-1" form. I suggest you get this mailed to you at the same time as your DL-123 form.
2. Your car title from your previous state listed in your name
3. Your car current valid registration from your previous state (I was only asked for this on one of my cars)
4. The Title Application Form that can be found in the office or on the DMV website in PDF format.
5. The Damage Disclosure Form for used cars
6. Leased cars require a copy of the title and an orginal notorized Power of Attorney from your dealer/finance company that lists your name, Lease account# and the company's Tax ID number.
I can only speak from my experiance. The cost to register my cars here was SOOOooo much less than doing it back home in NH. Last year registering both my cars in NH with taxes, fee's ect cost me $800. Those same cars here cost me $250 total with vanity plates. Also my insurance dropped by about $400 a year.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I'll add just a few confirmation notes based on my experience.
