If you purchased a vehicle from someone else or a third party, you should know that the next step is to register your new vehicle yourself. If you still don’t know how to register your car at the DMV, don’t stress and follow the steps described in this blog.
Whether you want to register your car in person at the DMV offices or you want to register your car online, at DMV-USA, we give you a simple step-by-step guide on how to apply for your car’s plates and registration.
Step-by-step guide on how to register a car at the DMV
In case you don’t know, dealers are usually in charge of the DMV registration process if you buy from them. But what happens if you buy the car on your own?
If your car is new, you must apply for a title or registration with the DMV so that the car is in your name and you can pay the appropriate taxes.
What is the DMV?
The DMV is the official name and entity of the Division of Motor Vehicles, a state department in charge of issuing driver’s licenses, monitoring and registering vehicles in general.
Each state has its own DMV, and each governmental entity operates differently according to its individual policies.
What functions or services are performed at the DMV? Most DMVs are responsible for processing vehicle title transfers, license plate sticker renewals, tag number issuance, as well as any other vehicle-related paperwork.
Why register a new vehicle?
After purchasing a vehicle, it is necessary to register the vehicle so that it enters the state database and is linked to you as the owner of the vehicle. The next step is to pay the appropriate taxes, which is mandatory. Failure to do so may result in fines or impoundment of your vehicle.
To register a domestic vehicle
You must go to your county DMV office with an identification document or driver’s license. You will also need to bring any additional documents requested by the DMV to get the new plates, perform the VIN inspection, perform the smog inspection (only if required), apply in person and pay the title or title and plate transfer fees.
Keep in mind that the lines can be quite long in the evenings and the process a bit tedious. So another alternative is to register your car online.
To register an imported vehicle
You must go to the DMV, and present an out-of-state title or other proof of ownership and evidence that the vehicle passed through customs. For documentation, you can present customs and border protection forms, stamped and endorsed, among others.
What fees must I pay at the DMV to register my car?
In addition to paying the license plate and title registration fees, in some cases you may have to pay:
- Purchase price tax
- Vehicle use tax
- The technical inspection certificate.
What documents do I need to register my car?
To register your car at the DMV, you will need to present the following documents.
If your car is new, you will need to present:
- The certificate of title or certificate of origin from the manufacturer/MCO as proof of ownership.
- Bill of sale
- Proof of your auto insurance policy
- Application for Vehicle Registration
- Driver’s license and number
- Proof of residency in the county where you are registering your car.
If your car is used you will need to present:
- The certificate of title signed and completed by the previous owner.
- A bill of sale
- Previous registration documents
- An odometer disclosure statement
- The car’s license plates (if you plan to transfer the old plates to the new vehicle).
If your car is from another state and you are registering it in its current state:
- A VIN verification/inspection by a VIN inspector licensed in the state where you live
- The out-of-state certificate of title and/or registration documentation.
Please note that in some states you will need to submit odometer mileage information based on the age of your car.
How do I register a car at the DMV online?
If your state allows you to register a car online, follow the steps below.
- Log in from your state’s DMV platform. Scroll to the top and select “Register” under online services.
- Provide your contact information, review all requested documents.
- Next, you must complete the online form with all requested vehicle information including serial, chassis ID, model, vehicle make and year data.
- Submit the application and make the appropriate payment by credit card or electronic check.
- Verify that your payment information was entered correctly and that the receipts are uploaded correctly.
- Wait for the confirmation in your mail, as the DMV will contact you by e-mail to finalize your vehicle registration.
After registering your car at the DMV
After you register your vehicle, and make the payments, the DMV will issue you a registration voucher that will allow you to drive your vehicle. You will also be mailed, or perhaps sent on the spot, 1 or 2 license plates, tag numbers, as well as the registration document stating that you are the new owner.
These documents are usually sent to you within two weeks after you register your vehicle. Something important is that you must have your vehicle inspected after the registration, since every time a vehicle title is transferred, a new inspection must be done.
Finally, to find out if the car is in your name, you must consult the VIN number from a platform such as Check VIN Number, enter your VIN and continue.