You need to register your car as long as you are going to be using it. It does not matter whether it is a brand-new car or an old used one.
Registration is the legal process through which you can connect yourself and the car. It is how you prove that you indeed own the car.
Registering your vehicle is done with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or transportation agency. If you register your car, you have legal rights over it and can drive it without violating the law.
When you register your car, you will be issued with a piece of paper often known as a ‘pink slip’ that you will keep in your car to present whenever necessary. Registering a car is not hard. It involves a very straightforward process.
What You Need
The process of registering your vehicle begins by gathering all the things you will need. You should start at the source and visit your local DMV website to find out what is required. The website will have a list of all the documents you will need to successfully register your car. If there is anything you don’t understand on the website or there are queries that the website does not answer, you can call the local DMV office for assistance.
Some of the documents you will need include your driver’s license or ID card. If you live in a state where you are legally required to have insurance, then you will have to provide proof of insurance.
If your state does not have sales tax exemptions for vehicle purchases, you will have to provide proof of sales tax payment. The car title or a signed lease agreement is necessary to provide proof of ownership. You will also need proof that the vehicle has passed a safety inspection. In some states, you are required to show proof of a smog test.
Most of the above documents are required for first time registration or registering a new car. If you are renewing your registration, then you will be required to produce other documents. These documents will include the Vehicle identification number, License plate number, Driver’s license number, Car insurance details, and Vehicle registration card.
Cost of Registration
You will be required to pay the cost of registration. It will usually be referred to as the processing fee. The cost of registration will vary from state to state. The local DMV website will have the fees outlined so you should be adequately prepared.
The Registration Process
Once you have the documents necessary, you should begin registration of your vehicle with the local DMV. The DMV queues are often intolerable but there are ways to avoid the delay. One of those ways is to register online if possible. It will definitely help you skip the queue in the DMV. There may be a lag with the website but doing it online saves a lot of time and effort. Another tip to avoid delays is to call ahead and make an appointment. It is a wonder why many people don’t do this since there is no guarantee that you will be seen without an appointment.
The first step will be to fill the registration form. It is a form that will require you to submit various personal details. You will have to fill the form and send it or present it to the DMV alongside all the other necessary documents. Don’t make mistakes when filling the paperwork as it will lead to delays. If you make a mistake, it is best to ask for another registration form and do it over properly.
The next step will be paying the registration fee which we have seen varies significantly from state to state. The DMV will accept many forms of payment including card, cash, or check. You can use online payment platforms if you register online. Once payment is complete and verified, you will be issued with a temporary registration sticker meant for your license plate. You will receive your registration papers in the mail a few days after you complete the registration of the car.
The manner of car registration will be different depending on how you bought the vehicle. Buying from an individual or from a car dealership will have different processes. You should know that the vehicle registration will usually last for a year or two depending on the state. The DMV will send you a notice to renew your registration so you shouldn’t be too worried about the deadline.
As you can see registering your car is not hard at all. It is especially easy if you do it online or even by mail. However, doing it at your local DMV offices has its advantages. Therefore, don’t hesitate and register your car now.
