Vehicle Registration and Titling
In this section
Overview
Every new car purchase, whether you're buying this year's model from a dealership or a second-hand vehicle from a neighbor, requires registration and titling. The paperwork, depending on your state, is handled either by your local DMV office or your county clerk.
Dealerships generally ease the process by handling paperwork duties for any vehicle, new or used, purchased from their lot. But if you buy from an individual, you're responsible for submitting the proper forms and fees in a timely fashion. Some states will tack on a late fee if you don't register within a designated amount of time, usually around 20 to 30 days.
Each state adheres to different registration rates and requirements. Some charge flat annual fees, while other states determine rates by vehicle size, number of wheels and/or county of residence.
Registration requirements also vary by individual situations. Owners of salvaged vehicles, for instance, generally must, in addition to everything else, also arrange for vehicle identification number inspections. New residents, depending on their state, usually have anywhere from 30 to 90 days to alert the DMV of their arrival and obtain new plates. And military personnel can usually expect some leeway, depending on their whereabouts, with registration requirements.
Depending on your state or county of residence, your vehicle may also be required to pass an emissions test before being allowed to register. If required, you'll be instructed on where to find an authorized emissions testing station in your area.
And others, mainly eastern states, require annual vehicle inspections. Flaws, such as cracked windshields or busted headlights, must be repaired before you'll be given proof, for registration purposes, that your vehicle passed inspection.
Most DMV offices require registering in person. After submitting paperwork and registration and title fees you'll be handed license plates and tags (small license plate stickers that affix to the rear plate indicating your registration's expiration date). If, however, you request personalized plates, also known as vanity plates, you'll be given a temporary plate in the interim.
Most states now offer a menu of plates to choose from. Group affiliations (fraternities, sororities, colleges), environmental causes and plates for military veterans are some of the most popular offerings. Most come in different colors than the standard plates, highlighted by your group's name or insignia. If you opt for one of these, expect to pay a slightly higher fee.
Plates must be renewed each year. Some states base renewal on date of purchase, while others, such as South Dakota, base it on the first letter of your last name. Most state's send renewal reminders several weeks in advance, with the option to renew either by mail or online.
If, for whatever reason, you lose a plate or tag, you can easily replace, for a small fee, by visiting your DMV office or county agent. This same option also applies to lost registration certificates and titles.
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Vehicle Registration And Titling Information From the Government
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Vehicle Registration and Title Information Home Page
The Department of Motor Vehicles enhances traffic safety through the testing and monitoring of drivers; protects identity by ensuring the integrity ...
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Vehicle Title and Registration - MT Dept of Justice
Montana's motor vehicle title and registration provisions, including security interests (liens) and fees.
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ODPS | BMV | Registration and Titling Information
ODPS Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Registration and Titling Information ... When you sell your vehicle to a junk dealer, you must assign the title to the dealer and ...
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Official Website Florida Department of Highway Safety and ...
Learn More About the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) ... Registration (ETR) The ETR system is fully functional and available to motor vehicle ...
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District of Columbia: Department of Motor Vehicles - Services ...
The DMV no longer does in-person registration? Save a trip and register online. ... Vehicles must have a DC title and current DC insurance in order to register. ...
Vehicle Registration And Titling - NHTSA
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Importation and Certification FAQ's Directory
The agency regulates the manufacture and importation of motor vehicles to assure ... Motor Vehicle Titling and Registration. NHTSA is not responsible for regulating the ...
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/FAQ%20Site/index.html
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Back to Top of Page
It showed that by marking the vehicle registration plate, all members of the family who operate the vehicle are subject to being stopped and checked ...
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/enforce/Guidelines/partfour.htm
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Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Precautions | National Highway ...
Do not leave the registration or title in your vehicle. Always use your emergency brake ... Etch your vehicle identification number on car windows and major parts. ...
http://www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/Vehicle-Related+Theft/Motor+Vehicle+Theft+Prevention+Precautions
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Theft Prevention Precautions
Do not leave the registration or title in your vehicle. Always use your emergency brake when parking, which ... Etch your vehicle identification number on car windows and major ...
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Uniform Guidelines For State Highway Safety Programs
Every vehicle registered in the State is inspected either at the time of initial registration and at least ... Each State should have a motor vehicle registration program. ...
http://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa/whatsup/tea21/tea21programs/402Guide.html
Vehicle Registration And Titling - About.com
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Maryland MVA - Maryland Vehicle Registration - Registering ...
Application form – The Application for Certificate of Title (form #VR-005) can be used to apply for both the vehicle's title and registration. ...
http://baltimore.about.com/od/transportation/a/VehicleRegister.htm
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Vehicle Registration - MVD - Motor Vehicle Department
If you have moved to Arizona you must register your vehicle through the MVD. Here is a step-by-step guide to out-of-state vehicle registration in Arizona.
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Transfer Title to a Car - Title a Car in Arizona
A simple 'how-to' on transferring a title or registering a vehicle in Arizona. If you sell your car, you must transfer the title and notify MVD.
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Online Vehicle Registration Opens for Las Vegans
Online Vehicle Registration Opens for Las Vegans ... and trailers cannot be registered online, and certain license plate styles, like antique or classic vehicles, ...
http://lasvegas.about.com/b/2009/01/28/online-vehicle-registration-opens-for-las-vegans.htm
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Driving in Charlotte - Registering Your Vehicle in North Carolina
Here is a guide to registering your vehicle with the state of North Carolina including fees and required documents.
http://charlotte.about.com/od/governmentcityservices/a/ncvehicles.htm
Vehicle Registration and Titling - On the Web
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NYS DMV - Vehicle Registration & Title
NYS DMV, Vehicle Registration & Title ... Privacy and Security | Driver's Manual | Copyright © 2010, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. ...
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Vehicle Registration and Title Information Home Page
The Department of Motor Vehicles enhances traffic safety through the testing and monitoring of drivers; protects identity by ensuring the integrity ...
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District of Columbia: Department of Motor Vehicles - Services ...
The DMV no longer does in-person registration? Save a trip and register online. ... Vehicles must have a DC title and current DC insurance in order to register. ...
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Vehicle Registration and Title
The official Nevada DMV site for vehicle registration, title and license plate information.
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ODPS | BMV | Registration and Titling Information
ODPS Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Registration and Titling Information ... When you sell your vehicle to a junk dealer, you must assign the title to the dealer and ...
Vehicle Registration And Titling - Helium.com
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Buying a car: How to transfer title and register your vehicle ...
If you are buying a new car, the dealer will provide the paper work to the motor vehicle department in your state to create the Title (proof of ow..., Helena Whyte
http://www.helium.com/items/1528021-how-to-transfer-title-and-register-your-vehicle
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Moped registration in Massachusetts - by David Leader - Helium
Many new riders break into motorsports on a small, motorized scooter or moped. These machines have tiny 50cc engines and produce enough power to p..., David Leader
http://www.helium.com/items/259786-how-to-register-a-moped-in-massachusetts
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How to tell if your vehicle is E85 compatible - by B. Rock ...
Ethanol seems to be the next big thing in fuel. Its renewable and it has prospects for aiding the environment. But can you car run on it? Ethanol ..., B. Rock
http://www.helium.com/items/446989-how-to-tell-if-your-vehicle-is-e85-compatible
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How to keep vehicle titles up to date - by Carolyn Noblett ...
Your motor vehicle title is a very important legal document and applying for a title as close as possible to the purchase date is a smart thing to..., Carolyn Noblett
http://www.helium.com/items/1495931-how-to-update-vehicle-title
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Truck drivers: How to renew your IRP registration - Trucks ...
1 article on Truck drivers: How to renew your IRP registration ... The difference between 4×4 and 4×2 vehicles. How to change front shocks on a car. How to bleed ABS brakes. Car ...
http://www.helium.com/knowledge/278630-how-to-renew-your-truck-registration
Vehicle Registration and Titling - Omgili Discussions
I need info about titling a vehicle!
Alright. I'm looking for info about transferring a title from NY to NJ. I recently bought a vehicle. It's signed and dated and has all the info about the vehicle on the paper. They didn't stamp "lienand they will tell you EXACTLY what you need to finish the registration process. misleading title, thought...
Titling/registering pre-1980 vehicle in MA
From titling" Source: http://www.mass.gov/rmv/titles/index.htm So my question is: If I do buy this vehicle...previous registration or anything available either. So if that is the case would I be able to titlethere are two ways to get a title when you buy a vehicle. you either need: A) The title
SEMA and California Agencies Solve Titling Dilemma for Hobbyist Vehicles
Emissions-compliance requirements. Over the years, Californias complex vehicle registration laws havea vehicle registration amnesty program. The amnesty program will be in effect from January 1, 2010-start the titling and registration process for your specially constructed vehicle. You will need
Tube frame titling?
Has anyone gotten there homebuilt tube frame titled in oregon? If so what are the steps you took?would assume the build is based on an XJ. Titling should be done off the VIN of the donor vehiclethat i will be using. I have heard that you can get a homebuilt vehicle titled I just wasnt sure
Washington registration and emissions
But now I'm a little afraid to go carbed and be subject to a 2009 vehicle registration and emissionsit hard or not possible to register as 1965 without complications. I was counting on titling as 65of registration? Also if you transfer the title to WA presumably you will have to pay tax - how do
Vehicle Registration And Titling - DMVAnswers.com
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Vehicle Title Registration Resources and Information from DMV ...
Find answers to important questions on Vehicle Title Registration from DMV Answers
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First Time Registration - DMV Answers
First Time Registration Information and Resources from DMV Answers ... In North Dakota, the titling and vehicle registration processes are linked. ...
http://dmvanswers.com/categories/Registration/First-Time-Registration/
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How do I obtain first time vehicle registration in ...
The car title will be mailed to you in anywhere from six to eight weeks, and you'll have seven days from registration to have your vehicle inspected (see below) ...
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Vehicle Title Registration in Hawaii Resources and ...
Find answers to important questions on Vehicle Title Registration in Hawaii from DMV Answers
http://dmvanswers.com/search/Hawaii/Vehicle-Title-Registration
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Vehicle Title Registration in Iowa Resources and Information ...
Find answers to important questions on Vehicle Title Registration in Iowa from DMV Answers
http://dmvanswers.com/search/Iowa/Vehicle-Title-Registration
