Can someone tell me the steps you go through from to getting a license plate when you buy a used car? The nc dmv's website wasn't any help.
1. Can you drive the car right off the lot, or do you have to get insurance first and come back for the car later?
2. Can you opt for an instant title instead of the 30-day license tag? The DMV only does that in Raleigh & Charlotte; could I take the 30-day tag there and ask for instant title? I'd rather not wait for a license plate & title in the mail.
3. When does money actually change hands?

Thanks for your help folks.

11/27/2007 4:55:12 PM

no website for this? nc.dmv.org or something?

http://www.dmv.org/nc-north-carolina/forms.php
^bottom of page? manual&forms.

[Edited on November 27, 2007 at 5:05 PM. Reason : a]

11/27/2007 4:56:18 PM

^reading is fundamental...


I would recommend calling the DMV and speaking to them. Are you buying from a dealership or private party?

Dealership, give you 30 day tags and you will receive your tag in the mail.

Private party, they sign the title in front of you and notary, you pay them... you take title and apply for tags at DMV. That has been my experience.

[Edited on November 27, 2007 at 4:58 PM. Reason : d]

11/27/2007 4:58:40 PM

^ basically. Either way you call your insurance company and add the car before you drive anywhere. Some dealerships give 30 day tags and you pay them taxes/title fees and they handle it for you, some small dealerships however do not do this. Buying from private party ^ is correct.

11/27/2007 5:00:12 PM

It might have been better to ask this in the garage. You probably would have gotten flamed a little more, though.

1. The car needs to be insured before it hits the road. Technically, you should at least have a 30-day tag from a licensed dealer. If it's from an individual, then you'll need to take the notarized and signed title to DMV, where you'll pay the licensing fee and use tax and get your license plate.

2. Why the hell does it matter? You get a license plate from DMV when you buy a car from an individual. They mail you the new title, but the plate is permanent (well, you gotta renew every year, but you know what I mean). If you buy from a dealer, then all tax and tags are taken care of through the dealer, who will mail you the license plate. You'll get a 30-day tag in the interim.

3. Money changes hands when and where you say it does, but ideally, this needs to happen in front of a notary. You WILL need a notary public to close the deal...the seller and you sign the title, and the notary stamps it and signs it, signifying the legality of the sale.

You can take care of the whole shebang at your local license plate agency. They will notarize a title when the sale is made (be sure both seller and buyer have appropriate identification) and will issue you a license plate and a registration. They will mail you the title.

11/27/2007 5:03:19 PM

titleandregisteryourcar.com?

11/27/2007 5:17:03 PM

plan on spending at least $120

11/27/2007 6:28:33 PM

just go to the plate office with the car title and they will hook you up

11/27/2007 6:30:10 PM

ha

no they wont

[Edited on November 27, 2007 at 6:32 PM. Reason : better make sure that shit is notarized properly and whatnot]

11/27/2007 6:31:25 PM

just go to the plate office with the car title and they will hook you up give you a royal fucking fit for a king.

There. Better.

11/27/2007 6:32:53 PM