New Vehicle To-Do List

New Vehicle To-Do List
- Get a Title in Your Name: In order to register your vehicle, you will need to have legal proof that you own the vehicle and take responsibility for it. When you purchase your vehicle, you will receive a proof of ownership form or the vehicle’s title. You will sign this to take to your local motor vehicle department for the registration process
- Get an Inspection Done: Your vehicle will need to go through at least one inspection before you can register it under your name. Your car will most likely be tested for emission levels, which can be done through licensed by the state local businesses who conduct these tests and report the results to the local regulators
  - In some states, you will be required to get a safety inspection for your vehicle, which checks to make sure actions like your brakes and your lights work properly and your vehicle is safe to operate
  - The results can be sent to regulator’s electronically or a physical copy will need to be given to the local office to complete the registration
Documents Needed to Complete your Registration
- You will have a grace period once you purchase your vehicle to go to your local governing body to register your vehicle
  - Generally, the grace period is around 30 days, but in some states, it may be as short as 3-5 business days
    - Look up your state’s information on vehicle registration grace periods so you know how long you have to register your vehicle
  - Look up your local governing office online and see if you can make an appointment for services or do part of your service online
- In most cases, you will need to bring the following documents
  - A vehicle registration form
  - A signed vehicle title or proof of purchase and ownership of the vehicle
  - Any inspection results or certificates
  - A valid driver’s license (if you have a temporary paper license, you may need to provide another form of valid photo ID
  - Proof of residency (official mail in your name with your current address on it)
  - Proof of insurance for your vehicle
- Going to Your Local Office: Make an appointment with your local office and arrive early, or show up to stand in line to be seen.
  - You will complete your registration with someone in person, and general registration does not take a long time
  - Once your registration is complete, you will either
    - Get your license plates on the spot
    - Get a temporary license until your real plates arrive in the mail
    - You may also receive a new proof or registration or a new title printed in your name (which will arrive in the mail)
    - You may also receive a registration sticker which you put on your vehicle (needs to be properly and correctly on the car to avoid a fine)
- Renewing Your Registration: Your registration will need to be renewed every year, typically before the end of the month listed on your registration sticker
  - Pay your renewal fee before your registration expires so it remains current
  - Many states have the option to pay your renewal fees online and a new sticker will come in the mail within 1-2 weeks with your new proof of registration