Registering a Car and the DMV

Dear Miss Mota Mouth,

How do I put a car title in my name?
Where do I go and what do I need?
Kelley, Austin, TX

Dear Kelley,

Don’t be baffled by this process! A lot of people think that it is complicated but it isn’t at all and you need to do it within 10 days of taking possession of the car.

1. The previous owner of the car has to sign the title over to you and then you take the signed title to the DMV to register the car in your name.
2. You will have to pay state sales tax on the purchase price except in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon.
3. You will need to provide proof of financial responsibility or insurance. To get the insurance in advance just drop by your insurance agent's office with your VIN and they will give you a card or letter showing that it is covered.

Many states now rely on the insurance agents to upload their client’s info to the state so your insurance address must match the address where you register the car or the state will assume that you are not insured if they can't match them up. It takes about 3 days for the agent's upload to be seen by the state. If the car is not insured for over 30 days then the DMV will suspend your registration.

Many DMVs will require smog tests but you can easily find more information on that and even how to make an appointment so that you don’t have to wait in line by going here.

Good luck!

M

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