Related Questions from DMV Answers

• If I just bought a car, how long do I have to file for my car registration?

  It all depends on your state of residence. Each motor vehicle office imposes its own timeline for vehicle registration (see grid below). Some states impose late car registration fees. The amount again depends on state. Oregon's late fees, for example, range from $25 to $50. So it's in your best interest to know your state's registration timeline before purchasing a vehicle. This way you'll know beforehand if you're on the clock, as they say, to file registration forms. If your time is tight, keep in mind that most states require registering in person at a DMV office or sub-station. Of course, if you purchased this car from a dealership you won't have to worry. Dealerships generally, by rule, will file car registration papers for you. To play it safe, however, it's always wise to confirm..

  Read More >>

• What is required to do a title change?

  The grid below highlights the documents your state requires. As you check your state’s title change requirements, keep in mind: Some states require title transfers and registration at the same time. If your state does, you’ll need to consider additional documents and fees for registration purposes. Even if your state doesn’t require you to register the vehicle at the same time, it may still require typical registration-related documents, such as proof of insurance and the previous owner’s registration certificate, during the title transfer. Most states that require an Odometer Disclosure Statement or for the seller to record the odometer reading on the back of the title only do so if the used car is fewer than 10 years old; however, it’s a good idea to record..

  Read More >>

• Do I need smog certification to complete a title transfer?

  Some states require that the car’s owner provide a smog check or emissions certificate prior to the title transfer, while others make it the buyer’s responsibility to get a smog check, if a smog check is required in the state. Certain states only have smog requirements in higher-population counties. Check with your state’s motor vehicle agency for specifics...

  Read More >>

• Where can I get a release of liability form?

  Not every state requires a specific release of liability form (see grid below) during a title transfer. If, however, you do reside in a state that requires this form, you can grab one from your local DMV office. Or, in some instances, download a copy from your state's DMV Web site. This form goes under many names. Arizona, for example, calls it a Sold Notice. California refers to it as a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability. And Ohio names it a Customer Request to Cancel Vehicle Registration form. Keep in mind that just because your state does not require a specific Release of Liability form, does not mean you're free from notifying your DMV office. In lieu of a specific form, many states substitute surrendering the vehicle's license plates as adequate notification. Others require a..

  Read More >>

• What is the law about children in front seat?

  Did you know that auto accidents are the top killer of children? In a lot of cases, children who die in these accidents are not properly buckled in. Many of these deaths can be prevented through proper usage of seat belts and child safety seats. Once a child outgrows a booster seat, he or she should continue riding in the back seat with a seat belt until around age 13. However, some passenger safety organizations such as SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. suggest children should keep riding in the back seat until they are ready to drive themselves. Most states don’t have a specific age for children to ride in the front seat of a vehicle, but many recommend for children to ride in the back seat as long as possible. Airbags are designed for the average adult male who weighs approximately 165..

  Read More >>