What is a car registration?
A motor vehicle registration is simply the legaldocumentation that your vehicle is registered with a government authority. Itestablishes a link between a vehicle and the owner or user of the vehicle.
After purchasing a vehicle you need to register it with yourlocal Department Of Motor Vehicles, Secretary of State, Department of Revenue,Motor Vehicle Division or other local body that is responsible for settingvehicle regulations in your state.
Before You Register Your Car, You’ll Need to:
- Have a title in yourname
- Pass an emissions orsmog check
- Pass a vehicle safetyinspection
- Be covered by carinsurance
There are Three Registration Categories: Renewal, New Purchase,New Resident
We’ll use our home state of Maryland as the example here. Thevehicle registration process in Maryland requires that you visit your local MVAoffice with your driver’s license, vehicle title, bill of sale and payment foryour registration fee.
Depending on whether your vehicle is new or used, or if youare a Maryland state resident, you may also provide additional paperwork.
Maryland requires that all vehicles be registered with theMVA in order to legally be driven on the road.
New Resident
If you’re new to the state of Maryland, you must registeryour vehicle within 60 days of moving. You will be titling your vehicle at thesame time as getting your vehicle registration.
Before you go to register, be aware that you must have asafety inspection completed on your car. Documents required:
- A vehicle title from your previous state
- A completed Application for Certificate of Title
- If your vehicle is leased, your lease agreement and proof ofmonthly payments
- A completed Security Interest Filing Statement, if there ismore than one lien on your vehicle
- A power of attorney if anyone other than you is registeringyour vehicle and signing the titling forms
- The Maryland Safety inspection Certificate from a licensedMD inspection station -the certificate is only valid for 90 days after it isissued
- Payment for the Maryland vehicle registration/title fees andany applicable taxes
Renewing Your Registration
The state of Maryland sends a renewal notice approximately60 days prior to the expiration of your current registration certificate. Thisapplies to all vehicle. The notice includes:
- A renewal fee
- Deadline for renewal
- Emissions check requirements
- List of red flags
In Maryland, there are several options for renewing yourregistration. You can renew online, in person, by phone, mail, or even at aself-serve kiosk.
Whichever you choose, in order to renew, you’ll need thesame basic information ready:
- Current Registration or Registration Renewal Notice
- Completed Emissions Test Certificate, if required.
- Proof of Car Insurance
- License Plate Number
- Your means or Payment, whether it be Check or Credit Card
Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership (Like Krietz!)
Car Dealerships usually submit the registration and titlingpaperwork for you when you purchase a vehicle. You receive a bill of sale andeither temporary or permanent tags/license plates. And your Title is mailed toyour provided address.
If your dealer does not handle registration paperwork foryou, you must visit your local MVA branch office and submit the followinginformation:
- Completed Application of Certificate of Title
- Insurance Information
- Ownership Documents
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement
- Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate
- Lien or Lienholder information
- Payment
- Power Of Attorney
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