Tell me about a DMW car registration please....

[jsoderbe]

Hi guys,

I really want to buy a Porsche to have parked at or south FL vacation home. Now it seems like I have found a nice 964 convertible, chosen because it is the first 911 model with an ok AC capacity.

Funny enough this car was actually really cheap to insure, around $1200 compared to $3500 for a SUV. Even though it is a performance car I guess an Expedition can make more damage....

So, my question is how to get it registred? It might sound like a silly question, but I am not a US citizen and have never ever set foot in a DMV office.

The car is from NC and I will drive it to FL where I want to register it. So the question is how it works, especially since I purchase in another state? Is it difficult? is there anything I need to ask the seller! Do I pay sales tax and if so when? How much does it cost to register and tag it?

Any guidance would be very appreciated.


Thanks,

Johan

[Chuck.H]

You should have a title for the car from SC - take this into a FL DMV office and say you just bought this car - you will have to pay a fee to bring it into the state and registration fees. Bring your proof of insurance, they will want to see this. But otherwise its pretty simple, I bought a motorcycle out of state and it was quite straightforward.

And welcome to Florida, Pompano area is a little crowded, but great! (I'm up in Gainesville, where the University of Florida is).

HTH,
Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 350k miles

[jsoderbe]

Thanks Chuck,

Very appreciated. How much are the fee's? I have no idea.... :-)


Johan

[Etarga]

You will probably need a FL driver's license to register the car. And perhaps proof of residency. Just trying to think ahead to keep you from being sent home and return for another 120 minute wait

[Chuck.H]

From this site it looks like $100 - but that may be if you already own the car.

Register Your Out of State Car

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 350k miles

[Porchcar guy]

The fees should be listed on the DMV website for Florida.

[jsoderbe]

Thanks guys, excellent link. It seems like it will be a few hundred $, and I will only need my passport according to my insurance agent.

So, do I have to pay sales tax when I register the car in FL? I know I dont have to pay sales tax when I buy stuff online from another state, but maybe cars are different?


Regards,

Johan

[petrolblue83911]

In my home state, Mass, yes- you pay the sales tax when you present the title of a newly purchased car (in state) along with the bill of sale. How much depends on the states value of the car, and the state sales tax rate. Here it's 6.5 percent, so 650.00 per 10,000.00

For a car purchased outside of the state I'm not sure u would have to pay local sales tax... Your best bet may be to find a local Florida car insurance agent and run it all by them