[Rabia]

All,

I am currently serving in Germany and am soon due back inbound to the USA. I am uncertain on how the process works to when you register a new car in the US. I have spent the entire time in Europe and have no idea how much tax if any would need to be paid on a new 2012 F10 550i.

Any input would not only help me but I am sure it would assist others as well. I know it would vary by state. However, I am going to be in TX for 2months. I am sure I would need to register it there if I want to continue to drive my car else where.

[Rabia]

I found this on Louisiana :

http://www.rev.state.la.us/forms/pub...164(08_02).pdf

[raleedy]

I found this for Texas using something called a "Google":

http://www.dmv.org/tx-texas/apply-license.php

"Calculate the Fees
In order to simplify registration fees, the state, as of September 1, 2011, now charges the following standardized fees:

Passenger vehicles and trucks weighing 6,000 pounds and less―$50.75
All vehicles weighing between 6,001 and 10,000 pounds―$54
Motorcycles and mopeds―$30
In addition, you'll also be charged a local county fee, which will be included on your renewal notice. Depending on your county, the fee will range from $5 to $11.50.

In certain situations you’ll face additional fees, so it’s a good idea to contact your county tax office to avoid any surprises.

NOTE: Current motor vehicle tax rate: 6¼ percent."

[vdubturbo]

Every state is different. Just do a google.us search on "Texas DMV" or whatever state you're planning on registering in. Most states have a title fee, registration fee, and require insurance. Also, there might be a safety or emissions test required. Taxes are the other thing worth searching on.

I believe if you insure the vehicle once you get it here, you have 30 days to get it titled and registered... at least that's the case here in VA.

[ImSW1]

Having just done this here's what I know and some advice.

You'll get shipping plates which are good for 90 days from the date of issue. You can drive on these plates until your temporary registration expires. Now this is where it get's weird. In some States you're required to register your vehicle within 30 days of it entering the State, so if you don't you could be hit with a penalty for not meeting their requirement. Of course only you truly know when the car actually entered the State.

You also run into an issue with taxes. Some States require that you own the vehicle for 6 months, or you become liable for taxes on the purchase price of the vehicle. Obviously this is a huge amount in the middle of a PCS, so it's the last thing you want to hear when you try to title your new car.

The shipping company, either E.H. Harms or the VPC contractor will give you all the documentation that you need to show that the vehicle is U.S. spec and meets federal emission standards, so you don't have to do anything there.

So, now for my advice. Don't rely on a DMV website. Call the DMV or whatever they call themselves in the State your going to and ask for the titling division. They'll tell you all the requirements that your going to need to meet to get the vehicle titled at a reasonable cost to you. You absolutely need to know if there is a minimum amount of time you need to own the vehicle before attempting to title it. Trust me you don't want to get surprised by an additional $5K bill right in the middle of your move. The titling office will also be able to give you an estimate on costs to get your new title and plates.

Sean

[Rabia]

Thanks Sean!

[radarguy]

Rabia - Some questions. Is this a US Spec car? Have you bought it yet? Your profile shows a 2011 328i.

[Rabia]

Originally Posted by radarguy

Rabia - Some questions. Is this a US Spec car? Have you bought it yet? Your profile shows a 2011 328i.

I ordered it and yes its a US spec car. Its being built.

[listerone]

I never owned a car while in the Army but my understanding is that taxes,registration regs,etc are controlled by the state you listed on your enlistment papers as your "home of record".But I certainly could be wrong on that (it's been 40+ years).

[radarguy]

Being a US Spec car solves a lot of import problems. If you are in the Armed Services, there must be people around the base that can guide you although a think that as someone suggested a direct contact with a state DMV is your best bet.

[JAGD]

I bought an Audi several years ago while in Germany and when I went to title it in Alabama they asked me "did you drive this car in Germany"? When I said yes, they didn't charge any tax other than the usual fees. Actually I had only test driven it for about 50 kilometers, but the magic words were "driven in germany". Also be sure and wear your uniform when you go to the DMV as that helps as well.

[ImSW1]

JAGD,

Same story when I brought a previous car back. No taxes. It's definitely State dependent.

Then I went to title my new 5 here in Ohio...they wanted $3200 for taxes alone. I was told that I had to have owned the car for 6 months or they had to charge me taxes for it, and there weren't any waivers for it. Luckily I was about a week out from the 6 month mark, so I waited the week.

I like your advice on the uniform though. The folks in the titling office were extremely helpful, just couldn't help me out on the 6 month requirement.

I'm also taking for granted that the OP is bringing in a US spec car. It would be extremely expensive not to have it built to US specifications and then try to ship it home.

Sean