At last! You’ve just bought a vehicle you’ve wanted for a while. It’s a glorious feeling, right? However, before you can enjoy it to the fullest, it’s time to take care of some serious business.

To become a complete car owner, you will need to take these necessary steps after buying a car. These tips will guide you through a sometimes complicated bureaucratic machine.

Start with the title transfer and car registration

One of the first and most important things to do after purchasing a used car is to ensure that the vehicle has a clear title. The title acts as proof of ownership and contains identifying information about the car, such as its make, model, and VIN number (VIN).

However, in addition to obtaining a title, you must register your vehicle. While a title proves that you are the owner, a registration certificate proves that your vehicle is legally permitted to be driven on public roads.

What to do after buying a used car from a dealer?

If you’ve bought a used car from a dealership, they’ve probably handled the title and registration paperwork for you. Simple as that.

In a few states, you can complete the entire process at the dealership and receive temporary tags.

Dealerships will occasionally apply for enlistment, and you will receive your plates via the post office a short time later. However, others will expect you to do their work for them by going to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

What to do after you buy a used car from a private seller?

Buying from a private seller could be handy if you want to buy a used vehicle for a lower price. However, with a private sale, you’ll be responsible for all of the paperwork related to the sale and transfer of ownership.

The documents you’ll need to register your title in your name vary by state, but they could include the following:

The title showing it’s been signed over to you
Bill of sale with the purchase price
Odometer readings
Loan information if you borrowed money to buy the car

You’ll receive a paper or electronic copy of the title after completing the necessary paperwork and paying any applicable taxes and fees.

How do I register a vehicle in the UK?

Like in the United States, car dealers typically register new vehicles and provide you with a V5C logbook.

If you’ve bought a used vehicle in the United Kingdom, you’ll need to fill out a V55/5 form. Both of these documents can be downloaded from Gov.uk, printed, and mailed to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

If the vehicle comes with a logbook, the seller can register it for you online through the DVLA website or by mail. They must also fill out the green slip, hand it over to you, and destroy their copy of the logbook.

If the car does not have a logbook, you must register it in your name using a V62 form and pay a £25 fee.

How do I register a vehicle in Canada?

Registering a vehicle in Canada is relatively simple. Procedures and administrative tasks such as vehicle registration are more straightforward to complete than in other parts of the world.

Here are the essential things to have when registering your vehicle for the first time:

Proof of identity
Your driver’s license
Certificate of sale
Title for the vehicle

How do I register a vehicle in Australia?

All vehicles in Australia are registered in one of the states or territories. Regulations differ from state to state, making the process of buying and selling a little more complicated.

It is critical to become familiar with the state’s laws in which you wish to purchase a vehicle. Some states require a mandatory technical inspection when renewing the registration (NSW, NT) or purchasing/selling a vehicle (ACT, QLD, VIC). As a result, you must be in the state for the technical inspection.

Furthermore, both the seller and the buyer must fill a bill of sale for a motor vehicle. Every bill of sale must include the following information:

Make and model
Color of vehicle body
Manufacturing date
Vehicle plate number
Vehicle Identification Number
Date and price of sale
Names, addresses and signatures of the seller and buyer

Buy the car insurance

Vehicle insurance. Another essential element that you must not ignore or overlook. Most countries need you to obtain insurance before registering your vehicle and getting license plates. With this in mind, consider the following three types of auto insurance.

Basic liability coverage. This type of car insurance is needed to pay for damages or injuries when you’re liable.
Collision insurance. It helps pay to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive insurance. This type of insurance covers your car for weather-related damages. Also, it protects you in case the car is damaged by fire, theft or vandalism.

Familiarize yourself with all of the car’s features

It will take some time to get used to the settings and features of any vehicle. If this is your first time driving a car, this is not something you want to do on the road.

Slow down and familiarize yourself with all of the features while stationary. If you switch from a Volkswagen to a Jeep, for example, you might have trouble turning on the windscreen wipers because the two manufacturers’ interior architectures are so dissimilar. Furthermore, some vehicles may have a plethora of settings that you can customize. Taking care of these settings before going on the road will make driving much more enjoyable.

Change the necessary fluids

No matter the vehicle’s age, they all require proper and regular maintenance. Of course, the time intervals depend on the vehicle’s age, engine or even transmission type.

Most vehicles come equipped with an owner’s manual, in which the owner can find all the important information, including info on maintenance. If your vehicle doesn’t have an owner’s manual, don’t worry. Dozens of online forums and communities of specific manufacturers can help you find the answer online.

Regardless of the information in the user manual, every owner of a used vehicle should adhere to basic maintenance guidelines. Schedule a visit to a workshop after you purchase a car and make the following changes:

Change engine and transmission oil.
Change spark or glow plugs, the timing belt, and the water pump.
If your vehicle has a timing chain, change the timing tensioners.

Buy the necessary items

In some parts of the world, car drivers are required to carry a number of tools that can be useful in an emergency.

For example, if you’re driving a vehicle in the UK or United States, drivers are not required to carry a fire extinguisher, but in countries such as Belgium, Bulgaria or Poland, fire extinguishers are mandatory. Whatever the case, carrying a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit is a good idea.

In the event of an unexpected emergency, a first aid kit or fire extinguisher can help save your life or the life of another person.

Improve it

One of the most charming qualities of automobiles is that owners can improve them in numerous ways. And I’m not necessarily talking about expensive modifications, which improve engine power and worsen fuel efficiency.

Every vehicle owner should consider underbody corrosion protection and vehicle body protection against pebbles or scratches. Such damage is the most dangerous because later on, these tiny scratches can evolve into corrosion hot spots that aren’t so cheap to remove.

Of course, no one is forcing you to take additional measures, but they can be handy in the long term, especially when it comes to selling your vehicle after a few years of driving. The bigger the resale value, the bigger your smile.

Go for a joy ride

Finally, It’s time to enjoy the benefits of your new car. Once you’ve registered and insured your car, and any major or minor defects have been addressed, start the engine.

Just take a ride and enjoy the freedom having a car offers!

FAQ

How long do you have to register a car after purchase?

It depends on the state or country you are living in. For example, in the United States – it’s 30 days, in Canada - it’s 10 days.

Just bought a car. How long can I drive without registration?

The rules for vehicle registration after purchase vary by state, and in some cases, even by county or local DMV office. Visit your local DMV website for more information.

Do I really need to read a vehicle manual?

No. However, a vehicle manual will help you understand how a specific vehicle operates and what it needs for proper maintenance.

Do I need to go to the local DMV after buying a used car?

No. You can register your new or used automobile and get permanent license plates at your dealership.

Do dealerships register cars for you?

Yes. Most of the time, when you buy a vehicle through a dealership, the dealer handles the title and registration paperwork for you.

When do I get the license plates for my used car?

If you bought a vehicle in the dealership, you will receive your plates in the mail in 2-3 weeks. However, if you are buying a used car from a private seller, you will almost always have to wait in line at the DMV.

How to register a used car?

Find your state on the DMV website for specific information on your state’s vehicle registration requirements, fees, and taxes (if applicable).

How long does it take to get a car registration from a dealer?

In some states, you’ll receive all the necessities right after the paperwork is finished. Regardless of where you live, your car will be entirely in your name within 30 days.

What happens if an auto dealer fails to register your vehicle?

If the dealership fails to submit the documentation, including all essential information, they may face penalties ranging from fines to the loss of their license.

How do I check the status of my vehicle registration?

The easiest and quickest way to check your vehicle’s registration status is online in the local state’s DMV website. You will need your plate type and registration number.

Should I buy a used car from a dealership?

It depends. If you don’t want to lift a finger through buying a used car process, the dealership will handle the necessary paperwork and take care of other details. Also, dealerships have another advantage – they offer used cars with a warranty.

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