Help - Registering in NC, need appraisals

[MVRight]

Hi all,

Thought MD was a pain to register, NC is working on a close second. Originally titled in MD, trying to title/register in NC. Got the plates, still seem like I have to do an inspection by the Theft bureau, but what DMV has said, for me to get charge highway use tax, I need two appraisals. Title place said, "Any dealer will do an appraisal." 100% fail. No large dealer will do it because they just look up Kelly Blue Book. Tried a couple of independent used car lots and struck out there.

Any advice? I'm in Lexington and while today was completely frustrating, it was a nice day, so ended up putting 50 miles of driving. Guess that gets somewhat of a win.

Thx

[JeffP]

I didn't transfer but registered mine originally in NC. I used my BoS from FF (kit) for the value and thats what they've been charging me for value. It was a very painless process.. met with the theft inspector and took 2min while they validated serials and then about 2 months later I got my title in the mail.

[MVRight]

Yeah, DMV said since past the BoS stage when I did it in MD, needed to go the appraisal route. Going to see about contacting DMV direct and see if still an option since I have all the receipts I used for MD.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Don't register it as a new car 2024. It can be registered as an Antique Auto if registered as a 1965. Perfectly legal. Pay 3% sales tax based on the bill of sale for the parts kit, engine, transmission, rear end. Get the theft bureau check done first.

AA plate gives you three big things, no emission test or safety test on renewal. Very low annual registration tax limit on the car regardless of what you can sell it for. You can run custom plates as long as you keep the issued plate in the trunk.

Go to the NCDMV web site & look up the info for titling & registering home built cars. Most agents don't have a clue.

[MVRight]

Thx, Kevin, but ship might have sailed. MD registered as 2011; NC took the MD title and transferred everything over, so registered as 2011. As I was looking into NC registration, replica registration, which seems similar to AA would have seemed the way to go, but wasn't given that option even though brought it up. Jeff from Whitby's is supposed to call me today, see what he says.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Thx, Kevin, but ship might have sailed. MD registered as 2011; NC took the MD title and transferred everything over, so registered as 2011. As I was looking into NC registration, replica registration, which seems similar to AA would have seemed the way to go, but wasn't given that option even though brought it up. Jeff from Whitby's is supposed to call me today, see what he says.

Ouch, Hope you can work it out. Have to think as vehicles past the 25? year mark there must be a way to get a change to AA status. Car is a replica of a 1965 & the code says replicas can be registered as of the year the originals were built.

At any rate get the inspector in to certify your engine, trans etc legal ownership.

[MVRight]

Jeff from Whitby's checked in with me yesterday. He agreed, what they did doesn't make sense and get it registered as a replica/AA as a 1965 should be the way to go. Also said Factory Five roadsters are "in the book" which NC uses to set the value for property and highway use tax - at $2500. Sweet. Said since it was already titled, also shouldn't need to have it inspected. Advised to go see the License and Theft bureau and talk to them about my situation. Just like all DMVs, our cars are unique, so not a lot of experience on how to handle. Jeff gave me hope, and has a back up plan for me if this fails. See if I can get the the inspectors next week.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Very good news, Congratulations.

[MVRight]

Just a follow up in case others run into the situation. Tricky getting a hold of the Licensing and Theft Bureau, but talked to them today. He confirmed it was titled incorrectly. Said ignore the appraisal requirement and just bring it in for a 15 minute inspection. He also said I had a year to have them look at it from the time I got the registration, so can bring it in when it is warmer. Likely will be registered as a 1965 Factory Five Cobra and avoid all the yearly inspections.

Not quite there, but well on my way.

[BradCraig]

NC DMV is going to be a different experience for each and every office you go to. My challenge was convincing them I did not need an indemnity bond on a build with all new and documented parts. It took me two months to get that worked out. But yeah, 65 and AA reg is the way to go!

[Scott Zackowski]

Glad you are getting things worked out!
I was going to recommend Jeff Collins as a contact to help you out
Glad you figured out how to get a hold of him.
He is a great asset and close to Lexington.