FlyJSH

Howdy all,

What is your experience with registering a car out of state (especially for those based in MN)? I looked at the state regs, and as far as I can tell, the only way to register is if I were a MN resident (and pay the ridiculous income tax). What have y'all done?

Thanks
J

rickair7777

Check with your state of residence. CA actually allows a CA resident to register a car that is located out of state in situations like this, and you don't have to smog the car. I can't recall if the car needs to visit CA to get registered initially, but subsequent annual registrations can be done by mail. I think you do need an out-of-state address that they can mail the registration to...they want to make sure the car really IS out-of-state since it won't be smogged. If you don't have a crashpad, maybe use a local buddy's address.

I'd be very careful about registering a car in your domicile where you get a W-2, especially if it's a tax-happy state...they'll send you a bill for back taxes first, and ignore your questions later.

Also IRCC from classic-car enthusiast forums, a few states allow ANYONE to register a car without the car being present or smogged regardless of where they or the car is located, certain New England states?