We decided to run over to the DMV after work and see about transferring the license plate over to the new car. According to the SC DMV web site I knew I needed to complete Form #400 and have several pieces of paper pertaining to the purchase of the vehicle.
When we got there the first hint of possible trouble was the front parking lot was full and the back nearly so. When we got inside the place was teaming with humanity. I wanted to back out then and there, but Donna said, “We’re here, let’s try.”
First stop and 4 people deep in line is the triage desk. This women makes sure you have what you need or gives it to you to fill out first. No one gets into line unless their paperwork is in order. I had the paperwork already filled out, but I didn’t have a Title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin. I explained that the tag/title clerk at the dealer told me I didn’t need it as she had taken care of that for me earlier in the week. We are waved into the Vehicle Services line.
4 back in line again here. There are 3 clerks for our line, so it shouldn’t be too bad, hopefully (one clerk was tied up with the same people the whole time we are in the building.) We get lucky and the other folks in line in front of us have easy things because we get to a clerk in like 10 minutes.
She takes my completed Form 400 and enters the VIN into her computer. Asks who my insurance carrier is and says, “That’ll be three bucks.” She prints a receipt and my new registration card. She hands me back all the papers and says bye. She didn’t look at any of the stuff the web site said to have. I could have filled out just that one block of the form and it would have been enough. It was all in the computer. Probably would have needed more stuff if the dealer hadn’t registered for the title a couple days before.
I got home and removed the temp tag. I briefly contemplated leaving the dealer’s frame around the plate, but didn’t. I may still put it back or add a different one, the stark mostly white plate needs a black border I think. Maybe one of those thin metal ones. Christmas is coming…