hi,
since ill be looking for a nice ride, when i move to chattanooga, i like to know, what i need to get it on the road.

I have never bought a car in the us. What kind of papers do I need? How do i get a licens plate?
Is there something like an historical registration like the H-Kennzeichen over here in germany?

thank you for helping!

regards
Eike

Thank you Bignick!

And what papers must a car have to register it?

I have read a lot about titles, clear titles ect.

Thank you!

A title is the most important paper associated with car. It's pretty much the proof of ownership. They aren't clear, they are mostly green. When people say clear, they mean no one has a lien on it or it hasn't been wrecked and rebuilt. The title has a place on the back to put the mileage of the vehicle (or a place to note if the speedometer is wrong) and a place for the buyer and seller to sign. All cars in Tennessee have to have a title. Cars from nearby states sometimes don't have a title (GA and some others) but you have to get the registration for the car in order to register it in Tennessee.

If you buy a car for cheaper than the average market value, they make you get another form signed by the seller so they can assess the taxes accordingly.

Let's say you buy a 74 vw bug from TN to be registered in Hamilton County for the average price according to NADA, you'd need the title signed and filled out, proof of residency (mail or a bill) and some money to pay taxes and fees.

If it's a 75, you have to get the engine's emissions checked and everything else is the same.

If the 74 is from GA, get the registration from the owner along with a notarized bill of sale instead of a title.

A 75 from GA would need the registration, notarized bill of sale and the emissions checked.

What are you looking to get? I think anyone in the club is willing to help you find out how to do it. Maybe when I start mowing my grass again, I'll walk over and ask Mr. Knowles what someone from over seas has to do differently (the county clerk lives next door)
 

Zen.. I like the bus

I guess this was another one of my BS questions.   I think I'm a bit biased since I've taught 4-7 kids how the drive.  Just one student did not pass.  With kids, they lay on that starter 2-3 seconds after the engine is running .  I get to hear the squeal of the endangered starter gear.  That's why I say as soon as the engine starts to take.  Take you cotton picking hands off the key.  SC

thank you for bringing my thread back up, doenst matter that it wasnt meant to be written here