Bureau of Motor Vehicles

I went the other day to transfer a title. While I don't mind getting all the info they want, I was amazed that they required me to pay $10 twice for notaries to stamp my new title and the registration but then I also had to bring the seller's driver's license because they didn't trust the notaries! Seems like a scam to me. If you can't trust the notaries, then don't require their stamp!

Amen, divinggirl. I have a friend who used to do inspections at the BMV, and he says the current improvements are the result of MANY years of effort to improve a broken system. It's a bureaucracy, but try getting anything done at the DMV stateside these days after state budge cuts and you may find yourself more appreciative of small-scale bureaucracy versus large-scale. 🙂

I too was amazed the last time I went. I have been to the DMV many times, to register for friends or employers.... it has always been a huge hassle and a pain in the *ss.... this time was smooth as silk, I think I was out in about twenty minutes.

I have been several times in the past year....could we say that.....it's an enjoyable experience?

I like reading positive stories about customer service on this board!

it is especially nice to go on the giveaway days when they bring you a bag full of goodies.

when i went last spring for a title transfer, i was surprised that i couldn't reregister the car in new name unless i had proof that the previous insurance had been canceled. well it makes for an interesting day because the insurance company wouldn't cancel the insurance until they see the stamped copy of the registration which says "insurance cancelled" which is done at the registry. so you have to get a special permit to drive without a registration, i think it is $5 per trip, so 2 permits to get to insurance company and back with an unregistered car, so you can show the people at the registry that your insurance has been canceled. then you can get the new registration.
has that been changed now?

Went there three weeks ago to register car early as we will be off island when it is due. No problems at all.
Did ask about registering a car when buying from another person who might leave island before we get back.
Got two different stories. The lady at the counter where you first go, said no way to do it! Period!:X
The lady at the information counter said that the owner would have to surrender the plates and sticker and sign off with a notary the title. When I come down I would have to come in and get a permit that would allow me to drive without plates down to get them and I don't remember if I get insurance first or not. Then I would have to have something notarized. A hassle but doable.:-X

i called the other day and found out that they close at 2:30...2:30?! Why would they not be open all day, or even until 4...

I had a good experience with the driving license, too. After months of dealing with Minnesota (still no renewal), I opted for the VI license. Even with 30 people ahead of me, it took just one hour. And everyone was courteous and professional.

Terry,

You can sell/buy a car as log as the missing party assigns power of attorney to someone who then needs to go with you to BMV. We've done it with no hassle.