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Topic starter
I searched and couldn't find any posts with our particular situation. I also couldn't get a definitive answer from the Settler's Handbook, or various web sites - including this one. We are tired of the hassles and expense of short-term car rentals when we come to St Croix. I can't seem to get a definite answer to the question: Is it possible for us to buy and register a car in St Croix if we are not full time residents?
I understand that there's a 90 day grace period before I need to get a permanent license.once I move here. And that I can purchase a car without a St Croix license. But can I legally register and keep it there if I have not moved there yet? We own our condo and have private parking. We have a person willing to maintain it between visits. We plan to increase the number and duration of our trips soon to the point where it would be cheaper to own a serviceable, used car. We just can't figure out if we can legally do it.
If not, is there an alternative, like a long-term lease or rental?
Posted : August 4, 2007 4:23 pm
yes you can buy a car without being a resident.
Posted : August 4, 2007 4:43 pm
Terry, who often posts here, owns a condo, lives here only about 2 months a year does own a car. I hope he sees this. Or you can PM him.
Posted : August 4, 2007 4:54 pm
Topic starter
Thanks for the quick response! I was hoping we could do that. Looks like car hunting will be part of our next trip. (One of my favorite activities - NOT!!!)
Posted : August 4, 2007 5:26 pm
Not a problem being a non-resident or part time resident and registering a car.
The only hitch I had when I was in that situation is that every year when I went to renew my auto insurance for the car on STX I had to provide an official copy of my stateside driving record for myself and my wife. This meant a trip to the Illinois Secretary of State's Office (DMV). TherefFor $10 per driver fee, Illinois would provide an official transcripts of our driving records. This was acceptable to Lloyds of London who underwrites our auto insurance on STX.
Jim
Posted : August 4, 2007 5:32 pm
You will avoid some of the hassle other non-residents might face since you own property here and have a physical address to use for the registration. It's tougher sometimes for new arrivals who do plan to be residents to buy a car and then register it with their temporary living quarters as the physical address when they know they will be moving elsewhere soon. They can still legally do it, but it seems awkward.
You may also have an easier time with the insurance company since you have a local physical address so they will likely view you as a new resident and not as an occasional visitor who is leaving their car unattended for long periods of time.
Posted : August 4, 2007 9:10 pm
We shipped a car down there last Nov. I had Berry at Flemming take care of all the registration for me. It is currently using his business address. but I will change it this Nov. when I renew the license.
I didn't have to submit any driving record when I got the insurance. Haven't renew it yet, will again in Nov.
Posted : August 5, 2007 8:00 pm
