DMV FEE at Salvage Auto Auctions – what is it? who pays it?
Last edit: March 06 2024 • 1457 view
Once in a while, we receive messages from customers at CARS4.BID asking about the meaning of DMV fees listed in the Note section below the Title field. In this short article, I, Andrew ‘Autohacker’ Ivanov, will attempt to explain what they are and who can benefit from them at salvage auto auctions. This week I got a question about 2010 Mercedes-Benz S550. My customer was confused about the $1,669 DMV FEE note despite the clean title and some front-end damage.
Let’s break it down.
What is DMV Fee?
“DMV fee” due typically denotes the amount that individuals must pay to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This fee is for various services concerning vehicle registration, title transfers, and other administrative processes. These fees may vary based on factors like the vehicle type, its value, and the state or jurisdiction where registration occurs.
DMV fees may include charges for vehicle registration, title issuance, license plate issuance, emissions testing, and other related services. The specific fees and their amounts can vary widely from state to state.
In the context of a vehicle purchase from salvage auto auction, “DMV fee” would indicate the total amount of fees that the buyer is required to pay to the DMV to complete the registration and titling process for the vehicle.
Who pays it?
The responsibility for paying DMV fees falls on the buyer of the vehicle. Besides paying registration fees, title fees, license plate fees, and any applicable taxes or surcharges, you will also pay $1,669 for the example above.
Be sure to factor in these fees when calculating the final price of the vehicle. Especially if you intend to register it in the USA.
Utilize the CARS4.BID price calculator to determine the final price. For example, if the winning bid for the car is $3,000, the total price for the vehicle at the auction, including all auction fees and transaction fees, will be $4,312. In addition, you would need to add $1,669 for DMV fees due, making the total $5,981.
Export
If you are out of the country, you’re in luck! When you purchase a vehicle for export purposes and choose not to register it in the USA, you may indeed be exempt from paying DMV fees. These fees typically associated with vehicle registration and title transfer within the United States.
So, if you do export you do not need to worry about DMV FEE $1669. You just pay the price for the vehicle, auction and transaction fees and any export associated fees. That’s it.
Conclusion
DMV fees are due to pay in the USA when you register the car, but when you export, you are exempt.
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