How to register a vehicle from out of country (Franklin: real estate, credit score)

[tinkerbellefrozenincanada]

Hello everyone, can you tell me how I would go about registering a vehicle when we move from Canada to the US?

As well, looking for a good chevrolet dealership in the Franklin area.

Thanks!

[groovamos]

I can tell you from experience that it is almost impossible to do this without significant cost. I tried to help my girlfriend with her car bought in Mexico that she actually drove illegally in Aspen, CO for about 3 years with expired Mexican plates. She finally almost gave the car away. The problem is that cars made for other countries do not conform to the safety, emission, and various other standards that our rulers impose on us. Now there are companies that can bring your car into compliance with US standards, and this is probably easier to accomplish on a Canadian model than a Mexican model, and probably not as expensive. I actually talked to several of these folks and it was going to cost more than my girlfriend's car was worth to do it.

[CountryGirl2b=]

From what I can tell (I am a Google Queen) cars from Canada have a much better chance than cars from Mexico! Here is a website with all the information including what looks to be a link to a list of cars that are acceptable without modification. Will take a bit of reading but better doing it BEFORE you bring the car across!

Importing Canadian Vehicles | Importing Vehicles and Engines | US EPA

[tinkerbellefrozenincanada]

Thanks for the info. I have the information regarding importing it. And it meets all the standards that way, it's just getting it registered once I move to Tennessee. I will probably end up trading in when I purchase a new car, but until then I want to make sure I can get it registered. The main difference is kilometers v. miles. Is there a registry of sorts?

Thanks.

[tinkerbellefrozenincanada]

PS, Hi we have exchanged emails before and you seem to know a lot about Franklin. We are hoping to move in July. We came in October and looked at some homes in Fieldstone Farms and Founders, we want to stick to that side of Franklin, so my younger daughter can attend Franklin High. In any event, what utilities company services Franklin, as well as cable, phone, etc. Can you explain to me how this works to get things set up?

Thanks!

[rossc]

Call DMV but I'm pretty sure as long as you have a good title and the car passes MARTA, you won't have a problem. When I lived in NH I bought a couple of cars in Canada and brought them over the border. There was no issues at the border or titling them in NH.

[BirdieBelle]

You need to call the county clerk's office in whichever county you'll be living. They are in charge of registering vehicles and can tell you everything you need to know.

[CountryGirl2b=]

For Williamson County, you first need to get an emissions control test. Then take the results of the test to the Department of Motor Vehicles and they will help you register the car, get license plates, and a new 'Title'. You will need to have your title to the car, proof that you own it. It's an official document. Not sure what the equivalent is in Canada. Here is the website:

Williamson County, TN - Official Site - Motor Vehicles

Your real estate agent should tell you where to sign up for the utilities. Here are the companies that serve Fieldstone Farms BUT it does depend on where you buy your house. There may or may not be a deposit required, depending on your credit score and if you have had service with them before. I would be prepared to pay a deposit since you are moving from out of the country.

Water and Garbage:
City of Franklin : Home
(For water, garbage pick up, and sewer fees)

Electric - Middle Tennessee Electric
MTEMC: Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation
(This is a 'collective' that you join - I think it's about $35)

Gas (if you have it) - Atmos Energy
1-888-286-6700
atmosenergy.com

Cable TV and internet - there are a lot of options, Comcast, AT&T, Dish . . . . for budget purposes I'd figure $100 a month. You can get 'bundles' - phone, cable TV, internet - for about $100 from AT&T or Comcast. If you plan on using your cell phone you might have to get a US plan, a new SIM card? You don't want to rack up international calling fees.

Again, your Real Estate agent should really help you with companies specific to where you move.

Best of luck!

[tinkerbellefrozenincanada]

Thanks, you are right, once I know what part of Franklin we will be purchasing in we will be able to determine the utilities.

What would you say your average cost would be for:

Heat/Air/Water/Electricity

Cable/phone/internet?

thanks!