My answer will:
1️⃣ Give you a simple step-by-step plan
2️⃣ Explain how to handle the title, tags, and taxes across state lines
3️⃣ Clear up confusion around where to register and what paperwork you need

✅ TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
You do not need to register the car in North Carolina.
You’ll register it in Pennsylvania, since that’s where you live and will keep the car.

✅ Here’s the short version:
Transfer the title from your family member
Get a temporary transit tag (either from NC or PA)
Drive the car back to PA
Register and title the car in PA
Pay PA sales tax at registration (not in NC)

🧠 Full Answer
📄 1. Title Transfer from Your Family Member (North Carolina)
Make sure the NC title is signed over to you by the seller (your family member)
Verify they complete the odometer reading and seller info
No need to register the car in NC — this is an out-of-state private sale
📌 You’ll bring this title to the PA DMV later to apply for a new PA title in your name

🚘 2. How to Legally Drive It Back to Pennsylvania
You’ll need temporary tags or transport plates to drive the car legally from NC to PA.

You have two options:
Option A: NC Temporary Tag
NC offers a 10-day temporary permit for out-of-state buyers
Your family member must apply for it through the NC DMV
Cost: around $10
Gives you time to drive it back and register in PA

Option B: Tow the Vehicle
If you don’t want to deal with temp tags, you can trailer the car or hire a vehicle transport service

📝 3. Registering the Car in Pennsylvania
Once you’re back in PA, go to a PennDOT-approved tag and title agency with:

✅ NC Title (signed over to you)
✅ Your ID and proof of residency in PA
✅ Proof of insurance
✅ A completed Form MV-1 (Application for Title)
✅ Sales tax payment — PA will charge you 6% (or 7% in some counties)
PA will issue you:
A new PA title
A new registration card
PA license plates

🔍 Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Registering in NC first – Unnecessary. You live in PA, so register it there.
❌ Driving without tags or insurance – Could get you ticketed or towed. Always have temp tags + insurance before driving it home.
❌ Skipping sales tax – Even if it’s a family sale, PA still requires you to pay tax unless it's exempt under specific family relationships (like parent-child). Check with your local tag agent.

🧭 Final Word
✅ Transfer the title in NC
✅ Get temporary tags to drive it back
✅ Register the car and pay tax in PA — not NC
✅ Keep all your paperwork clean and organized

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