So far, the only response I have received from my ward’s constituent services director is an email from the DMV Director essentially saying that the bill I was given is correct, and there is no flexibility. He specified that the reading of the code is that a bill of sale is only used when a NADA value does not exist.

For additional context, the NADA value only tracks dealer sales, not private sales. Insane that private sales are taxed via an inherently unrepresentative guide, while not receiving any of the benefits of purchasing from a dealer (warrany, etc).

Not really. There are two classes of historic vehicles. One is just for parades and events, the other just limits you to 1000 miles annually. I’d do the latter, and have no intention of exceeding that limit.

What’s interesting is that my insurance premium didn’t go up very much. I feel like they’re looking at a different value, and there’s no way I’d get anything close to the NADA value if it got totaled or stolen.

I should’ve mentioned, that’s the first thing I did when I got home. I reached out to constituent services as a first resort, she agreed that the situation seemed wrong and looped in the DMV director’s office. We’ll see what happens.

Montana requires, as I understand, you to set up an LLC, and the cheapest service appears to be around $850. South Dakota appears to offer a similar option for around $500. Vermont allows for a dealer to appraise the car, but that requires bringing it to Vermont. At the end of the day, I want to register in DC, and pay the tax to the city I live in, but not if it's the crazy figure I've been given.

That’s a good suggestion, but VT also uses the NADA Value. I’ll look for an exception, but haven’t found one yet.

If I could register there without being a resident, I would consider it.

The calculation is (Fair Market Value) X (Weight/MPG chart)

I was told no at the DMV, and I haven't found any provision in DC Code that allows for that. In other states, you can.

It could certainly be interpreted as such. I imagine they will say that's for instances in which a vehicle is so obscure that a NADA value doesn't exist. That's how I read it. I agree that it's worth a shot.

I was looking on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace for a month or so before buying this one. I would regularly find running trucks for less than $4000. Honestly, if they told me the value was anything less than $10,000, I'd be pretty annoyed, but pay. But, more than I paid for the truck is insane.

Thanks, that's my plan at the moment.

I read the same regulation. The DMV website specifies "fair market value" but doesn't specify what specific condition they choose. The woman at the service center told me today it's done automatically.

The values are wildly inflated. I have no idea why. This truck in nice condition regularly sells for between $7000 and $15000. Mine is pretty rusty, and needs some mechanical work. $26000 would be for a high-quality restoration.

I got a decent deal, but the absolute most I think I would be able to resell mine for is $4000 on a VERY good day.