If you're in the market for a new car, don't stop your research at vehicle mileage and models. It's also important to understand requirements for car registration—and not doing so can cost you.
Along with car insurance, car registration is one of the most important things you need as a car owner. If you don't register your vehicle, you're putting yourself at risk for tickets, points on your license, penalty fees, increased auto insurance rates, and even impoundment and arrest.
Avoid any surprises by making sure you're knowledgeable about what responsibilities are expected of you as a car owner. Read on for everything you need to know about car registration requirements.
What Is Car Registration?
Your registration links your car to you. State laws require that you register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to be able to legally drive it on the road. It experiences every one to two years.
When registering your vehicle, you'll receive:
- A registration card
- A license plate
- A registration sticker to place on your license plate
Remember to keep your registration card nearby whenever you drive. If you get pulled over and don't have a copy available, you can receive a citation or fine. Most drivers keep their proof of insurance and registration in their glove compartment, along with any other state-required documentation (like safety and emissions tests).
When You Need to Register a Car
Wondering when you need to register your newly purchased vehicle? Depending on the state you live in, your car needs to be registered within a certain period of time.
Are you thinking of buying your new or used vehicle from a car dealership? Many locations will handle the registration process for you for an extra fee. Depending on your state and car dealer, this service can range. Some dealers will give you a license plate, while others will give you a temporary tag that you can drive home with.
If you're buying your car through a private seller, or you don't have a dealership take care of it for you, then you'll need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles to register your car. The number of days that you have to register your car post-sale depends on your state.
Some states have exemptions regarding which vehicles require registration. Off-highway recreational vehicles, for example, have state-by-state guidelines for registration and titling requirements. Check with your local agency to see if your vehicle falls into an exemption category.
What You Need to Register a Car
The paperwork and identification required to register your car vary depending on the state you live in. Check your local department's website to see what forms you'll need, along with taxes and registration fees. Typically, transportation agencies require:
Proof of Insurance
Check your state's laws for insurance requirements before visiting the DMV. In most states, drivers must show proof of insurance before a vehicle can be registered. Other states will allow you a certain amount of time to get insurance on your car after it's been registered.
Remember that your insurance needs to meet your state's minimum coverage requirements, so make sure to double-check your policy.
Car Title
Your car title proves that you legally own your vehicle. Whether you purchase your vehicle from a dealership or private seller, you should always receive a title as part of the transaction. This legal document includes important personal information like your name and address, along with details about your car like its make, year, model, and vehicle identification number.
Vehicle Inspection
Some states require vehicles to undergo vehicle inspections before they can be registered, and then have those inspections repeated every one to two years prior to vehicle registration renewal. Depending on your state's requirements, this can include safety tests, emissions tests, and/or smog checks.
How Much Car Registration Costs
Like many aspects of car registration requirements, associated costs vary widely by state. You should also be prepared to pay associated county and state taxes and registration fees. Some states only charge a flat rate, while others require you to pay registration taxes based on the weight, age, and/or value of your vehicle.
Additionally, you'll need to pay a renewal fee every one to two years when you renew your registration.
When to Renew Your Registration
Most states offer the option of renewing your registration for either one or two years. This can often be easily done online or via email, with your new registration card and tags sent to your home or available for quick pickup at the DMV.
Take careful note of when your registration expires, and when the window for renewals opens so you can get a head start. In the state of Florida, for example, vehicle registration expires at midnight on the owner's birthday and can be renewed up to three months in advance of that date.
Remember that some car registration renewal requirements include vehicle inspections, so plan for that to be completed ahead of time if necessary.
What Are the Risks of Not Registering Your Car or Renewing Your Registration?
It's important to keep your vehicle's registration up to date and stay on top of your renewal deadline. In many states, the longer drivers wait to renew their registration, the more serious the penalties.
For a vehicle that's less than six months past the expiration date, the driver might receive a non-moving violation. For those that exceed six months, this can turn into points on their license. In some states, depending on the severity, drivers of unregistered cars can even receive jail time.
Unregistered vehicles can cost you in other ways too. Auto insurance companies often charge higher rates for drivers with points on their license or excessive traffic tickets. Additionally, many DMVs charge delinquent registration fees for drivers who don't renew their registration on time. For some states, this fee can be applied as soon as a month following the renewal expiration date.
Know What to Expect for Your Requirements for Car Registration
Requirements for car registration are just one of the many things to consider before purchasing a car. From calculating the value of used cars to looking up a VIN number, we want you to feel empowered about car ownership.
Take advantage of our comprehensive vehicle history reports and services like free odometer checks to ensure you're making informed decisions and buying the best car for you.
