Vehicle registration explained
By Allstate
Last updated: January 0001
Registering your vehicle with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or transportation agency is a legal requirement for proving ownership and operating a vehicle on public roads. That is why you need to understand how to register your vehicle and the responsibilities that come along with maintaining a vehicle’s registration. In this article, we will cover what you should know.
What is vehicle registration?
A vehicle registration is an official document verifying that a vehicle can be legally driven off private property and connects the vehicle to the owner and the state. Registration must be filed for vehicles when you purchase a vehicle, or move to a new state, and must be renewed before the registration’s expiration date.
Some states require that vehicles pass certain emissions or safety tests to be legally driven on public streets. In these cases, registration also serves as proof that your vehicle has met those legal requirements.
Vehicle registration vs. title
A vehicle title is a legal document that establishes ownership of the vehicle and provides details such as the owner’s name, vehicle identification number (VIN), and any liens on the vehicle. A vehicle registration links the car to its owner for regulatory and tax purposes and certifies that it is legally permitted to be driven on public roads.
What is a vehicle registration number?
A vehicle registration number is a unique code assigned to a vehicle when it is registered with the local authority. This number is typically printed on your vehicle registration documentation issued by the state and should always be stored in your vehicle. You also may be issued a registration sticker that you must affix to your license plate to serve as a quick visual indicator of your vehicle’s registration for law enforcement.
Where can you find your vehicle registration number?
You are assigned a vehicle registration number when you are issued your vehicle registration. This number will be printed on your registration card and may also be found on your registration sticker which should be applied to your license plate. This can vary by state so you should verify this information with your DMV or local state authority.
Is vehicle registration legally required?
Yes. Though license registration is handled on a local level, all U.S. states require you to have valid license registration to drive on public roads according to findlaw.com. Failure to maintain your registration may result in fines and negative legal ramifications.
If you are pulled over, or are in an accident, you may be asked to produce your license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Failure to do so can lead to further legal complications, and an expired registration is a valid reason for law enforcement to stop you.
How do you register your car?
The vehicle registration process and requirements are decided on the local level. Typically, this may involve a visit to the DMV, however some states are allowing residents to register their vehicle and renew online.
For more specific information you should refer to your state’s local rules and regulations.
Is insurance required to register a car?
Liability insurance is required to drive a car legally in just about every state, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Because of this, you must provide proof of insurance to register your car in most states.
How long does a vehicle registration last?
How much does vehicle registration cost?
Vehicle registration costs vary depending on several factors including the state you reside in. There can also be taxes associated based on where you live and additional fees based on the type of vehicle and if it is commercial vs non-commercial. Below are some example registration fees in several states for non-commercial passenger vehicles (at the time this article was written).
State |
Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
$126 | |
$225 | |
$151 | |
$302.40 | |
$100 |
Can you renew your vehicle registration online?
Some states do have options to renew your registration online. Here are a few examples of states that allow it:
This list is not exhaustive. If you would like to renew your registration online, check to see if your local authority allows online renewals by visiting your state’s DMV website.
Can you get insurance on an unregistered car?
Yes. You can get insurance on an unregistered vehicle. In fact, in most states, you will have to get liability insurance before you are permitted to register your vehicle with the state.
Vehicle registration FAQs
According to Goodcar.com, you’ll typically need:
- A valid driver’s license
- Car title or lease agreement
- Proof of insurance
- A completed registration application
- Payment for registration fees
Depending on your state’s rules and regulations you may also need to supply:
- Odometer disclosure statement
- Emissions test results
- Vehicle inspection results
To receive complete and accurate information for your locale, check directly with your state motor vehicle services.
Yes. It is illegal to drive a car with an expired registration in every state though the specific penalties can vary based on local laws and regulations. These penalties can range from fines to vehicle impoundment and can serve as a valid reason for law enforcement to pull you over according to Sulte Law Firm.
It is also important to note that these penalties tend to become more severe as the period since the expiration of your registration increases. Ideally, you should always make sure that your vehicle registration is up to date, whether this means relying on calendar reminders, renewal notices, or pursuing registration as soon as you purchase a new car.