DMV Vehicle Registration

All vehicles in any state must be registered through that state’s DMV. The process of vehicle registration is required if you:

• Have purchased a new vehicle
• Are a new resident in the state and wish to register an out-of-state vehicle
• Changed ownership on a new or used vehicle

From out-of-state. If you have just moved to the state, you must title and register your vehicle yourself. You can title and register your vehicle during the same trip, so be sure to bring all required paperwork and fees to the DMV.

From a private owner. If you purchased your vehicle from a private owner, you need to transfer ownership. Both the seller and the buyer must sign and date the back of the vehicle title. The buyer then needs to go to the state's DMV to update the existing vehicle registration by applying to transfer the vehicle title under his/her name.

From a car dealership. Purchasing a used or new car from a dealership typically means the paperwork is done for you. You’ll just need to be sure the dealer has titled and registered the vehicle properly.

 

 

 

Vehicle Registration Requirements:

 

• Present the vehicle’s title (or title application)
• Some states require you to show the Vehicle Bill of Sale
• Provide proof of vehicle insurance
• Provide proof of residency
• Certain states require proof of paid personal property taxes
• Pay a registration fee
• If you have a license plate you want to transfer to the new vehicle, you must provide that vehicle’s/plate’s registration information.
• If leasing a vehicle, show your lease agreement

Once you successfully register your car, you will receive two license plates that you must display on your vehicle—one on the front, one on the back. Some states require an annual mechanic inspection to assure the quality and safety of your vehicle. Consult your state’s DMV for specific requirements including procedures, fees, application forms, and other important documents.  Click on your state below get more information from your state's DMV website.

 

 

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut D.C. Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas

Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland  Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico  New York North Carolina

North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina  South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

 

Create your Free Vehicle Bill of Sale

Laws on this topic may vary from state to state. This content is not meant to provide you with complete information and it is not intended to be legal or tax advice. It is recommended that you consult with your own attorney, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation.