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1. Get Started With Car Registration Application Assistance Online
If you have recently purchased a vehicle through a dealership or a private seller, you will need to apply for a car registration. All vehicles in your possession must be registered in your name to be driven legally in your state. You cannot typically apply for a new vehicle registration online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person to register a car. To make sure that you are fully prepared for the process, download our informative digital guide. Our guide contains everything you need to know to register your vehicle with ease. You will also learn how to replace or renew your car registration, and how to change your name or address.
Start simplifying your application process today by visiting your state-specific page:
Select a state to begin:
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2. By Mail
Some states allow residents to register cars by mail. However, these applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as temporarily residing out of state or having purchased the vehicle out of state. To obtain your new car registration by mail, you will need to send your completed application and all necessary documents (such as proof of ID, a bill of sale, an insurance card, etc.) to your local DMV office. You will also need to send in a check or money order for the full payment amount. Due to mailing and processing times, delays are common with the mail-in application method. It may take several weeks for you to receive your new car registration.
3. In Person at a DMV Office
In most instances, you will be required to get your car registration in person at a local DMV office. You must submit a filled-out application, proof of your identity, evidence of the car purchase and proof of auto insurance coverage for the vehicle. Additionally, you need to provide payment for all applicable fees, such as registration fees, titling fees and state taxes. Because many car owners are not sure which forms are required or which fees must be paid, application delays are common at the DMV. Additionally, any mistakes on DMV forms will add to your potential wait time for receiving your new registration.
A car registration is an essential task for all motorists who own vehicles. As a general rule, every state requires its residents to properly register any vehicles that will be driven on public roadways. The procedure of obtaining a new car registration is typically administered by a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). On the other hand, there are often significant variations between states that regard the exact rules and requirements that apply to the vehicle registration process. For example, many DMVs restrict registration documents to residents who have valid drivers licenses that were issued in the states where they reside. Conversely, states like South Dakota do not require motorists to be residents or submit driving credentials in order to register a vehicle.
The DMV registration is often used as a gateway safety measure. States use their registration criteria to keep unsafe vehicles and motorists out of public roadways and to efficiently levy vehicle-related sales taxes and other fees. As a result, certain motorists can regularly expect to undergo safety checkups, emissions inspections and vehicle identification number (VIN) verifications as part of the registration procedure. To learn more about how to register a car in your state, read the sections below.
Car Registration Requirements
When registering a car, motorists can expect to encounter some or all the common requirements detailed below.
Note: Motorists attempting to register a car on behalf of another person or to register a leased car may need power of attorney documents.
Car Insurance Requirements for Registering a Car
State car registration requirements typically include minimum auto insurance coverages. This requirement is designed to protect motorists from the potentially crippling costs associated with auto accidents. For the purposes of a DMV car registration, most states require residents to obtain an insurance policy that covers a wide range of liabilities. Thus, when a motorist is deemed at-fault during an accident, his or her insurer will be tasked with paying for the medical expenses of the individuals who have been injured. These policies may include one or more of the following options:
In some cases, states work with the insurance industry to maintain electronic databases of covered vehicles, which can be accessed for verification when motorists apply for DMV registrations. In other cases, auto owners will need to bring hard copies of their policies or other proof of insurance when applying.
Vehicle Inspection/Smog Inspection/VIN Inspection Requirements
What you need to register a car varies not only by state but also by the characteristics of the vehicle being registered. Overall, states use a combination of procedures to verify the safety and legality of a car being registered. These include:
Registering a Vehicle
You are typically allowed to request a car registration by visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. In general, registrations are often handled at a local or county level. For that reason, additional local-level requirements, such as emissions testing standards, may apply.
Despite the fact that vehicle registration renewal procedures are generally offered through online methods, a new car registration must be obtained in person.
How to Register a New Car
Motorists who purchase brand-new vehicles can expect auto dealerships to include car registration services as part of the sale package. Applicants simply need to provide forms of identification and insurance information, leaving it up to the dealers to handle the rest of the paperwork.
Car dealerships may provide temporary registrations and plates so that motorists can begin driving right away. Permanent documents and plates will be mailed to the vehicle owners’ mailing addresses on DMV records.
Registering a Used Car
Registering a used car entails demonstrating to the DMV that the motorist legally owns the vehicle in question, and that this car meets state safety and emissions standards set by the state. This procedure may also involve proving an applicant’s identity, residency status, insurance status and authority to register the vehicle. Overall, drivers can expect to need the following during a DMV registration procedure:
How to Register a Car in as a New Resident
On average, new residents have between 30 and 90 days to apply for a DMV registration. Like motorists registering used vehicles, new residents may need to get safety, emissions and/or VIN inspections before they can apply to get vehicle registrations.
Once these requirements are met, applicants generally only need to submit car registration application forms, photo identification cards and out-of-state registrations to the appropriate authorities in order to transfer these credentials to their new state of residence.
Vehicle Registration for Military Members
Certain states offer different car registration requirements for military service members. For example, military personnel may be exempt from certain fees, qualify for extended deadlines and have access to additional benefits. On the other hand, assessing the types of applicants who qualify for these privileges differs from state to state. Overall, motorists who serve in the military and veterans can benefit from contacting their state DMV authorities in advance for details.
Temporary DMV Registration
Temporary registrations are available in certain states. Motorists can apply for temporary tags in order to:
Temporary tags are issued in a variety of timeframes. Overall, they must be requested in advance and often require evidence of insurance.
License Plates
The DMV may issue one or two license plates immediately after a vehicle registration is processed. Alternatively, they may issue temporary registrations and mail permanent documents and plates separately. Applicants may request specialty plates when registering if desired, but usually need separate or secondary applications to do so.
Car Registration Fees
The overall car registration cost is a composite of state and local registration fees, inspection fees and taxes. These fees typically vary depending on the duration of the registration, the age and weight of vehicle, as well as other factors.
Car Registration Forms
The particular type of car registration forms that motorists need to submit will be determined by their state DMVs and the types of vehicles they own. Furthermore, certain types of completion certificates related to inspections may be required as well.
Last updated on Monday, June 3 2019.
Sources
Featured ResourceAre You Overpaying for Car Insurance?
SUMMARY: California Driver's Handbook & Manuals
California DMV handbooks and manuals are available for all types of drivers in a wide variety of languages. The CA driver's handbook and other driving manuals have been created to help new-to-state residents, as well as first-time drivers, learn the rules of the road, traffic laws, and safety information. DMV handbooks and driver's manuals include: commercial driver's handbook, motorcycle handbook, CA vehicle code, and the CA driver's manual. For CA drivers looking for more detailed information about traffic laws and regulations, please visit CA DMV Vehicle Codes.
California Driver Handbook
You can access the CA driving manual in multiple languages on the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. Languages include:
The information in the DMV handbook will help you pass the written knowledge exam when you apply for a California driver's license.
To obtain a hard copy of the driver's manual by mail, please contact your local CA DMV office or call (800) 777-0133 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Driving manuals are also available in person at CA DMV offices.
What's in the Driver Handbook?
The California DMV Handbook covers various topics, including:
The drivers manual also includes tips on:
Reading through the DMV handbook is a great way to refresh your memory on the driving rules and regulations in California.
You'll also find information in the driver's manual about the written and driving tests required for a CA driver's license.
Don't Forget an Online Practice Test!
A perfect complement to studying the CA DMV Manual is preparing for the written exam with the help of an online practice test. These industry-leading study guides have been created to help you pass the test on your first attempt. Our certified partner offers practice tests for all types of licenses, including motorcycle and commercial vehicle licenses, that help you learn the information in the driving manuals.
Motorcycle Handbook
View the California Motorcycle Handbook (DL 665) for information about motorcycle operation and licenses in CA. The DMV handbook covers information including:
The motorcycle driver's manual also has some information about preparing for the written knowledge and driving exams.
If you need general information about driving in California, such as road signs and defensive driving practices, see the CA driver's handbook in addition to the motorcycle driving manual.
In addition to studying the motorcycle driving manual, you can take online practice tests to help you prepare for the written exam.
Commercial Driver Handbook
Before applying for a commercial driver's license (CDL), you should take some time to study the California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650), which is available online.
The commercial driver's manual contains information about the following:
The information in the commercial driving manual is the basis for the written test you'll take when you apply for a CDL in California.
Other CA DMV Handbooks
Visit the California DMV website for other driver's manuals and DMV handbooks on topics such as:
These DMV handbooks are designed to offer detailed guidance and information about the specific topics that they cover.
California Vehicle Code
The CA DMV website offers easy online access to the California Vehicle Code.
The Vehicle Code offers more detail than the DMV manual. You'll find a range of information related to all traffic laws, driver's licenses, and vehicle titles and registrations in California.
Keep in mind that Vehicle Code is written in legal language and may be more difficult to understand than the information presented in the driver's handbook.
Learn more about the contents of the Vehicle Code and why you may need it in addition to the California driver's manual.
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