How to Register a Car in Another State After Moving

Moving to a new state can prove to be both stressful and expensive at the same time. But depending on the specific reason to move to another state (Why Do People Move?), it can also be an exciting adventure as you’re starting a brand-new chapter in your life.

You’ll probably be eager to start that new job, explore the new state, make new friendships, and enjoy the new change of scenery.

Moving to a different state also means tons of post-move tasks you just have to take care of, including registering your car in the state you just moved to. And while registering a car in a new state is not an overly complicated job, it also involves purchasing a new auto insurance policy and applying for a new driver’s license.

Read on to learn how to register a car in another state after moving there. To simplify the whole car registration process, we’ve divided it into three steps: 1. Auto insurance policy, 2. Vehicle registration, and 3. Driver’s license.

What to know before registering a car in another state

Before you rush to the nearest DMV office to register your car, there are several important things that you have to know to avoid confusion or maybe even costly mistakes in the end.

• You are required to register your car in the new state only if you’ve moved to that state permanently. In other words, you won’t need to register your vehicle if you’ve moved temporarily – for example, on a temporary work assignment or on a temporary military assignment.
• After moving to a new state permanently, it is illegal to live in that new state and register your car in another state (unless you have a very good reason to do so). Generally speaking, your vehicle has to be registered where it is garaged – in other words, where you, as its owner, live. 
• Remember that you must register your car in the new state after a permanent move even if your current vehicle registration has not expired.
• States do offer a grace period so that you, as a newcomer, have enough time to finish the most pressing tasks after your move and obtain the documentation you need to register your vehicle in the destination state.
  But here’s the tricky part: car registration requirements differ from state to state, so you have to check with the state’s DMV website (you can call the DMV office too) to learn exactly how much time you’ve got to take care of this post-move task as well.

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So, let’s take a closer look at the first step in the car registration process in a new state:

Step 1. Purchase new auto insurance

The first step when registering your car in a new state is to purchase a new auto insurance policy.

Now, the biggest mistake you can make here is to cancel your old auto insurance policy before getting a new one. Just keep your current auto insurance policy for the time being until you make sure you’ve set up a new one. Why?

Bear in mind that it’s illegal to drive your car without insurance coverage. If you got involved in a car accident (Heaven forbid!), then the financial consequences could be catastrophic for you.

And here’s something that may surprise you: before you can register a car in another state, you’re required to obtain a car insurance policy purchased in the new state.

That’s right, almost all U.S. states require proof of insurance in order to register your vehicle. Currently, there are seven states that don’t require proof of insurance for the car registration process (Arizona, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin) but you’ll still need a car insurance policy with minimum coverage in order to drive your vehicle there.

What you need to do is contact your current auto insuring company and check whether they have coverage in the new state as well. If they do, then you may be able to stay with that same insurer. However, since you’ve moved to another state, your policy rates and coverage may change.

If you decide to switch your auto insurer (the more common scenario), then you may be able to receive a prorated refund if you’ve already paid for insurance. However, keep in mind that some auto insurers have cancellation fees.

How to purchase new auto insurance in the new state?

• Shop around to get the best auto insurance policy rates. To do that, request 2-3 quotes from reputable auto insurers to be able to compare their rates.
• Select an auto insurance company that you think will work out best for you and contact them.
• Provide the auto insurer with all the information they need in order to purchase a new auto insurance policy.
• Request that your car insurance policy start the next day.
• Make the required initial payment on your coverage.
• Contact your old auto insurer and request that the current day be the final date of your insurance policy with them. This way, your old insurance will expire and your new one will kick in in perfect synchronization.

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Step 2. Register your car in the new state

Once you’ve purchased an auto insurance policy from the state you moved to, it’s time to register your car in that same state.

Before you visit the nearest DMV office in person, it’s a good idea to contact them and ask them exactly what documents you will have to present at their office to register your vehicle. The thing is that vehicle registration requirements differ from state to state so you want to be fully prepared when you go to the DMV office.

In most cases, you’ll have to submit the following documents in order to complete the registration:

• Driver’s license
• Proof of insurance
• Your car’s title
• Current registration

Also, some states may require proof of identity other than your driver’s license (a passport, a military card, or a welfare or Medicaid card) and residency status.

The auto insurance company should have provided you with temporary proof of insurance when you purchased the auto insurance policy from them. Such temporary proof usually comes in the form of a printed document or an electronic record. However, if you haven’t received such temporary proof of insurance, then you don’t have a choice but to wait until the insurance card is sent to your new address by mail.

But what about if you moved to the new state with a leased car? If you wish to register a leased car in another state, you will most often need the following documents:

• Certified copy of the car title certificate
• Current registration
• Insurance card
• Driver’s license
• Permit by the lessor for registering a car in another state (limited power of attorney)
• Proof of paid tax in the destination state

How to register a car in another state after moving?

Once you have all the above-mentioned documents, then

• Visit your local DMV office in person;
• Fill out the vehicle registration form and title registration form you are given there;
• Pay the car registration fees – anywhere between $30 and $60 – in order to initiate the application process;
• Complete the car registration process and get your new license plates;
• Contact your former state’s DMV office to find out whether you should mail the old license plates to them to avoid any penalties. Keep in mind that some states will let you keep your old license plates for a fee.

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Step 3: Update your driver’s license

When you move to another state permanently, you will have to update your driver’s license – meaning that you’ll need to apply for a new driver’s license issued by the new state.

Depending on which state you just moved to, you may be required to also pass a vision test, take a written exam and a driver’s test in order to update your driver’s license. And that’s exactly why you won’t be able to apply for a new driver’s license online – as before, you’ll have to visit the closest DMV office to take care of that.

Ideally, you’ll be able to apply for a new driver’s license at the same time you’re registering your car and at the same DMV office as well. That’s not always the case though, and you may need to go to another location to have your picture taken and fill out the application form for updating your driver’s license.

In most cases, you’ll need the following documents to apply for a new driver’s license:

• Your driver’s license from the previous state;
• Identification document other than your driver’s license (passport, birth certificate, etc.);
• Proof of your new-state residency (lease agreement, mortgage statement, utility bills, etc.).

Keep in mind that some states may require additional documents and that’s exactly why it’s a good idea to always ask the DMV office about what documents to bring with you before you visit it in person. Usually, all the necessary information is available on the state’s DMV website as well.

So, how to update your driver’s license after moving to a new state?

• Visit the nearest DMV office in the new state;
• Present the required documents;
• Fill out a license application form;
• Have your picture taken;
• Pay an application fee (anywhere between $30 and $60) to obtain a new-state driver’s license.

Depending on the state and the special circumstances in your case, you may be asked to pass a vision test, take a written driver’s test, and/or take a behind-the-wheel test before you can have your new driver’s license in the new state. Usually, they will take your old out-of-state driver’s license and will give you a temporary license until your new one is ready.

Despite the numerous pressing tasks right after moving to a new state, purchasing new auto insurance, registering your car, and updating your driver’s license are very important jobs that you just have to do within a specific period of time.

The bad news is that failure to complete those three interconnected tasks will result in heavy fines, so don’t risk it.

Make sure you consult this New-Home Moving Checklist that will help you manage the great number of tasks you have to do after moving to a new state.