Do you need insurance to register a car?

Can you register a car without insurance?

In most states, you can’t register a car without proof of insurance or financial responsibility. However, in New Hampshire, you’re not required to purchase auto insurance.

In Virginia, you must show proof of insurance or pay the uninsured motorist fee, which is $500.

In other states, you’re required to buy insurance, such as liability insurance. However, you don’t need to show proof of insurance when registering your car.

These states include:

• Arizona
• Mississippi
• North Dakota
• Tennessee
• Washington
• Wisconsin

When would you need to register a car?

In every U.S. state, you must register and title your car with the state’s transportation agency or the department of motor vehicles. When you do this, the state gives you a license plate and a legal document stating that you’re the car’s owner.

You need to go through this process every time you purchase a vehicle. You also must do this when you move to a new state or when your registration needs to be renewed.

Which documents do you need to register a car?

Rules vary by state for which documents you need when registering a car, but typically required documents include:

• Car title
• Certificate of origin or bill of sale
• Emissions and safety certificates
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of ID and residence

How to register and insure a car

The rules for registering your car vary by state. However, some general principles are likely to be applicable no matter where you live.

As a general guideline, here are the following steps for registering your car:

• Make sure you have insurance. In most states, you need to insure your vehicle before you can register it. So, make sure you get a car insurance policy. The best way to get the right policy at a great price is to compare rates at a website, such as Insurance.com, which has a free quote tool.
• Make an appointment at your state's department of motor vehicles to register the vehicle. While your state might accept walk-in appointments, scheduling in advance can save you time.
• Gather all the relevant documents you will need for the registration process. If you’re unsure of what you need, call your state's DMV to find out.
• Make sure you have a way to pay for the registration cost. Again, your state's rules determine whether cash, checks or credit cards are acceptable forms of payment.
• Fill out the registration form at the DMV and pay the registration fees.
• If you receive license tabs immediately, apply them to your license plate. If the DMV mail the tabs to you, keep a close eye on the mail and make sure you receive the tabs by the appropriate deadline.

What happens if you register a car without insurance coverage?

In many places, if your car isn’t insured, your DMV won’t allow you to register it. In those states, you must have insurance before you can register your car.

In other states, you may be able to register your car as long as you get insurance shortly thereafter. For example, in Arizona, you have 30 days after the registration date to submit proof of insurance.

In a handful of states, you don’t have to offer proof of insurance to register your car. For example, while Mississippi requires you to purchase car insurance, you don’t need to show evidence of such insurance when you register your vehicle.