Do you need insurance to register a car?

Can you register a car without insurance?

You can register a car without showing proof of insurance in a limited number of states, but that does not mean you can legally drive uninsured. Most states require active liability coverage or another approved form of financial responsibility. The DMV can verify coverage electronically, request proof later or suspend the registration if coverage is missing.

There are a few states where you are required to have insurance, but you don’t need to show proof of insurance when registering your car.

These states include:

Arizona
Mississippi
North Dakota
Tennessee
Washington
Wisconsin

When do you need to register a car?

You must register a vehicle after buying it, moving it to a new state or when its current registration expires. Registration connects the vehicle to its owner and authorizes it for use on public roads. State deadlines range from a few days to several weeks, so check the DMV deadline before driving.

You need to register a vehicle when:

You purchase a new or used vehicle.
You receive a vehicle as a gift or inheritance.
You move to another state.
Your existing registration expires.
Ownership changes.
A lease buyout transfers the title to you.
You restore a previously unregistered vehicle for road use.

Which documents do you need to register a car?

Car registration documents differ by state, but you need proof of ownership, identification and payment in every jurisdiction. Most states also request proof of insurance or verify it electronically. Additional requirements can include an emissions test, safety inspection, odometer disclosure and proof of residence.

Common registration 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

To register and insure your car, first purchase the required insurance and obtain proof of insurance. Even if your state doesn’t require proof at registration, it’s best to have it first to avoid any issues. Then complete the title and registration process through the DMV, dealership or approved online service. Make sure the owner’s name, VIN and address match across the title, registration and insurance policy to prevent verification problems.

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?

If your state requires insurance and the DMV cannot verify coverage, it can deny the application or suspend the registration after issuing it. You can also face fines, reinstatement fees, license suspension, and an SR-22 requirement. Driving the vehicle creates additional penalties and leaves you personally responsible after an accident.

In some 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. A missing or canceled policy can lead to registration suspension, and reinstatement requires current proof of Arizona liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. and can require a fee or SR-22.

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.

FAQ: Do I need insurance to register a car?

What happens if you get caught driving an unregistered car?

It’s illegal to drive a car before it’s been registered or after the registration has expired. Each state has penalties for driving an unregistered vehicle, mostly fines.

What happens if your auto insurance lapses after you register your car?

Your DMV can suspend the registration, plates or driver’s license after an insurance lapseWhen your auto insurance coverage ends because you missed a payment or did not renew it on time. A lapse in auto insurance coverage may result in paying higher premiums for a new policy.. You can also owe fines and reinstatement fees or need an SR-22. Contact the insurer immediately, stop driving and follow the DMV’s reinstatement or vehicle-nonuse process.

Is having the same name on your vehicle registration application and insurance identification card mandatory?

Generally, yes. The insurance company will require that the registered owner by the named insured on the policy, although additional drivers can also be listed.

Can you get tags without insurance?

In most states, you need to provide proof of current insurance coverage before registering your car and getting tags. However, a handful of states allow you to register the car without showing proof of insurance, although you still need to purchase coverage by law.

In New Hampshire, you’re not required to purchase car insurance. And in Virginia, you can pay a fee that allows you to skip the insurance requirement.