How can i register my car in another state

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If you're in the process of moving to a new state, you'll need to transfer your car insurance policy and register your vehicle within the first month or two. You'll probably have to go to the DMV to update your license and registration, but you should be able to update your insurance online.

How to update your insurance and registration in a new state

1. Finish your move
2. Purchase a new auto insurance policy
3. Register your vehicle in your new state
4. Apply for a new license

Step 1: Finish your move

With all of the work that goes into moving, it would be difficult for you to obtain new auto insurance and registration immediately upon changing states.

That's why states offer a grace period to obtain new license, registration and insurance documentation for your vehicle.

• If you need to, take the first week after you move to settle in and take care of the pressing details of your transition before worrying about car insurance.
• The number of days you have to obtain new driving-related documentation will vary depending on the state you're moving to, so you should consult your new state's DMV website to procure that information.

However, within 30 to 90 days of your move, you'll typically be required to transition your:

• License
• Registration
• Auto insurance

Failure to complete these tasks within this period may result in fines and further delay the process.

The most important thing to remember is that you should not cancel your old auto insurance policy before setting up a new one.

• It is illegal to drive without coverage, and if you're involved in a collision, the legal and financial ramifications could be disastrous.
• Keep your current auto insurance policy for now and take care of the most pressing needs of your move.

Step 2: Purchase a new auto insurance policy

Once you've taken a few days to settle into your new home, you should begin the process of transferring your vehicle's insurance and registration documentation to your new state.

Most states require you to provide proof of insurancebefore you're able to register your vehicle, so changing your auto insurance policy should be your first step.

You may be able to stay with the same insurer

If your current insurance company provides coverage in your new state, you may be able to stay with that insurer. Doing so would:

• Simplify the process for you.
• Preserve any loyalty discounts you're on track to receiving.

However, keep in mind that even if you stay with your current insurer, your policy rates and coverage may change to reflect the risks inherent to your new neighborhood and the minimum insurance required by your new state.

If you do decide to change insurers, you should know that you are allowed to switch car insurance policies mid policy. If you already paid for coverage, you may be able to get a prorated refund. However, some companies do have a cancellation fee.

This is especially true for drivers who are moving from a fault-based state to a no-fault state, such as Pennsylvania. In no-fault states, Personal Injury Protection insurance and additional forms of coverage may be required; so your new premiums may be higher than they were previously.

Call your insurance agent, ask if they provide coverage in your new state and ask for a quote of what your new rates and coverage would be.

Shop around to get the best rates

In addition to getting a quote from your current insurance company, we recommend gathering quotes from two to three additional insurers in order to compare rates.

Just because one insurance company gave you great rates in your old state does not mean they'll be the cheapest insurer in your new one.

For example, if you carried a Geico policy in New Mexico and you're moving to Texas, you could stay with the company and continue to receive good rates. However, local Texas insurance companies, such as Texas Farm Bureau, may offer even lower rates in your new town.

Compare coverage and quotes from the cheapest insurance companies in your state to find the best rates. Below, we feature the average cost of auto insurance in each state, for both full and minimum coverage, ordered from most to least expensive.

Rank

State

Full coverage

Minimum coverage

Difference

Show All Rows

Rates are the average annual premium for a policy across insurers.

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Purchase a new policy

Once you've selected an insurance company:

1. Call an agent and provide them with all of the necessary information to purchase a new policy.
2. Set your policy to begin the following day and make your initial payment.
3. Next, call your old insurer and ask them to set the current day as the final date of coverage on your policy.

This way, your coverage will never lapse, and you won't have any overlap on your insurance, either.

Step 3: Register your vehicle in your new state

Once you've obtained insurance coverage in your new state, you can register your vehicleand get a new license plate.

In most states, in order to complete registration, you'll have to submit your:

• License
• Proof of insurance
• Your vehicle's title

Additionally, you may need to provide proof of your identity and residency status. Documents that can be used to prove this information may include:

• Passports
• Military cards
• Refugee travel documents
• Welfare or Medicaid cards

However, you should consult your state's DMV website for a full list of their approved documents.

Your insurer may have provided you with temporary proof of insurance — either electronically or in the form of a printable document — when you purchased coverage. If not, you'll need to wait until your insurance card arrives in the mail to register your vehicle.

Once you have all of the necessary documentation, you should:

• Visit your local DMV.
• Fill out the vehicle registration and title application forms they provide.
• Expect to pay registration fees between $25 and $60 in order to complete the applications.

Once you complete your registration and receive a new license plate, mail your old plateto your former state's DMV.

Step 4: Apply for a new license

Finally, you'll need to apply for a new driver's license. Ideally, this will be done at the same timeand place as your vehicle registration.

However, you may need to travel to a new location to fill out this application and have your picture taken. Ask your attendant at the registration office where you can apply for a new driver's license.

As with your registration process, you'll need to:

• Fill out a license application form.
• Pay an application fee in order to obtain a new state license.

Once this process is complete, you'll be a fully registered driverin your new state.

Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.

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