To avoid paying higher registration or insurance fees, you cannot register your car in a state other than the one in which you presently reside. But in other states, you can register an automobile as a non-resident if you have a legitimate reason.
In several jurisdictions in the US, drivers are required to get a license, and they must also register their vehicles there. However, there are a few outliers. If you have a second home or are in the military, having cars in various states might make sense.
Can you obtain a driver’s license from a state other than your own?
Which states don’t require that your registration and license match?
How do you register your car if you don’t reside in the US?
certain conditions for registering a vehicle
How to register a vehicle in another state
FAQs on Non-Resident Vehicle Registration
Can you obtain a driver’s license from a state other than your own?
Several states have laws requiring that a driver’s license be matched with the car registration. A state driver’s license must be obtained by new residents in many states within a predetermined window of time, typically between 30 and 90 days, according to individual regulations. When registering a car in a state, you might additionally need to provide proof of residency, like a license.
It’s important to keep in mind, too, that not all states demand a matching license for automobile registration. It might be feasible to register an automobile in these states under a nonresident’s name. The states that don’t require a matching license for automobile registration are listed below.
Please be aware that the following details are tentative, and it is advised to check the most recent rules with the relevant state authorities.
Which states don’t require that your registration and license match?
The following states do not always require a matching driver’s license for vehicle registration:
Non-residents may register a vehicle in California if it is based there or is operated largely on California highways.
Colorado does not need an in-state license to register a car, but it does need proof of Colorado insurance.
Although Delaware does not require an in-state license, the registration of a car and a vehicle inspection are both necessary in order to prove Delaware residency.
In specific situations, such as temporary employment or the deployment of non-resident military personnel, Florida permits non-residents to temporarily register vehicles.
In Indiana, two documents with the person’s name and an Indiana address are required in order to register a vehicle, even though an in-state license is not necessary.
A photo ID is needed in Kentucky, but an in-state license is not necessary. Except for active-duty military personnel stationed in Kentucky, you must additionally show proof of your auto insurance in the state.
If transferring from another state, Maine does not require an in-state driver’s license, but an out-of-state title and registration, as well as a Maine insurance card, are required.
The sole document needed in Massachusetts for vehicle registration is proof of legal presence in the country. Other forms of identification that demonstrate legal presence may be accepted in lieu of an in-state license.
Non-residents can register out-of-state vehicles in New York by mailing an application and the necessary paperwork to a DMV office there.
Non-residents who are employed in North Dakota are able to obtain temporary automobile registration. Maintaining current registration in the home state is required.
Non-residents are able to register cars in South Dakota, but they must provide the original out-of-state title, a copy of their driver’s license, their Social Security number, and a registration application.
Please be aware that the specifications are subject to change, and it is advisable to confirm the precise rules with the Department of Motor Vehicles or licensing authority for the respective state.
How do you register your car if you don’t reside in the US?
In some states, non-residents may be permitted to register vehicles, but in order to fully comprehend the procedure, it is crucial to research the particular regulations established by each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
For instance, Massachusetts does not require a driver’s license from the United States in order to register a vehicle. Proof of a legitimate U.S. presence is sufficient. If a valid U.S. driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate is not available, several states may accept alternative documents as proof of legal presence. Permanent Resident Cards, Temporary I-551 Stamps, and Employment Authorization Documents are a few examples of such substitute documents.
Conditions for registering a vehicle
People may also find themselves in unique circumstances where they need to register a car in a state other than their place of residence. Military personnel who are on active duty may be eligible for nonresident car registration, and out-of-state college students may not be required to register their automobiles in the state where their school is situated unless they seek to establish residency, to name a couple of instances. Each state has its own laws governing the registration of non-resident vehicles, including the ability to provide interim registrations in certain situations.
How to register a vehicle in another state
It is normally necessary to physically visit a local DMV office in order to register a vehicle in another state. To make sure you have all the necessary documentation and to find out whether there are any particular procedures or appointment requirements, it is essential to visit the state’s DMV website or get in touch with them ahead of time. Be prepared to bring the required paperwork, payment for the registration costs, and any relevant taxes when you visit the DMV.
FAQs Regarding Non-Resident Vehicle Registration:
- In which state is it easiest to register a car?
The registration of a vehicle is regarded as being among the simplest in South Dakota. If you have a driver’s license from South Dakota, you can complete the registration process online. Alternatively, if you don’t have a South Dakota license, you can register in person.
2. What should I do if I have dual residency?
Generally speaking, you should register your vehicle in the state in which you have a valid address. You normally register to vote, file your taxes, and have your driver’s license in this state. Nevertheless, depending on state laws and regulations, you might need to register a vehicle in another state if you maintain it there.
3. When should I register my car in a different state?
When the vehicle is mostly kept in that state and used there, it is usually acceptable to register it there. For instance, it could be necessary to register your vehicle in the state where you are presently stationed if you are a member of the military and are stationed outside of your home state. It’s crucial to remember, though, that registering your car in another state just to get lower insurance rates is considered insurance fraud and is not advised.