Creating A Better Car

Registering Your Car After Moving To A New State

by Logan Peck

Moving to a new state can be exciting, but it also requires that you take care of some administrative tasks once you arrive at your new home. If you will be taking a vehicle along with you on your move, you will need to register the car with your new state once you get settled.

Here are three tips that you can use to help streamline the registration process after completing a state-to-state move.

1. Take the time to find out your new state's requirements.

The requirements for DMV registration are determined by state governments. This means that not every state has the same requirements for drivers hoping to successfully register their cars.

In order to streamline the registration process after your move, it can be beneficial to investigate your new state's requirements before heading to the DMV. Most states will list these requirements online, so paying a visit to the DMV's website will help you prepare for the registration process appropriately.

2. Make sure you know your time limits.

Most states give new residents a grace period in which to register their vehicles. This means that your car's existing registration will be valid for a certain length of time after you move to your new state. If you want to avoid serious and costly fines (and the possibility of having your vehicle impounded), you need to know what your time limit is.

Contact the DMV by phone prior to your move and ask how long you have after relocating to register your vehicle. This information can be used to help you create a schedule that will allow you to keep your vehicle street-legal after your move.

3. Gather the necessary documents before your move.

Unpacking is a process that can take a significant amount of time. The last thing you want to do is be searching through multiple boxes trying to find your proof of insurance, identification, or your vehicle's title after moving.

Gather all of the documents necessary to get your vehicle registered in your new state prior to the move. Keep these documents together in a folder, and carry them with you in your purse or tote bag during the move. This will ensure that your documentation is easily accessible when you need to take it to the DMV after you relocate.

Registering your vehicle after a state-to-state move can be a daunting process. Eliminate some of the stress by finding out your new state's registration requirements before visiting the DMV, identifying your timeline, and gathering the necessary documentation prior to the move for maximum accessibility.

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