FAQs

We want to provide information to help you complete car registration procedures.

We aren’t the government, and our company is private. We provide this information in a free guide.

Table of Contents:

  1. Want to learn about us?
  2. Where do we get our information?
  3. Are we the government?
  4. Is my information protected?
  5. Can I register my vehicle without insurance?
  6. How do I renew my registration if I am temporarily out of state?
  7. Can I register someone else’s vehicle?
  8. How do I transfer my registration if I move to another state?
  9. Should I file a police report if my registration was stolen?
  10. How much will it cost to register my car?
  11. Is there a difference between a duplicate registration and a replacement?
  12. What information do I need to renew my registration?
  13. What should I do if my registration tags or stickers have not arrived?
  14. What happens if I do not receive a renewal notice in the mail?
  15. Can I renew my registration if I have outstanding fines or unpaid tickets?
  16. What kind of vehicles do not need to be registered?
  17. How do I apply for a personalized or specialty license plate?
  18. How do I apply for a handicap parking permit?
  19. What is the difference between a title and a registration? Do I need to renew my vehicle’s title?

1.     Want to learn about us?

We are not affiliated with the government in any way. We are a private company that engaged writers to research the car registration process and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you learn how to register a car by providing useful information on the process.  We are not providing legal or financial advice. If you need such advice please contact an attorney or a financial advisor.

2.     Where do we get our information?

Our team of writers does research online. Then we put the information in one place and in a clear way to make things easier for you.

3.     Are we the government?

No, we are not the government. Our company is private. We find information that’s already online, but we put it together to make things easier for you. We want to give you the best help that we can.

4.     Is my information protected?

We believe in the importance of keeping your data safe. If you decide to give us your data while using our website, we use many different protections to help keep it safe. To learn more about how we protect your information, check out our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

5.     Can I register my vehicle without insurance?

In most states, you must purchase car insurance before you can register your vehicle. The coverage must meet the state’s minimum requirements. In states where insurance is not required, you may be able to register your car without insurance if you can prove that you have enough money saved up to cover any damages in the event of an accident.

6.     How do I renew my registration if I am temporarily out of state?

Depending on where you live, you may be able to renew your registration online or by mail if you are out of state. Some states use a special out-of-state application while others allow you to receive a limited extension on your registration renewal. However, keep in mind that state laws vary when it comes to out-of-state renewals, including the steps you must follow if your county requires a yearly car emissions test.

7.     Can I register someone else’s vehicle?

Depending on your state’s rules, you may be able to register a vehicle on behalf of someone else if you have the necessary information and documents, such as a notarized Power of Attorney.

8.     How do I transfer my registration if I move to another state?

To register your vehicle as a new state resident, you may need to apply for a new title and registration at your local DMV or county tag office. In addition to the application form, you may also need to submit your previous registration and proof of car insurance.

9.     Should I file a police report if my registration was stolen?

Depending on your state, you may be required to file a police report if your registration was stolen. However, even if your state does not have this requirement, it is a good idea to report a stolen registration to the police. A police report could help protect you in case your stolen documents are used fraudulently.

10.    How much will it cost to register my car?

Vehicle registration fees vary by state. Some states charge the same registration fee regardless of your vehicle while others calculate your fee based on your car’s year, weight, value and more. Keep in mind that the registration fee is different from the yearly renewal fee, which is usually much lower.

11.    Is there a difference between a duplicate registration and a replacement?

No, there is no difference between a duplicate registration and a replacement.

12.    What information do I need to renew my registration?

To renew your car registration, you will typically need to provide a state ID card, your license plate number and a few personal details. Depending on your state, you may also need to pass a smog test or vehicle inspection before you can renew.

13.    What should I do if my registration tags or stickers have not arrived?

If you renewed your registration but have not received your materials, contact your state’s DMV or corresponding office. It’s possible that your registration renewal was not processed or that the materials got lost in the mail.

14.    What happens if I do not receive a renewal notice in the mail?

Even if you did not receive a renewal notice in the mail, you are still responsible for renewing your registration. Depending on your state, you may be able to renew your car online or in person without the renewal notice. Be sure to double-check that your mailing address is correct with your state’s DMV to help avoid similar issues in the future.

15.    Can I renew my registration if I have outstanding fines or unpaid tickets?

If you have outstanding tickets or an unpaid balance at your state’s DMV, you may not be able to renew your registration until you have resolved these issues.

16.    What kind of vehicles do not need to be registered?

Typically, all motorized vehicles (including boats) need to be registered with a state’s DMV or tax office, but there may be some exceptions. For example, your state may not require you to register vehicles like motorized scooters, golf carts or certain farm equipment like tractors. Additionally, some states (like Virginia) do not require you to register an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) while others (like California) do.

17.    How do I apply for a personalized or specialty license plate?

You can likely order a personalized or specialty license plate through your state’s DMV or county tag office. Keep in mind that these plates typically come with an added fee. If you are planning to personalize your license plate, review your state’s requirements to avoid having your plate application rejected.

18.    How do I apply for a handicap parking permit?

You may typically apply for a handicap parking permit by submitting a specific form to your state’s DMV. You will likely need to have a physician or other licensed health professional certify your form. In many states, there is no fee for a permanent parking permit, but there may be a fee for a temporary permit.

19.    What is the difference between a title and a registration? Do I need to renew my vehicle’s title?

No, you do not need to renew your car’s title. Your vehicle’s certificate of title is a document that records who the owner of a vehicle is, while your registration simply adds your vehicle to your state’s database. Most states require yearly registration renewals, but your title is permanent and does not need to be renewed.