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A Motor Vehicle Registration — or more simply, a car registration — connects a car to its owner for identification purposes, and is proof that the car owner has paid the required taxes and obtained the minimum auto insurance coverage required in their state. Each state requires you, by law, to register your car with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or transportation agency.
The vehicle registration process involves providing some personal information and details on your car and paying a registration fee. If you fail to register your car or renew your registration, you could face penalty fees, a ticket and possibly impoundment.
The most common scenarios wherein you’d need to register a car are:
The American Samoa Department of Public Safety’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees vehicle registration in the territory. Find out more about car registration on this third-party website here.
In American Samoa, you must register any cars or motor vehicles you own or operate with the American Samoa Department of Public Safety of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The first time you register your car in American Samoa, you’ll receive a license plate for your vehicle and a registration card. Additionally, you will receive a registration sticker that needs to be attached to your vehicle’s license plate.
When you renew your registration, you’ll receive a new registration card. In American Samoa, drivers are required to keep the registration card with them when operating a vehicle. If you drive a commercial vehicle, you can carry the digital version of the card.
To register a car in American Samoa, you must:
The main difference between a car title (or pink slip) and a car registration is that while the first prove your legal ownership of a vehicle, the second allows your vehicle to be driven on public roads. Both documents are mandatory in all 50 U.S. states.
Unlike the car title, which does not need to be renewed, the car registration has to be renewed every one or two years, depending on the state. In American Samoa, registrations have to be renewed every year.
The car title only needs to be changed when the vehicle is sold and the owner changes, or if you have finished paying the car loan and the vehicle is now officially yours. In these cases, you must complete a transfer of ownership by transferring the title.
If you purchase a new or used vehicle at a car dealership in American Samoa, the dealership will handle the vehicle registration on your behalf but will charge the applicable registration fees.
If you purchased a used car from a private seller or are a new resident of the territory, you will need to obtain a car registration yourself.
To register your car in American Samoa, complete the following three steps:
In American Samoa, you must register your car in person at either:
Office of Motor Vehicles
Department of Public Safety
American Samoa Government
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
Office of Highway Safety
Department of Public Safety
American Samoa Government
P.O. Box 1086
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
The cost to register a vehicle in American Samoa will depend on the age, type and weight of the vehicle, as well as your county of residence. You can pay the DMV fees in cash, with a check or with a credit card.
If you have questions about the car registration process or require assistance, contact the American Samoa Office of Motor Vehicles by phone at (684) 699-9199 or 9188.
To renew your car registration in American Samoa, complete the following three steps:
In American Samoa, you can renew your car registration in person at either:
Office of Motor Vehicles
Department of Public Safety
American Samoa Government
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
Office of Highway Safety
Department of Public Safety
American Samoa Government
P.O. Box 1086
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
To renew your registration by mail, you must have received a renewal notice in the mail from the American Samoa DMV. Fill out the renewal notice with the required information and mail it to your local DMV Office.
In addition to standard fees, you will need to pay an online service charge if you choose to renew your registration online.
If you have further questions about the vehicle registration renewal process or require assistance, contact the American Samoa Office of Motor Vehicles by phone at (684) 699-9199 or 9188.
For further assistance, you can call the American Samoa Office of Motor Vehicles by phone at (684) 699-9199 or 9188.
Any missing or stolen vehicle title or registration must be replaced and reported to the local authorities immediately. This includes license plates. You can replace lost or stolen title and registration documents in person or by mail.
In American Samoa, you can replace car registration documentation in person at either:
Office of Motor Vehicles
Department of Public Safety
American Samoa Government
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
Office of Highway Safety
Department of Public Safety
American Samoa Government
P.O. Box 1086
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
If you move to a new address within the territory, you will need to update the address on your vehicle registration within 30 days of relocation.
In American Samoa, you can replace car registration documentation by contacting either:
Office of Motor Vehicles
Department of Public Safety
American Samoa Government
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
(684) 699-9199 or 9188
Office of Highway Safety
Department of Public Safety
American Samoa Government
P.O. Box 1086
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
(684) 633-1111
If you need to update your name on your registration, you must change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) first. Learn more about how to change your name with the SSA here.
After changing your name with the SSA, you must visit a local County Assessor Motor Vehicle Office in person to update your registration at one of the addresses above. You will need documents that confirm the legal name change, such as a marriage or divorce certificate or court order.
If you have recently moved to American Samoa, you will need to register and title your car with the American Samoa DMV within 30 days of moving to the territory. Follow the same car registration steps outlined above to complete the process.
If you have not yet obtained an American Samoa-issued driver’s license or ID card, you will need to provide your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number with your legal name and address to submit your car registration application.
Learn more about what to expect as a new American Samoa resident here.
If you move out of American Samoa, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state. Your new state may have different requirements for vehicle services. Click here to access your new state’s official DMV website for more information.
The total cost to register or renew your vehicle depends on:
Other registration and title fees include:
American Samoa may issue a $9 late fee for registration renewals.
Amounts subject to change*
For help with the car registration process, or for any further questions about your car registration, call the American Samoa Office of Motor Vehicles by phone at (684) 699-9199 or 9188.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company 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 get familiar with the process by providing useful information.
Our free Car Registration Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
