How Do You Register Your Car To Yourself ?

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After ownership a car, it may seem like your work is done. But 1 of the most important tasks to tackle afterward is vehicle registration.

Vehicle registration connects a automobile to its owner. Each state requires you, by law, to get your auto registered with your country's Section of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or transportation agency.

If yous allow your registration to lapse or don't register your car, yous could face penalty fees and vehicle impoundment, so yous don't want to drop the ball on this.

Hither we'll review what vehicle registration is and how to get your car registered. We'll also provide an overview of the paperwork you might demand, and review how to get an idea of the cost to register a vehicle.

How vehicle registration works
How to annals your vehicle
What does vehicle registration price?

How vehicle registration works

Depending on the state, you must register a vehicle yous own or operate with your state's DMV or transportation agency. Here are a few common scenarios where yous typically need to register a car.

When you buy a new car: If y'all purchase through a dealership, they'll usually handle the championship and registration for you. But if you buy from a private seller, you volition likely demand to take care of the registration yourself.
If yous move to a new state: Unless y'all're a full-time student or active military, you will need to register your machine after you move.
Annual or biennial registration renewal: Depending on the state you live in, you'll need to renew your vehicle's registration every few years — check your land's police force to confirm how oft.

The first time y'all register your motorcar, you'll receive a license plate for your vehicle and a registration card. Some states too requite you a registration sticker that needs to be fastened to your vehicle'southward license plate or window.

When you renew your registration, y'all'll receive a new sticker — if your state problems them —and registration card. Depending on your land's laws, you may be required to go on the registration bill of fare with you when operating your vehicle.

Stay electric current to avoid penalties

Vehicle registration needs to be renewed yearly or every few years, depending on the country you live in. And you may need to pay a fee each time you renew the registration.

If your registration isn't current and yous get pulled over, you lot could become a ticket and have to pay a penalisation. Your state's DMV or transportation agency might also charge penalties for expired registration. Not keeping your registration could atomic number 82 to problems down the line, and may even cause your auto insurance rates to increase.

On top of fees, your car could be impounded. If this happens, the vehicle can be held until all fines and registration fees are paid. You may also have to pay towing and impound fees.

How to register your vehicle

To learn how to register your car in your state, contact your state's DMV or transportation agency, or visit their website. Registration can usually be handled in person, past mail or online. For first-fourth dimension registration, some states might require you to handle the process in person.

Documents for vehicle registration

When registering your car for the first fourth dimension, you'll need to provide some paperwork. These documents might include …

Your commuter'due south license or non-driver identification card
Proof of insurance, if you live in a state where car insurance is legally required
Proof of sales tax payment
Car championship, if you own or are financing the vehicle. If the vehicle is leased, you lot may need to provide a copy of the signed lease agreement.
Proof that your car has passed a vehicle safety inspection, if your state requires it
Proof that your motorcar has passed a smog test, depending on the age of your vehicle, in some states
Vehicle registration application form

For registration renewals by mail, you lot may need to verify your personal and vehicle information on the renewal class and submit the registration fee past mail service along with your paperwork. You lot might likewise demand to pay whatever holding taxes at that time and pass an emissions inspection or smog examination past a specified deadline — which may be outlined on the registration form.

With an online renewal, you might demand some or all of the following information on hand:

Auto'southward vehicle identification number
License plate number
Commuter's license number
Car insurance details
Current vehicle registration bill of fare

Make sure to bank check your state'due south DMV or transportation agency website to become a full list of what you'll need to renew your registration.

What does vehicle registration cost?

Registration fees and other charges paid to your state DMV or transportation agency can exist used to fund those organizations so they can proceed to provide vital services. The income might also help fund urban center and county services — or the pike patrol and state highways, too.

These DMV fees differ from state to state, and the manner they're calculated varies.

Some states charge a flat registration fee for all vehicles, while others summate fees based on a number of factors: The car's electric current value, age, weight or fuel efficiency; the total number of cars registered in your proper noun; or even the vehicle's horsepower.

The differences in the amount charged across various states can be significant. For example, Kentucky drivers could pay effectually $21 for vehicle registration. But in Montana, you can pay more than than x times that – $217 – to annals a car that's under four years sometime.

You tin can decide registration fees in your neck of the woods by visiting your country'southward DMV or transportation agency website. The American Automobile Association (AAA) maintains a chart that provides information on how registration costs are calculated in each state.

Adjacent steps

Getting your car registered for the starting time time or renewing your registration may seem like a hassle, but completing this on time could save you some serious greenbacks.

Earlier you head to your state DMV or transportation bureau website, brand certain you have all the necessary paperwork forth with funds for the registration fee and whatever property taxes. This will help make the procedure as efficient equally possible.

If y'all haven't bought your car yet, remember to set aside a piddling extra money in your upkeep to comprehend registration costs.

About the author: Warren Clarke is a author whose work has been published by Edmunds.com and the New York Daily News. He enjoys providing readers with information that can make their lives happier and more expansive. Warren holds a Bac… Read more than.