What you need to register a car
What you need to register a car is a shorter list than most people fear, but missing one item usually means a second trip. This is what to bring, why each one is needed, and where to take it in your state.
Documents needed to register a car: the checklist
- Proof of ownership. The title signed over to you, or for a brand new car the manufacturer's certificate of origin the dealer provides.
- Proof of identity. A driver's license or other government photo ID. Renewing your license soon? Our REAL ID fees page shows whether the star costs extra in your state.
- Proof of insurance. Coverage that meets your state's minimum, in force from the day you register.
- A bill of sale. Required in some states and useful in all of them, because it shows the price the tax is worked out on.
- An odometer reading. Usually recorded on the title, or on a separate federal disclosure form for newer cars.
- Inspection or emissions paperwork, if your state or county requires it.
- Proof of address, in states that tie the registration or the tax rate to where you live.
- The application form for your state, often available to fill in before you go.
- Payment for the tax, the title fee and the registration. Many offices charge extra for cards.
Coming from another state
If the car was titled somewhere else, expect a VIN inspection, where someone checks that the number on the car matches the title. Bring the out of state title and registration. If there is a loan, the lender may have to send the title directly. Our guide to registering a car in a new state has the cost and the deadline in each state.
Where to take it
The office is not called the DMV everywhere, and in some states it is a county office rather than a state one. Each state below links to its registration page, which has the full fees and the steps for that state.