The main routes for moving a car across state lines
You have three practical ways to get a car to another state: drive it yourself, hire an auto transport company, or use a peer-to-peer shipping service. The choice depends on distance, your budget, whether the car runs, and how quickly you need it there. Each route has different costs, timelines, and what paperwork you'll handle yourself versus what the shipper handles.
If the car runs and you have time, driving it yourself costs the least but takes the most effort and time. Auto transport companies pick up and deliver the car on a truck, which costs more but keeps miles off the vehicle. Peer-to-peer services like uShip or Montway connect you with independent drivers who haul cars for a fee somewhere between the two.
Key Takeaways
- Driving the car yourself is cheapest but adds hundreds of miles and takes days; hiring a transport company costs $800 to $2,500 depending on distance and vehicle size, but the car arrives with no extra wear.
- Auto transport companies typically take 3 to 10 days for delivery and require the car to be in working condition, empty of personal items, and with a full tank or less.
- You keep the title and registration in your name during transport; the receiving state's registration and title transfer happen after the car arrives, not before.
- The car must pass a pre-transport inspection by the shipping company, and you should photograph its condition before pickup to document any damage claims.
- Some states require an out-of-state inspection or emissions test before you can register the car there; check your destination state's DMV rules before the car arrives.
Hiring an auto transport company and what to expect
Auto transport companies are the most common choice for long distances. You contact the company, provide your vehicle details (make, model, year, condition), pickup location, and delivery address. The company quotes a price, usually between $800 and $2,500 depending on distance, vehicle size, and whether you want open transport (cheaper, car sits on an open truck bed) or enclosed transport (more expensive, car is covered). Open transport is standard and costs less; enclosed is used for luxury or classic cars.
The company will schedule a pickup window—usually a week or two out—and send a driver to collect the car. Before pickup, you must empty the car of personal items, leave the fuel tank between one-quarter and three-quarters full, and make sure the car runs and can be driven onto the truck. The driver will do a pre-transport inspection, noting the car's condition on a form. You should photograph the car's exterior and interior yourself before the driver arrives, in case you need to dispute damage claims later.
Delivery typically takes 3 to 10 days depending on distance. The driver will call you when they're a few hours away. You meet them at the delivery address, inspect the car for any new damage, and sign off on the delivery form. At this point, the car is yours to register in the new state.
Peer-to-peer shipping services and independent drivers
Services like uShip, Montway, and Roadway connect you with independent drivers who haul cars as part of their regular routes. You post your shipment details (pickup and delivery locations, vehicle type), and drivers bid on the job. Prices are often lower than traditional auto transport companies because drivers are filling empty space on trips they're already making.
The trade-off is less structure. Pickup and delivery windows are wider, communication is less formal, and the driver may not be a professional transport operator. Some drivers use open trailers, others use enclosed trucks. You'll communicate directly with the driver to confirm timing and payment. Many services hold payment in escrow until delivery is confirmed, which protects both you and the driver.
These services work well for shorter distances or when you have flexible timing. For long distances or tight important date, a traditional auto transport company offers more predictability, though at higher cost.
What paperwork and inspections the destination state requires
After the car arrives, you must register it in the new state. Requirements vary by state, but most ask for the original title, proof of ownership, a bill of sale or shipping receipt, proof of insurance, and a completed registration form. Some states require an out-of-state vehicle inspection—a mechanic checks that the car meets safety standards and that the VIN matches the title. A few states require an emissions test before registration.
Check your destination state's DMV website before the car arrives to see what inspections or tests are required. Some states have a grace period (30 to 60 days) to get the inspection done after you register; others require it before registration. If the car fails inspection, you'll need to repair it and retest, which can delay registration by weeks.
The title transfer process varies. Some states let you transfer the title by mail with the original title and a completed form. Others require you to appear in person at the DMV. A few allow online transfer if you have an account set up. Once the new state issues a title in your name, the old state's title becomes void.
Costs, timelines, and what affects the price
Driving the car yourself costs fuel, food, and lodging—typically $200 to $600 depending on distance—but adds 500 to 3,000 miles to the odometer. Auto transport costs $800 to $2,500; the exact price depends on distance, vehicle size (a sedan costs less than an SUV or truck), pickup and delivery locations (rural areas cost more), and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Peer-to-peer services usually cost 20 to 40 percent less than traditional companies but with less certainty on timing.
Timeline varies by method. Driving takes 1 to 5 days depending on distance. Auto transport takes 3 to 10 days from pickup to delivery, though you may wait 1 to 2 weeks for the pickup appointment. Peer-to-peer services can take 5 to 14 days depending on the driver's route. After delivery, registration and inspection can take 1 to 4 weeks depending on how busy your state's DMV is and whether the car passes inspection on the first try.
Preparing the car before pickup and protecting against damage claims
Before the transport company arrives, wash the car and document its condition with photos and video. Take close-ups of any existing dents, scratches, or damage to the paint, interior, and tires. This protects you if the driver claims damage that was already there, or if you need to file a damage claim after delivery.
Empty the car completely—remove personal items, tools, and anything loose. Leave the fuel tank between one-quarter and three-quarters full; too much fuel adds weight and cost, and too little means the driver may not have enough to drive it off the truck. Make sure the car runs and can be driven onto the truck under its own power. If the car doesn't run, tell the transport company before booking; some will still haul it, but they may charge extra or refuse the job.
Disable the car alarm if it has one, or give the driver the code to disarm it. Leave the keys in an agreed-upon location—usually with the driver or hidden near the car. Do not leave valuables inside the car. Most transport companies carry liability insurance, but it typically covers only the cost of the car itself, not personal items left inside.
Registering the car in the new state after it arrives
Once the car is in the new state and any required inspections are complete, you'll register it at your local DMV or online if your state allows it. Bring the original title from the old state, proof of ownership (bill of sale or shipping receipt), proof of insurance, and a completed registration process. Some states ask for proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) to confirm you live in the state.
The DMV will issue a new title in your name and new registration plates. The process usually takes 1 to 3 weeks by mail or same-day if you go in person. Once you have the new title and plates, the car is fully registered in the new state. You can then update your insurance with the new address and registration number.
If the car fails the required inspection, you'll need to repair it and retest before the DMV will issue the title. This can add 2 to 4 weeks to the process. Some states allow you to register the car with a temporary permit while repairs are pending, but this varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a car that doesn't run?
Most auto transport companies will not haul a non-running car because the driver cannot drive it onto the truck. Some specialized heavy-haul companies will tow it, but this costs significantly more—often $2,000 to $4,000 depending on distance. If the car is not worth that much, it may be cheaper to have it towed to a mechanic in the new state and repaired there.
What if the car gets damaged during transport?
Document the damage with photos when ready upon delivery and report it to the transport company in writing within 24 hours. Most companies carry liability insurance that covers damage during transport, but you may need to file a claim and provide evidence. Keep the delivery inspection form and your before-pickup photos as proof. Claims can take weeks or months to resolve.
Do I need to buy insurance before the car is shipped?
Your current insurance may cover the car during transport if you have comprehensive coverage, but check with your insurer. Some policies exclude coverage during transport by a third party. You can also ask the transport company about their insurance or buy temporary coverage for the transport period. Once the car arrives, you must have insurance before you can register it in the new state.
How long does it take to register the car in the new state?
If the car passes any required inspections, registration usually takes 1 to 3 weeks by mail or same-day in person at the DMV. If the car fails inspection, add 2 to 4 weeks for repairs and retesting. Check your destination state's DMV website to see what inspections are required and how long they typically take.
Can I drive the car on the road before it's registered in the new state?
No. Once the car arrives in the new state, you cannot legally drive it on public roads until it is registered there. You can drive it from the delivery location to the DMV or inspection station, but only if you have a temporary permit or transport tag, which the transport company may provide. Check your state's rules before the car arrives.