What happens when you register a new vehicle

Vehicle registration is the process of recording your ownership with your state's motor vehicle department and receiving a license plate and registration card. When you buy a new car, truck, or motorcycle, you cannot legally drive it on public roads until the state has issued you a registration. The dealer usually handles much of this paperwork for you at the point of sale, but you will receive documents to sign, and you may need to submit additional paperwork yourself depending on your state and the type of vehicle.

Registration is separate from the title, which proves you own the vehicle. You will receive both the title and the registration, though they serve different purposes. The registration shows the state has recorded your ownership and that you have paid the registration fee. The title is the legal document proving ownership and is what you would sign over if you sold the vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • The dealer typically submits registration paperwork to your state's motor vehicle department on your behalf, but you must sign the process form at purchase.
  • You will need to provide proof of insurance before registration can be completed, as all states require vehicles to be insured before they are registered.
  • Registration fees vary by state and sometimes by vehicle weight or type, and you pay this fee when you submit your registration process.
  • You should receive your license plate and registration card within two to four weeks if the dealer handles it, or within one to two weeks if you submit it yourself to your local motor vehicle office.
  • If you are financing or leasing the vehicle, the lender or leasing company may be listed on the title, but you are still the registered owner for driving purposes.

What you need to bring to the dealership

At the time of purchase, bring a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease agreement). The dealer will use these to complete the registration process form, which you will sign.

You will also need proof of insurance. Before you drive the vehicle off the lot, your insurance company must have issued you a policy number and a proof-of-insurance card or document. Many dealerships will not release the vehicle until you show this proof. If you do not yet have insurance, contact an insurance company before you go to the dealership, or ask the dealer if they can hold the vehicle while you arrange coverage.

Bring your checkbook or be prepared to pay by card, as registration fees are due at the time of purchase. The amount varies by state and sometimes by the vehicle's weight, age, or type. Ask the dealer what the registration fee will be before you finalize the purchase.

How the dealer submits your registration

Most new-vehicle dealers submit your registration process electronically to your state's motor vehicle department on your behalf. The dealer collects your signed process form and proof of insurance at the time of sale, then sends these documents along with the manufacturer's certificate of origin (a document proving the vehicle is new and has never been registered before) to the state.

The state processes the process and mails your registration card and license plate to the address you provided. This usually takes two to four weeks. During this time, you will receive a temporary registration document or temporary plate from the dealer, which allows you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent plate to arrive.

Some dealers offer to mail your registration documents to you, while others ask you to pick them up at the dealership once they arrive. Confirm with your dealer what their process is and whether you need to follow up with them.

If you need to register the vehicle yourself

If the dealer does not submit your registration, or if you bought the vehicle from a private seller, you will need to go to your local motor vehicle office yourself. Bring the same documents you would have brought to the dealer: your ID, proof of address, proof of insurance, and your Social Security number or card.

You will also need the title or a bill of sale. If you bought from a dealer, ask them for a copy of the title process or the manufacturer's certificate of origin. If you bought from a private seller, you need the signed title from the seller. Some states require the title to be notarized; check your state's motor vehicle website to confirm.

At the motor vehicle office, you will fill out the registration process form (often called an MV-82 or similar, depending on your state), pay the registration fee, and submit your documents. The office will issue you a temporary registration on the spot, and your permanent plate and registration card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.

Registration fees and what affects the cost

Registration fees are set by your state and are not negotiable. The base fee is usually between $50 and $200, but the total can be higher depending on several factors. Some states charge more for heavier vehicles, for vehicles over a certain age, or for commercial vehicles. A few states charge based on the vehicle's value or engine size.

You may also owe local taxes or county fees in addition to the state registration fee. These vary widely by location. Ask the dealer or your motor vehicle office for a complete breakdown of all fees before you pay.

If you are registering a vehicle that was previously registered in another state, you may owe a sales tax or use tax to your new state. This is separate from registration and is usually collected at the time of registration. The amount depends on your state's tax rate and the vehicle's purchase price.

Temporary registration while you wait for your plate

A temporary registration is a document or temporary plate that allows you to drive legally while your permanent plate is being made. The dealer or motor vehicle office will give you this at the time of registration. Temporary registrations are usually valid for 30 to 60 days, depending on your state.

Keep your temporary registration document or plate visible on your vehicle at all times. If you are stopped by police, show them your temporary registration along with your proof of insurance and ID. Do not drive without it, as you can be cited for driving an unregistered vehicle.

If your permanent plate does not arrive within the time frame your state provides, contact your motor vehicle office. If the dealer submitted your registration, you can also contact the dealer to check on the status.

Renewing your registration each year

Once your initial registration expires, you will need to renew it annually or every two years, depending on your state. Most states mail you a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before your registration expires. The notice includes the renewal fee and instructions for renewing by mail, online, or in person.

To renew, you will need proof of insurance for the upcoming year. If your insurance lapses or you switch companies, update your information with your state's motor vehicle department before your registration expires. Driving with expired registration is illegal and can result in a fine.

Many states now allow online renewal, which is the fastest option. You can renew on your state's motor vehicle website, pay the fee by card, and receive your new registration card by mail within one to two weeks. Some states also allow renewal by mail or phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle home from the dealership before my registration is complete?

Yes, the dealer will give you a temporary registration document or plate that allows you to drive legally while your permanent plate is being made. This temporary registration is valid for 30 to 60 days. Keep it visible in your vehicle and carry it with you along with your proof of insurance and ID.

What if I move to a different state after registering my vehicle?

You will need to register your vehicle in your new state within a certain time frame, usually 30 to 60 days after moving. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to find out what documents you need. You will typically need your current title, proof of insurance, and ID. Your old registration will no longer be valid.

Do I need to register a vehicle if I am financing it?

Yes, you must register the vehicle regardless of whether you own it outright or are financing it. The lender may be listed on the title as a lienholder, but you are still the registered owner and must register it in your name. The registration process is the same whether you own it outright or have a loan.

What happens if I lose my registration card?

Contact your state's motor vehicle department and request a replacement. You can usually do this online, by mail, or in person. There is typically a small fee for a replacement card, usually between $5 and $15. You can continue to drive while you wait for the replacement as long as you have proof of insurance and a valid ID.

Can I register a vehicle online?

Some states allow online registration for new vehicles, but most require you to visit a motor vehicle office or have the dealer submit your paperwork. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see what options are available. If you are buying from a dealer, they will usually handle the submission for you.