If you own or operate a vehicle in the US, state law requires that you register it with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or transportation agency.
To register your vehicle, you must provide some personal information and the details of the vehicle. In addition, there will be a fee you must pay.
Fail to register your vehicle or renew your registration and you run the risk of a penalty, a ticket, and maybe even impoundment of your vehicle.
What Does a Car Registration Look Like?
If you want to drive your vehicle on public roads in the US, you must register it. But what does your car registration look like?
Individual states have their own vehicle registration system that operates via the Department of Motor Vehicles. In New York State, your registration looks like this.
The way you provide proof of registration varies from state to state, but in general, most of the information is the same.
A car registration usually contains:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Title number
- Registration expiration date
- Vehicle make and year
- Owners name and address
- License plate #
Car registration is a system that allows individual states to track what vehicles are on the road and help keep driving conditions safe.
What is a Vehicle Registration Number?
A vehicle registration number is a unique number associated with the registration application. It’s usually printed on the registration certificate. The actual format varies depending on the state where you register your car. In some states, the license plate number doubles as the registration number.
When Do You Need to Register Your Car?
As well as answering the question “What does my car registration look like?” it’s also important to understand when you need to register your car. There are several situations:
- When you purchase a car from a private seller or dealer: If you purchase a vehicle from a private seller, you have to set up the registration yourself. Purchasing from a dealer is slightly different. Oftentimes, the dealership will take care of the title and car registration on your behalf.
- When you relocate to a new state in the US: Every state has different laws relating to vehicle registrations. Whenever you move to another state, you have to re-register your vehicle in the new state, unless you’re a full-time student or in the military.
- Every year or every other year: In most states, it’s mandatory to register your vehicle annually. This helps to ensure vehicles are up to date in terms of safety. There are a few states where it is required biennially.
When you set your registration up for the first time, you’ll get a license plate and a car registration card. Most states also issue a sticker that you must put on the license plate or in the vehicle’s window.
What does car registration look like in Texas? In Texas, the registration process is slightly different. You don’t get a registration card. Instead, you’re issued your Texas license plates and a registration sticker. Texas also has a mobile application, Texas by Texas (TxT) which allows Texans to create an online account, manage their government-issued licenses and registrations, and various other things.
What are the Penalties for Not Registering Your Car?
To legally drive your car it must be registered. If you’re asked to show your registration certificate and don’t have one because you forgot to register or renew it, you may be fined or your vehicle impounded.
Fines may also apply for late registration renewal, for example:
- Vermont: If you fail to register your vehicle and present a current registration certificate, you face penalties of $100 to $250 for your first offense. For a second violation, the penalty might be between $250 and $500.
- Maine: In Maine, fines range from $200 to $1,000. You also run the risk of being issued with a traffic infraction.
How to Register Your Car
Registering your car can sometimes be a tedious problem. The requirements vary depending on the state, so it’s always best to double-check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles what documents are required. Check out the following list of commonly required documents for first-time registrations:
- Your driver’s license
- Car title, if you own the vehicle
- The lease agreement if the car is leased
- Receipt for the payment of the sales tax
- Proof of car insurance (this is not mandatory in all states)
- Proof that your vehicle has passed the vehicle safety inspection
- Proof that your vehicle has passed a smog test if it’s a requirement
- Car registration application form
- An odometer reading is required in some cases, which is checked by the DMV representative when you take the car to be registered
If you’re renewing your registration, you’ll need to provide the following documentation:
- Driver’s license number
- The car’s Vehicle Information Number (VIN)
- The license plate number
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle registration card
Certain states allow you to renew the registration car online. If not, you have to submit all the necessary paperwork to your local DMV office.
If you’re renewing your car online, you’ll probably need the following:
- Your vehicle’s VIN
- The letters/numbers on your license plate
- Your driver’s license number
- Proof of insurance
How Much Does it Cost to Register Your Vehicle?
You have to pay a fee when you register your vehicle. The money you pay goes towards helping the state fund vehicle safety agencies that keep the roads safe.
How much each state charges varies, but they are commonly calculated to take the vehicle’s weight, age, market value, and fuel efficiency into account.
Registration fees vary between $20 and $80, depending on the state and vehicle. However, some states charge just $8, while others charge as much as $220.
Should You Keep Your Vehicle Registration Certificate in Your Car?
Yes, you should keep your vehicle’s registration certificate in the car when you’re traveling. It’s the official document that confirms you can drive your vehicle on public roads. You might be pulled over at any time, and the law enforcement officer will ask to see your registration document.
Final Thoughts
Getting your vehicle registered for the first time or renewing your registration might feel like a hassle, but completing the process on time could save you a whole heap of trouble and expense. Now we’ve answered the question, “What does the car registration look like?” there’s no reason why you shouldn’t do it.
Before you head to your local DMV, make sure you’ve got all the necessary paperwork as well as the registration fee. This will make the process much smoother.
If you’ve yet to buy your vehicle and are still looking for the perfect one, don’t forget about the auto transport services we offer here at USTrans.com. With our help, you don’t have to restrict your search to local dealerships or private sellers. When you can ship a car across country, you can spread your search far and wide.