You can register your car at a state or local Department of Motor Vehicles without a driver’s license. All 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have vehicle registration requirements, but none of them require a driver’s license as a condition of registration.
If your driver’s license has been confiscated, suspended, or revoked, or if you’ve never had a driver’s license to begin with, you may still purchase a vehicle and register it with the appropriate government agency where you reside. Below we provide details on how to register your vehicle in the United States.
Key Points
• All 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia allow individuals to register a vehicle without possessing a driver’s license.
• While a license is required to operate a vehicle, it is not necessary for registration purposes.
• To register a vehicle without a driver’s license, you must provide valid photo identification, such as a U.S. passport or state-issued ID.
• Most states require proof of vehicle ownership, like a title or bill of sale, and valid auto insurance before registration.
• The cost to register a vehicle differs across states, with fees ranging from under $20 to over $200.
What Is a Car Registration?
Car registration is a credential, certificate, or document that a car owner receives upon registering the vehicle with a government Department of Motor Vehicles, or DMV. It may be valid for one year or multiple years before expiring. Car owners may renew their registration as needed.
As mentioned earlier, all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have car registration requirements. A car registration would generally identify the make and model of a car, the vehicle identification number, the license plate tag number, and the name and home address of the vehicle’s current owner.
Why Do You Need to Register a Car?
Car owners need to register their vehicles with the appropriate government agency to comply with the law. As mentioned above, all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia have car registration requirements, and it may be valid for one year or multiple years before expiring.
All states and the District of Columbia generally require every vehicle operated on public highways to be registered. Car owners may renew their registration as needed. Some states require vehicles to pass a safety inspection and emissions test before you can renew your vehicle registration.
Driving without registration can result in traffic citations and fines. Some states may allow you to drive up to five working days after your registration expires without penalty. Driving without registration in some states can result in traffic fines up to $200.
What You Need to Register a Car
Registering a car is an essential step in making your vehicle legally road-ready. Whether you’re buying a new car or moving to a new state, each Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has specific requirements. While details vary by location, most states require several standard documents and pieces of information to complete the process, including:
• Valid Driver’s License or Photo ID: Used to verify your identity.
• Proof of Ownership: Typically the car title or bill of sale.
• Proof of Insurance: Most states require liability coverage before registration. New Hampshire, however, has no mandatory car insurance law.
• Vehicle Inspection or Emissions Test Certificate (if required): Some states mandate safety or emissions testing.
• Completed Application for Registration: This form is usually available at your local DMV or online.
• Payment for Registration Fees: Fees vary by state and may depend on the vehicle’s age, weight, or value.
• Proof of Residency (if registering in a new state): Utility bills or lease agreements may be accepted.
Before heading to the DMV, gather the necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth vehicle registration process. Checking your state’s DMV website ahead of time can help you prepare for any specific requirements or additional steps you may need to complete.
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Can You Register a Car Without a License?
Yes, you can register a car without a driver’s license. A driver’s license is only required to legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads, but you do not need a driver’s license to register your vehicle.
You may need a suitable form of photo identification to register your vehicle, but your photo ID doesn’t need to be a driver’s license. A U.S. passport, for example, can serve as suitable proof of identity.
You can register a vehicle for the first time and renew your vehicle’s registration without holding a valid driver’s license. You may buy a new or used car and register it with the appropriate motor vehicle agency even if that agency had revoked your driving privileges for traffic violations.
Can You Refinance a Car Without a License?
It’s possible to refinance a car without a driver’s license, but it can be more challenging. Most lenders require a valid government-issued photo ID to verify your identity during the refinancing process. While a driver’s license is the most commonly accepted form of identification, some lenders may accept alternatives such as a state-issued ID or passport. However, policies vary by lender, and some may insist on a valid driver’s license.
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How Long Does It Take to Register a Car?
You can register a car in one business day. Some states may require the initial registration to take place in person when titling the vehicle at a local service center. The registration process could take an hour or less depending on how busy the service center may be.
States generally allow car registration renewals to take place online. Renewing a registration online may take just a few minutes.
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How Much Does It Cost to Register a Car?
Each state has its own fee structure for registering a car. Some states may charge over $200 for the initial registration fee, while other states may charge less than $20 in car registration fees. Registering large vehicles may cost more than registering small vehicles under 3,500 pounds.
Registration fees are just one of the costs of owning a vehicle. Here are a few ways you can possibly save money on the cost of your car:
• If you have a car loan and are seeking to lower your costs, you may explore if and when to refinance a vehicle.
• Stay on top of maintenance, as regular servicing helps prevent costly repairs later.
• Learn basic repairs, such as oil changes and air filter replacements.
• Keep tires properly inflated, as well-maintained tires improve gas mileage and last longer.
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Can You Register a Car Online?
Some states may allow you to register a car online without making any trips to the DMV. Nevada, for example, allows you to go online to register cars bought from a Nevada dealer.
Other states may require the initial registration to be conducted in person. States generally allow car registration renewals to be done online when you need to renew an expiring certificate of registration.
Can You Transfer Your Registration to a New Car?
You may transfer your vehicle registration to a new car if your state allows it. A transfer of registration occurs when a vehicle owner takes a vehicle off the road and transfers its license plates and registration over to another vehicle.
Transferring an existing registration to a new car can be more cost-effective than ordering new license plates when registering your car. If you trade in or sell your vehicle, you may be allowed to transfer the registration and vehicle plates to another vehicle you own.
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When Do You Need a Vehicle Registration Certificate?
You need a vehicle registration certificate whenever you operate a vehicle on public roads in any of the U.S. states or the District of Columbia. All states generally require your certificate of registration to be carried in your motor vehicle at all times when it is being operated on a public highway.
A few states and the District of Columbia allow their registered drivers to carry electronic proof of vehicle registration as an alternative to carrying a physical credential. These drivers may carry electronic proof of registration on a cellphone.
The Takeaway
While you can register a car without a driver’s license, the process can be complicated and may require additional documentation, such as proof of insurance and identification. Whether you’re purchasing a car for someone else, collecting a vehicle, or planning to get your license soon, it’s important to check your state’s specific requirements.
And if you already own a car but are looking to save money, refinancing your auto loan could help lower your monthly payments or reduce your interest rate, even if you’re not currently driving.
If you’re seeking auto loan refinancing, SoFi is here to support you. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop and compare financing options for your car in minutes.
FAQ
How do I process vehicle registration?
You may go to a local Department of Motor Vehicles service center in your state to complete a vehicle registration. You will need to present proof of identity when registering a vehicle in your name for the first time. Your state may permit online renewals when renewing an expiring certificate of registration.
How much is car registration?
Each state has its own fee structure for registering a car. Some states may charge over $200 for the initial registration fee, while other states may charge less than $20 in car registration fees. Registering large vehicles may cost more than registering small vehicles under 3,500 pounds.
Can I get car insurance without a license?
Getting car insurance without a license can be challenging, but it’s possible. Some insurance companies will allow you to list a licensed primary driver or co-owner on the policy instead of yourself.
Photo credit: iStock/Bill Oxford
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