What Is Car Registration, And Why Is It So Important?

So you are planning to buy a car - either new or used. Before slipping behind the wheel, a few details need your attention. The key is to register your car or truck with your state.

Here's how car registration works and how to register your car.

Key TAKEAWAYS

• Cars and trucks must be registered in the 50 states of the United States
• Costs vary by state and typically range from 30 to $ 50.
• Registration expires after one or two years, depending on the state. It is your job to discover what that is and to bring it about.
• Penalties for not registering your car range in the hundreds of dollars.
• To register your car, you usually need to show title or lien information, bill of sale and proof of insurance.

What is vehicle registration?

Vehicle owners in the United States must register their vehicle with their state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Transportation. You must do this when purchasing a vehicle, moving to another state, or renewing your registration before it expires.

States use registration to determine vehicle ownership and to provide data when tracking offenders or assessing taxes. A registration certificate and license plate are issued after payment of a fee.

Your vehicle registration certificate is essential and must be on hand whenever you are behind the wheel. If you are stopped, law enforcement will demand to see it.

Cost of registering your vehicle

The cost of registering your new car varies by state but usually ranges from $ 30 to $ 50. Here are some examples:

• Nevada: $ 33 base registration fee, annual renewal
• Pennsylvania: $ 36 base registration fee, annual renewal
• South Dakota: বেস 36 base registration fee, renewed annually - electric vehicles have an additional $ 120 biennial fee
• Hawaii: $ 45 base registration fee, annual renewal
• Texas: $ 50.75 base registration fee, annual renewal
• Pennsylvania: $ 36 base registration fee, annual renewal

Require renewals every one to three years, depending on the law in your state.

You can see the registration fees and requirements for all the states here.

Penalty for not registering your car

Your car must be registered to operate legally. If you were involved in an accident or were stopped by law enforcement, you will be asked to show your license, proof of insurance, and registration certificate. If you do not have a current registration certificate, you may be fined or have your car confiscated.

Penalties for late registration renewal may also apply. Example of punishment:

• Maine: If you live in Maine, fines range from $ 50 to $ 1,000. You may be issued a traffic violation.
• Vermont: Vermont drivers who fail to register their vehicle and present a current registration certificate when asked by law enforcement are liable to a fine of $ 100 to $ 250 for the first offense. For the second violation, fines range from $ 250 to $ 500.

How to register your car

Although requirements vary by state, you will usually need to submit the following documents to the DMV when you register your vehicle:

• Title or rights: If you own a car, you will be asked to show the title. If the car is financed, you will need to show a lien contract.
• Sales Bills: When you buy a new car from a dealership, they issue a sales bill. This document must be submitted for vehicle registration.
• Odometer Reading: In some cases, a DMV representative will test the odometer when you bring it to the car to register it. Allows other state owners to report vehicle mileage.
• Proof of insurance: Most states require car insurance that meets state-minimum liability requirements. Be prepared to show an insurance card when you register.
• Identification: You need a current driver's license in a good location to register a car.
• Payment Procedure: Bring cash, check or credit card to pay registration or renewal fee.

Visit your state's DMV or Department of Transportation website for information on registration requirements, fees, and penalties for not having a current registration certificate.

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