If you want to drive a car on public roads, you must register it with the National Motor Vehicle Agency (MVA), usually within a month of purchasing it. For this purpose, in most states, you usually need proof of car insurance, vehicle title, driving license, or other identity card. Can I register a vehicle without insurance?
Insurance requirement
All but two states – Virginia and New Hampshire – require you to have a certain level of car insurance. And all 50 states set minimum amounts for auto insurance.
25/50/25
In several states, including Oklahoma and Rhode Island, you must have insurance that pays at least USD 25,000 for injury or death of one person; $ 50,000 for injury or death of two or more people in one accident; and $ 25,000 to cover injuries or property damage as a result of an accident. This level of insurance is sometimes called 25/50/25 for short.
Other states have similar requirements. For example, in Wyoming you need to get a 25/50/20 coverage; the first two amounts are the same, but you only need $ 20,000 to cover your property.
In addition, some states require you to take out insurance that protects you in the event that an uninsured driver causes an accident involving you and your car. For example, in South Carolina, you must take out insurance in the amount of 25/50/25 both on your own responsibility and on the responsibility of the insured driver.
DMV registration requirements
The DMV of each state requires different vehicle registration forms. For example, Nevada requires an insurance card, title, valid emission control, and application. Indiana does not require proof of insurance prior to registration. You need a title, driving license and registration fee. Many conditions, such as Vermont, require physical inspection of the vehicle. Others, including Arizona, require emission testing.
Registration Requirements
Depending on how you purchased the vehicle, the registration requirements are different.
When you buy a car from a dealer, you don’t have to go to DMV to register your new car. Sales staff is responsible for registration and provides a 30-day temporary table. Insure yourself before leaving the car from the dealership to avoid canceling the temporary registration.
When buying a vehicle from a natural person, you must assign a title and register the car yourself. Bring proof that you own the vehicle, for example a sales receipt and original title, signed by the previous owner. You may need to provide proof of purchase price and proof of insurance.
Is proof of insurance necessary to register the vehicle?
If you just bought a vehicle or moved to a new state, one of the first things you need to do is register your vehicle in a new state. Most states will require proof of financial liability, which is most often completed by car insurance, from that state as part of the registration process. Other states do not enforce insurance requirements by registering, but require minimum insurance while driving.