John S Kiernan, Managing Editor
@John
You may be able to register your car in one of 13 states even if your driver’s license is from out of state. States such as California, Florida and New York may allow out-of-state vehicle registration if you're a part-time resident or a military member. Other states, like North Dakota, also let you to register a car if you're employed there or you own a local business, even with a different state on your license.
States Where Your License and Registration Don't Have to Match
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- New York
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
In the remaining states, your license and vehicle registration will need to be from the same state in most cases. Some states have exceptions, such as for military personnel living in a state temporarily or business owners who own a business in one state but live in another, but you generally need to be a full-time resident to register your car in a state.
When to Register Your Car in a New State
All 50 states require you to get a new driver’s license and registration for your car if you’re declaring that state as your primary residence, though some states will allow you to register your vehicle in a second state.
If you’re only in town temporarily, you might still need to register your car – while keeping your current driver’s license. In that case, your license and registration would not match. The laws vary, but some drivers who plan to stay in a state for as little as a month may need to register for a “non-resident” permit.
Either way, you need to address your registration within 30-90 days of arriving in most states, even if you don’t plan to stay there. You might be tempted to procrastinate or keep your old registration until it expires. However, leaving your car registered in a state where you don’t live anymore is illegal in most situations. You risk a fine and jail time if you don’t have the correct address on your vehicle registration, and you could be denied insurance coverage if you file a claim.
How to Register Your Car in a New State
Check your state’s laws to find out how much time you have to register your car. When you go to register, bring your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle title. Some states require proof of residency (such as a copy of a lease, bank statement, or utility bill) or further proof of identity (like a passport or military ID). Verify your state’s requirements beforehand to make sure you bring all the necessary documents. Some states may require a vehicle inspection, too.
You’ll pay a registration fee for your car, as well as any state taxes, in return for the proof of registration and the registration stickers.
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You need to add Minnesota to the states that allow it. I just did so today.