Understanding Nonresident Vehicle Registration

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Many states in the U.S. require drivers to have a driver’s license and register their vehicles in the same state where they reside.

However, there are some exceptions. Depending on your circumstances, you may have a legitimate reason for registering your car in a state other than the one you live in. For example, having vehicles in multiple states might make sense if you own a vacation home, travel full-time for work or recreation, or are in the military.

Can I legally register my car in a different state?

The short answer is yes. However, only under certain circumstances may you be able to take advantage of registering your vehicle out of state. Most states have regulations that require your driver's license to match your vehicle registration. However, most states allow for a grace period. For example, new residents are often expected to obtain a state driver's license in a timely fashion, usually within a 30–90-day window. Additionally, certain states may require you to provide your license or other proof of residency when registering your vehicle in the state. However, there are a few states that don't require that your license match your registration, enabling you to register your car as an out of state resident. Listed below is list of special circumstances allowing for out of state registration.

Which states allow non-residents to register their vehicle?

Here are some examples of some states allow for registration by out of state residents:

• California allows nonresidents to register a vehicle in the state if the car is based in California or primarily used on California highways.

• Colorado requires proof of insurance along with your current title and ID..

• Delaware requires the vehicle pass inspection and you must provide two documents proving your Delaware residency.

• Florida allows nonresidents to register vehicles in the state but only temporarily. A 90-day license plate is available to the who are temporarily employed in Florida. Nonresident military members stationed or deployed in Florida can also obtain a Florida license plate and qualify for a fee exemption.

• Indiana only requires two documents with your name and an Indiana address.

• Kentucky, similar to Colorado, requires proof of insurance, your current title and ID.

• Maine requires your current driver’s license, out-of-state title, registration (if transferring from another state) and proof of insurance.

• Massachusetts only requires you to prove lawful presence in the U.S. to register a vehicle in the state. If you don’t have an in-state license, you can show an unexpired license from another state or country, a Social Security card or another document proving lawful presence in the country.

• New York allows nonresidents to register vehicles by mailing the application, the title, proof of insurance, and a copy of your driver’s license to the DMV.

• North Dakota allows nonresidents working in the state to ONLY obtain temporary registration for either 6 or 12 months.

• South Dakota allows nonresidents to register vehicles in the state. You need your original out-of-state title, a copy of your driver’s license, Social Security number and a registration application.

Additional factors to consider when looking to register a vehicle out of state.

Non–U.S. residents are also able to register vehicles. However, a good rule of thumb is to contact the state’s department of motor vehicles to review their specific requirements.

One good example is Massachusetts. You don’t need to provide a U.S. driver’s license to register a vehicle in Massachusetts — you just need to show proof of lawful U.S. presence (i.e., birth certificate or a passport with visa).

If you don’t have a valid U.S. driver’s license, passport or birth certificate, you may be able to prove lawful presence in the U.S. with one of the following in some states:

• Permanent Resident Card issued by the Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

• Temporary I-551stamp in a Foreign Passport

• Employment Authorization Document issued by the DHS

Special situations for car registration

Many states recognize that special situations might require people to have a vehicle registered in a state other than that of their legal residence. You may be able to register a car in a state you don’t live in permanently if you meet the requirements. Here a just a couple of examples that apply in most states.

• Deployed military — Some states allow deployed military members in the state to obtain a nonresident vehicle registration.

• College students — Out-of-state college students likely don’t need to register their car in the state where their school is located unless they want to establish residency.

Each state has its rules for how and when nonresidents are required to register vehicles in the state. Some will only issue a title and/or registration under special circumstances. It is important to do your research before considering registering your vehicle out of state.

A few FAQs about non-resident car registration

How do I register my car in a different state?

Once you’ve confirmed that you’re eligible to register a car in the state, many states require you to visit a local DMV office in person. Check online or call ahead to make sure you’ll be able to get your vehicle registered when you arrive. Bring all the necessary paperwork and a form of acceptable payment for the registration fees and applicable taxes.

What is the easiest state to register a vehicle?

The numbers speak for themselves. For nonresidents, South Dakota is considered to be one of the easiest states to register a vehicle. Though South Dakota does not yet have an electronic application system in place yet, you can still register by mail or in person. The basic requirements are the application, your title, ID, and proof of SSN. Unlike many other states who administer registration from the state level, registration in South Dakota is completed at the county level. This makes for much a much quicker and helpful experience.

Where should I register my car if I live in two different states?

Generally, you should register your car in the state where you’re a legal resident — where you file tax returns, have a driver’s license, are registered to vote, and spend a majority of your time. However, if you keep a vehicle in another state, you may be able to legally register that vehicle as a nonresident in that state, as allowed by state law.

When does it make sense to register my car in another state?

Registering your car in another state might make sense when it is garaged and driven there. If you travel full-time professionally or for recreation, out of state registration may be to your benefit. For example, if you are living and/or working a majority of the time outside of your home state. You should first do your research to understand the requirements in the state you are looking to register your vehicle. Out of state registration may be advantageous for many reasons but you should also consider the implications in your current state of residence.