Things to Consider

• Registering a vehicle in a different state than you live in is illegal
• Drivers should register and insure their vehicle in the same state
• Only eight states allow non-residents to register a vehicle

Expensive registration fees and insurance rate increases can lead drivers to consider registering their vehicles in another state, but every state has different vehicle registration requirements.

If you're trying to figure out how to register your car in another state, don't. It's illegal. Only college students, active-duty military, and residents of more than one state can legally register a car in a different state than they live in.

However, a few states do allow non-residents to register a car. What state can you register a car without being a resident? Keep reading to learn when you can register a vehicle in another state and which are the easiest states to register a car.

Rules For Registering a Car in a Different State

Can I keep my car registered in another state? Unlikely. All states have requirements for drivers to register their vehicles.

It's impossible to register your vehicle as a non-resident in most states. So drivers looking to avoid high registration fees have no choice but to pay them.

What states can you register a car without living there? Very few states allow non-residents to register a vehicle there. If you consider this option, there's no guarantee you can avoid high registration fees when registering your vehicle in any of these states.

How can I register my car in another state? You must meet certain requirements to be exempt from registering your car. Learn more about the exceptions below.

Exceptions to the Rule

Can a car be registered in two states? Although states don't typically allow non-resident car registration, a few exceptions exist that allow drivers to obtain temporary registration or remain registered in another state.

When can you register a car in a different state? Scroll through this list of how to register a car in a different state than you live:

• Two homes in different states. Can you have a car registered in one state and live in another? Drivers living in two different states can register their vehicle in the state where they drive the most or register in both. So if you spend equal time in California and Texas, you can register a car in California and one in Texas.
• College students attending school in a different state. When can you register a car in a state you don't live in? Students who attend college out of state can remain registered in their home state using their parents’ home address.
• Active-duty military on assignment in another state. can you keep a car registered in another state? Active-duty service members on a temporary assignment in another state can keep their car registered in their home state.

Is it legal to register a car in another state? No. Although these are common exceptions, review your state laws to ensure you're compliant and aren't illegally operating a vehicle due to improper registration.

For example, sometimes you can register a car in another state if you're only living or working there temporarily. Otherwise, you'll have to register your vehicle in the state you reside in full-time.

States That Allow Non-Resident Vehicle Registration

Can you have cars registered in different states? Not all states restrict non-residents from registering their vehicles there, so it all depends on where you live permanently.

What states allow out-of-state vehicle registration? You can register a vehicle in a state you don't live in if you're in one of the following 10 states:

• California
• Delaware
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• New York
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Pennsylvania

South Dakota is also the easiest state to register a car since it only requires a copy of the vehicle's title and the driver's license and Social Security Number.

Can I register a vehicle in another state? You can find out when and how to register a vehicle in a different state by visiting the local DMV website.

Most states with permanent vehicle registration give new and temporary residents 30-90 days to get a local driver's license and register their car.

Is it illegal to register a car out of state? Yes, so confirm each state’s registration requirements with the DMV before attempting to find out how to register a car in another state.

Rules For Insuring a Car in a Different State

Can you have car insurance in a different state than your registration? Since location is a factor, you can't insure your car in a different state. The listed address on your registration and insurance policy need to match to assess risk.

Insurance companies weigh various pieces of personal information to determine risk levels and set rates, but there are exceptions to obtaining car insurance in a different state. They are similar to the exceptions for non-resident vehicle registration.

Residents of two states, college students away at school, and active-duty servicemembers on assignment can have their vehicles insured and registered in a different state if the address listed on the insurance and registration match.

The Bottom Line on Registering a Car Out-of-State

Can you register a car in a state you don't live in? Not likely. It's illegal to register a vehicle in a state that doesn't match your driver's license. You'll also face consequences with your insurance company if the vehicle registration doesn't match the address on the policy.

Of course, depending on your circumstances, some exceptions allow you to register a car in another state, including college students living out of state and military personnel on duty.

Can I register a car in another state? Some state laws may allow you to register a car out-of-state even if you don't fit into the exemptions above.

What state can you register a car without living there? South Dakota is one of the easiest to register, but others, like North Dakota and California, require drivers to work in the state or drive a majority of the year on local state highways,

Complying with the law is important when registering and insuring your vehicle. You never want to find yourself illegally operating a motor vehicle, so it’s wise to register and insure your vehicle in the state where you reside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my car in a state I don't live in?

If you aren't in the military or a college student away at university, you won't be able to register your car out-of-state.

Do I have to change my car registration if I move to another state temporarily?

Active-duty and reserve military usually don't have to register a car in a different state, but each state has a limit on how long temporary residents have to register their vehicles. You usually have to register your car if you plan on being there for six months or more.

How do I update my registration if I move to another state?

You can update your registration through the Department of Motor Vehicles in your new state. Depending on the state, there are different ways to register a car in another state. You can either register your vehicle online or in person.

Is it illegal to register a car in a different state?

Yes, you face financial penalties and higher registration fees if you fail to register your car in the state where you live and drive.

Can your car be registered in a different state than your driver's license?

No, the state DMV will require a local driver's license before you can legally register the vehicle.

Do I need to update my insurance if I move to another state?

When you move to a different state, you must update your insurance. Since insurers use your location to calculate your premium, a current address is required to recalculate your insurance rates.

I have two homes, where do I register my car?

If you reside in two different states, it's legal for you to have two cars registered in those states. Can I register a car in a state I don't live in? Yes, for instance, if you live in Illinois and Arizona, you can register one vehicle in each state.

Remember, you must comply with the registration requirements for the state you choose to register each vehicle, including paying the appropriate registration fee.

What states allow non-resident vehicle registration?

The 10 states that allow out-of-state vehicle registration are:

• California
• Delaware
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• New York
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Pennsylvania

You likely still need to provide proof of car insurance and a local address in these states to register a vehicle, so check with the local DMV.

Can I live in Florida and have a car registered in another state?

No, Florida is not one of the states that allow non-residents to register a car. However, if you are living and working in Florida short term, you can apply for a 90-day license plate.

Can military register a car in any state?

Active-duty military must register their vehicles in the state that matches the address on their insurance policy. Can I register my vehicle in another state as military personnel? Yes, most states won't require service members on temporary orders to register a car out-of-state.

What states can you register a car online?

Arizona, California, Florida, New York, and Texas are the only states where drivers can register vehicles online.