Do You Need Insurance to Register Your Car? (2025)

Q: Can you insure a car without a driver’s license?

You can get insurance without a license , but it may be harder. Insurance providers might also charge higher rates.

Key Takeaways

Only New Hampshire and Virginia let you drive without car insurance — but you may still be held financially responsible if you cause an accident.

Even if registration is allowed without insurance in Mississippi, North Dakota, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin, you still need coverage to drive legally — skipping it can lead to fines, license suspension or worse.

Many states use an electronic insurance verification system to identify uninsured drivers. If the system tags you as uninsured, you won’t be able to register your vehicle in that state.

Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car?

Most states require proof of insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements before you can register your vehicle. This applies in 43 states and Washington, D.C.

If you've recently moved, check local requirements, as they vary. Many states use electronic verification systems that instantly confirm your coverage during registration. Without insurance, registration will likely be denied.

Even after registration, the DMV may monitor your car insurance status. If your policy is canceled or lapses, your registration could be suspended, even if previously approved.

States Where You Can Register a Car Without Insurance

Only seven states don’t require car insurance before registering a vehicle:

Mississippi
New Hampshire
North Dakota
Tennessee
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

However, most of these states still require you to have insurance before driving, except for Virginia and New Hampshire.

These two states don’t mandate insurance for all drivers. You can drive without coverage in Virginia by paying a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee. In New Hampshire, insurance is optional, but you must pay for any damage if you cause an accident. While insurance isn’t required, both states strongly recommend having at least minimum liability and property damage coverage.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T GET A CAR INSURANCE POLICY?

Most states require insurance to register and legally drive a vehicle — except seven states that allow registration without proof. Even in those states, driving uninsured is risky.

If caught driving without insurance, you could face fines from $50 to $5,000, license suspension, higher insurance rates or jail time in some cases. You'll also be financially responsible for any injuries or damage you cause in an accident.

What Do I Need to Register My Car?

To register your vehicle, you’ll likely need:

Driver’s license or another form of identification
Proof of insurance
Car title or signed lease agreement
Vehicle registration application form
Registration fee payment

Requirements vary in each state, so you may have to bring more documents depending on where you live. Check your state’s DMV website to find out what you need before heading to their office.

Insurance Requirements for Car Registration

Before registering your vehicle, most states require an active insurance policy that meets their minimum coverage limits. When you visit the DMV, they verify your insurance — often electronically — to confirm it meets state requirements. Because coverage limits vary, ensure your policy follows the rules where you live. See the table below for minimum insurance requirements in your state.

State	Requirements
Alabama	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Alaska	$50,000 bodily injury liability per person $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Arizona	$15,000 bodily injury liability per person $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident $10,000 property damage liability per accident
Arkansas	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident
California	$15,000 bodily injury liability per person $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident $5,000 property damage liability per accident
Colorado	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $15,000 property damage liability per accident
Connecticut	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
District of Columbia	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $10,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident $5,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage
Delaware	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $10,000 property damage liability per accident $15,000 personal injury protection per person $30,000 personal injury protection per accident
Florida	$10,000 property damage liability per accident $10,000 personal injury protection per person
Georgia	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Hawaii	$20,000 bodily injury liability per person $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident $10,000 property damage liability per accident $10,000 personal injury protection per person
Idaho	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $15,000 property damage liability per accident
Illinois	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $20,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
Indiana	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Iowa	$20,000 bodily injury liability per person $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident $15,000 property damage liability per accident
Kansas	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident Personal Injury Protection per Person: $4,500 per person for medical expenses. $900 a month for a up to a year of disability or loss of income coverage. $25 a day for in-home services. $4,500 for rehabilition-related expenses. $2,000 for funeral, burial or creamation expenses Other: Survivors benefits including up to $900 per month for a year for disability or loss of income and $25 per day for in-home services
Kentucky	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident $10,000 personal injury protection per person
Louisiana	$15,000 bodily injury liability per person $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Maine	$50,000 bodily injury liability per person $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $100,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident $2,000 medical payments coverage
Maryland	$30,000 bodily injury liability per person $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident $15,000 property damage liability per accident $30,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $60,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
Massachusetts	$20,000 bodily injury liability per person $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident $5,000 property damage liability per accident $20,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $40,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident $8,000 personal injury protection per accident
Michigan	$20,000 bodily injury liability per person $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident Unlimited personal injury protection per person Unlimited personal injury protection per accident $1 million property protection
Minnesota	$30,000 bodily injury liability per person $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident $10,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident $40,000 personal injury protection per person
Mississippi	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Missouri	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
Montana	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $20,000 property damage liability per accident
Nebraska	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
Nevada	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $20,000 property damage liability per accident
New Hampshire	Car insurance is optional in this state, but if you do buy it it must have these limits. $25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage $1,000 medical payments coverage
New Jersey	$5,000 property damage liability per accident $1,000 personal injury protection per person
New Mexico	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $10,000 property damage liability per accident
New York	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $10,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident $50,000 personal injury protection per person Other: $50,000 liability for death per person. $100,000 liability for death per accident.
North Carolina	$30,000 bodily injury liability per person $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident $30,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $60,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage
North Dakota	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident $30,000 personal injury protection per person
Ohio	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Oklahoma	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Oregon	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $20,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident $15,000 personal injury protection per person
Pennsylvania	$15,000 bodily injury liability per person $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident $5,000 property damage liability per accident $5,000 medical payments coverage
Rhode Island	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident
South Carolina	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
South Dakota	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
Tennessee	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $15,000 property damage liability per accident
Texas	$30,000 bodily injury liability per person $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident
Utah	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $65,000 bodily injury liability per accident $15,000 property damage liability per accident $3,000 personal injury protection per person
Vermont	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $10,000 property damage liability per accident $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $100,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident $10,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage
Virginia	Car insurance is optional in this state, but if you do buy it it must have these limits: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $20,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident $20,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage
Washington	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $10,000 property damage liability per accident
West Virginia	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage
Wisconsin	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $10,000 property damage liability per accident $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
Wyoming	$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $20,000 property damage liability per accident

What Is Proof of Insurance?

Proof of insurance is a document confirming you have active auto coverage. Most people receive a physical insurance card, but insurers often provide digital versions through websites or apps, which many states accept.

This document typically includes your name, policy number, insurance company name and policy dates. You may need to show proof when registering a vehicle, during traffic stops or after accidents. Keep this document handy in your glove compartment or phone to comply with state laws and avoid penalties.

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

In most states, digital insurance cards are accepted as valid proof during traffic stops. Still, it’s a good idea to check with your insurer and carry a physical copy just in case.

How to Get Proof of Insurance for Registration

Most insurance companies issue proof of insurance right after you make your first premium payment. You may receive it by mail, email, fax or as a digital insurance card.

Many insurers also offer mobile apps where you can instantly access your insurance ID. If you lose your card, you can usually log in to your account online to download or print a new copy. You can also request a replacement by contacting your insurance agent.

Is Car Registration the Same as Car Insurance?

No — car registration and insurance differ, but most states require both. Registration identifies you as the vehicle's legal owner, while insurance protects you financially if you cause damage or injuries.

Even if some states don't check for insurance during registration, you still need coverage to drive legally. In states where insurance isn't required, you may need to prove you can pay for damage if you cause a crash. If you're unsure what coverage you need or want to compare rates, use our insurance calculator for a personalized estimate.

	Insurance Carrier	MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score	Average Monthly Payment
1	Capital Insurance Group	94 /of 100	$87
2	GEICO	82 /of 100	$109
3	State Farm	83 /of 100	$118
4	Travelers	83 /of 100	$129
5	Progressive	79 /of 100	$133
6	Farmers	77 /of 100	$151

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Do You Need Proof of Insurance to Register a Car: Bottom Line

Most states require insurance that meets minimum coverage levels to register your vehicle. However, seven states allow registration without insurance. Know your state's rules to stay compliant and drive legally. This article covers which states require insurance for registration and how to navigate these requirements.

Can You Register a Car Without Insurance: FAQ

MoneyGeek answered frequently asked questions about vehicle registration to help you through the process.

What is the purpose of minimum insurance coverage?

States require minimum car insurance for three reasons: to ensure drivers can pay for damage they cause, to spread risk across all drivers, making coverage more affordable and to reduce the burden on public resources. Most minimums cover liability only, which is why many drivers buy extra protection for their vehicles.

What happens if I let my insurance expire?

Letting your auto insurance expire brings serious problems. Driving without coverage can lead to a suspended license, much higher premiums when you get insured again and full financial responsibility for any accidents. In most states, your vehicle registration may be suspended when your insurance company reports the lapse to the DMV.

Do you get insurance or registration first?

Most states require proof of insurance before you can register your car. Insurance companies typically give you 30 days to complete registration.

Which states allow you to register a car without proof of insurance?

In these states, you can register a car without proof of insurance:

Mississippi
New Hampshire
North Dakota
Tennessee
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

Do you need to register a car to get insurance?

You don't need to register a car to get insurance. Buy auto coverage immediately since most states require insurance before registration.

Can you insure a car without a driver’s license?

You can get insurance without a license, but it may be harder. Insurance providers might also charge higher rates.

Car Registration and Auto Insurance Rates: Our Methodology

Overview

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About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.

Read Full Bio »

sources

New Hampshire Department of Safety. "Insurance Requirements." Accessed May 19, 2025.
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle. "Insurance Requirements." Accessed May 19, 2025.

Can You Register Your Car Without Insurance?

Key Takeaways

Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car?

States Where You Can Register a Car Without Insurance

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T GET A CAR INSURANCE POLICY?

What Do I Need to Register My Car?

Insurance Requirements for Car Registration

What Is Proof of Insurance?

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

How to Get Proof of Insurance for Registration

Is Car Registration the Same as Car Insurance?

Car Insurance Calculator

Capital Insurance Group

GEICO

State Farm

Travelers

Progressive

Farmers

Do You Need Proof of Insurance to Register a Car: Bottom Line

Can You Register a Car Without Insurance: FAQ

What is the purpose of minimum insurance coverage?

What happens if I let my insurance expire?

Do you get insurance or registration first?

Which states allow you to register a car without proof of insurance?

Do you need to register a car to get insurance?

Can you insure a car without a driver’s license?

Car Registration and Auto Insurance Rates: Our Methodology

Can You Get Registration Without Insurance: Related Articles

sources