Updated: November 17, 2025
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All states except New Hampshire and Virginia require car insurance to drive, but even in those two, you're still financially liable if you cause an accident.
Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin allow registration without insurance, but driving without coverage is still illegal except in New Hampshire and Virginia.
Many states use electronic insurance verification systems to identify uninsured drivers. If the system tags you as uninsured, you won’t be able to register your vehicle in that state.
Most states require proof of insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements (like 25/50/25 liability limits) before you can register your vehicle. This applies in 43 states and Washington, D.C.Â
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.
Only seven states don’t require car insurance before registering a vehicle:
However, most states still require 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.
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, the penalties can affect your wallet, your driving privileges and your ability to get affordable insurance in the future.
Financial penalties vary widely by state, from as little as $50 to more than $5,000. First-time offenders typically face lower fines than repeat violators.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend your driver’s license and vehicle registration. This action may occur immediately after your insurance status is reported.
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has the authority to suspend both your driver's license and vehicle registration. This often happens right after your insurer notifies them about your lapsed coverage.
Once you’re caught driving uninsured, your future premiums may increase significantly. Insurers consider uninsured drivers to be high-risk.
If you cause an accident without insurance, you must pay out-of-pocket for all damage and injuries. This includes vehicle repairs, medical bills and legal costs.
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.
In most cases, the DMV will issue a warning or notice of suspension. If you fail to reinstate your insurance promptly, you may face fines, a reinstatement fee or even a registration hold until proof of active coverage is provided.
Dealing with lapsed insurance coverage creates a registration challenge, but you have several options to get back on track legally and affordably. Our research found that grace periods and reinstatement processes vary significantly by state, with some offering more flexibility than others.
Stop driving immediately to avoid additional penalties, then contact your previous insurer within 30 days since companies like State Farm and Allstate typically allow reinstatement if you pay past-due premiums plus a $25 to $50 reinstatement fee. If reinstatement isn't possible, shop for new coverage immediately since insurers like GEICO and Progressive offer same-day coverage that generates digital insurance cards within hours for immediate DMV use.
Grace periods vary dramatically across states, with California providing 30 days for registration renewal after insurance lapses while Texas requires immediate replacement and Florida allows 10 days but charges additional fees. States like Michigan and Massachusetts have no grace periods and require immediate insurance proof for any registration activities, plus they mandate SR-22 certificates for drivers with lapsed coverage, adding $15 to $50 to your annual insurance costs.
Purchase coverage before visiting the DMV since many states check insurance databases in real-time, and bring both current insurance proof and documentation showing your coverage gap was brief and unintentional. Some states accept explanatory letters from employers or medical providers if coverage lapsed due to job loss or medical emergencies, which can reduce or eliminate late registration fees that typically range from $50 to $200.
To register your vehicle, you must present documents that verify your identity, ownership and insurance status. While requirements vary by state, most DMVs ask for the following:
You'll need to fill out your state's vehicle registration paperwork. Download the form from your DMV's website or grab one when you visit in person.
Bring valid identification to show you can legally own and register a vehicle in your state. Your driver's license or state-issued ID card will work fine.
Present documentation of your car's state-required minimum coverage. While many DMVs check this electronically, having your insurance card (physical or on your phone) is still smart.
Prove ownership or legal possession of the vehicle. Bring your car's title or your signed lease paperwork from the dealer.
Your state might require extra paperwork, such as emissions test results or VIN inspection certificates. To avoid this, check your DMV's website first.
Car registration online sounds convenient until you hit the insurance verification step. We contacted DMV offices in all 50 states and found that while most offer online renewal, the insurance requirements can send you straight back to that DMV line you're trying to avoid.
Most states let you renew online, but new vehicle registration is trickier. California, Texas and Florida accept digital insurance proof through uploaded photos, while Montana and Wyoming want original documents only. The insurance required to register a car gets more demanding online since systems need high-resolution images showing policy numbers, coverage dates and minimum liability limits clearly, with processing ranging from instant approval to 5-7 business days.
For online processes, most states accept insurance documents in specific formats. High-resolution photos showing policy numbers, coverage dates, and minimum liability limits are standard requirements. Some states require additional documentation like vehicle inspection certificates alongside insurance proof.
Online registration processes within 24-48 hours in automated states if you get it right the first time, while manual verification takes up to a week. In-person registration gives immediate answers, though some states issue temporary permits during processing for an extra $10-15. Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina offer instant verification through direct insurance database connections, eliminating guesswork about whether your proof will work.
To register your car, you need to provide documents and payments as required by your state’s DMV. Here's how the process generally works.
Collect your driver’s license, car title or lease agreement, completed registration form and proof of insurance if it’s required in your state. Double-check your local DMV’s checklist to avoid missing anything.
Registration fees depend on your state, vehicle type and sometimes even vehicle weight or fuel type. Be prepared to pay by card, check or another method accepted by your DMV.
Most states allow you to register in person at the DMV or through an official online portal. Choose the method that’s faster or more convenient for your situation.
Once your documents and payment are processed, the DMV will issue your registration and license plates or stickers. You must display these on your vehicle to drive legally.
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 |
|---|---|
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$50,000 bodily injury liability per person $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$15,000 bodily injury liability per person $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident $10,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$15,000 bodily injury liability per person $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident $5,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $15,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$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 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 | |
$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 | |
$10,000 property damage liability per accident $10,000 personal injury protection per person | |
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$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 | |
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $15,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$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 | |
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$20,000 bodily injury liability per person $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident $15,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person Personal injury protection per person: Other: | |
$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 | |
$15,000 bodily injury liability per person $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$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 | |
$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 | |
$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 | |
$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 | |
$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 | |
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$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 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $20,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$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 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $20,000 property damage liability per accident | |
Car insurance is optional in this state, but if you do buy it, it must have these limits: | |
$5,000 property damage liability per accident $1,000 personal injury protection per person | |
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $10,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$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. | |
$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 | |
$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 | |
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$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 | |
$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 | |
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$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 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 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $15,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$30,000 bodily injury liability per person $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident $25,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$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 | |
$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 | |
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 $10,000 property damage liability per accident | |
$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 | |
$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 | |
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident $20,000 property damage liability per accident |
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 on your phone to comply with state laws and avoid penalties.
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.
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.
No, car registration and insurance differ, but most states require both. Registration identifies you as the vehicle's legal owner, while insurance provides financial protection 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.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Dec 15, 2025
| 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 |
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
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.
MoneyGeek answered frequently asked questions about vehicle registration to help you through the process.
Most states require proof of insurance before you can register your car. Insurance companies typically give you 30 days to complete registration.
In these states, you can register a car without proof of insurance:
Most states require immediate insurance coverage before driving your purchased vehicle. You can't legally drive from the dealership or seller's location without active insurance. Many insurers offer same-day coverage that begins within hours of purchase, providing instant proof for immediate driving needs. Grace periods don't exist for newly purchased vehicles.
Yes, same-day registration is possible with proper insurance documentation. Purchase insurance coverage first, ensuring it meets your state's minimum requirements. Most insurers provide immediate digital proof upon payment processing, allowing DMV registration visits the same day. Bring both digital and printed proof when possible to avoid verification delays.
Screenshot acceptance varies by state and DMV location. Progressive states like California and Texas generally accept clear, readable screenshots showing policy numbers, coverage dates, and insurer information. However, many DMV offices prefer official insurance company apps or physical cards over screenshots due to fraud concerns. Check your local DMV's specific digital proof policies before relying on screenshots.
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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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
