Updated: July 2, 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 in all except New Hampshire and Virginia.
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.
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 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.
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.
Most states impose financial penalties that can range from $50 to over $5,000. The exact amount depends on your location and whether it's your first offense.
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.
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.
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:
Most states require you to fill out a vehicle registration form. You can usually download it online or complete it in person at the DMV.
A valid form of identification is required to prove that you're legally allowed to own and register a vehicle in the state. Most states accept a standard driver’s license or state-issued ID.
You’ll need to show that your car meets the minimum insurance coverage required in your state. This is usually verified electronically, but physical or digital insurance cards are also accepted.
The DMV requires proof that you own or legally lease the car. This can be your car title or a signed lease contract from the dealership or leasing company.
Each state may have additional requirements, such as emissions test results or VIN inspections. Always check your state’s DMV website before your visit to avoid delays.
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 $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 | |
$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. $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 | |
$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 $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 | |
$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 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 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.
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:
Jul 03, 2025
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 |
| 3 | 83 /of 100 | $118 | |
| 4 | 83 /of 100 | $129 | |
| 5 | 79 /of 100 | $133 | |
| 6 | 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. This article covers which states require insurance for registration and how to navigate these requirements.
MoneyGeek answered frequently asked questions about vehicle registration to help you through the process.
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.
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.
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:
You don't need to register a car to get insurance. Buy auto coverage immediately since most states require insurance before registration.
You can get insurance without a license, but it may be harder. Insurance providers might also charge higher rates.
If your insurance policy is canceled or expires, the DMV may suspend your registration. You could also face fines or penalties until valid proof of insurance is restored.
You can. A non-owner car insurance policy provides liability coverage for people who regularly drive but don’t own a vehicle, such as those who rent or borrow cars frequently.
Even if your registration is still valid, driving without insurance is illegal in most states. If caught, you may face fines, suspension of registration or higher insurance premiums later.
Yes. While most insurers offer a short grace period that temporarily extends your previous policy to a new car, you must formally update your coverage details before that period ends.
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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.
