Do You Need Insurance to Register Your Car?

Yes, most states require you to have a current and valid auto insurance policy before you can register your vehicle. In 42 states and Washington, D.C., you need proof of insurance to register your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Whether you recently bought a new car or moved to a new state, it’s crucial that you have a car insurance policy in place before you can start the process of registering your vehicle.

Only Arizona, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin don’t require car insurance upon registration. New Hampshire and Virginia don’t require that drivers hold an insurance policy but strongly recommend purchasing coverage.

• Vehicle Registration: Do You Need Proof of Insurance?
• What Is Proof of Insurance?
• FAQs About Vehicle Registration

Most states require you to present proof of insurance before you can register your car. You need to have a current and valid car insurance policy that meets your state’s required coverages before you can register your vehicle.

Forty-two states and Washington, D.C., require you to have a car insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum required coverages to register your vehicle.

Many states use an electronic insurance verification system to identify a driver’s insurance status. If the system recognizes you as uninsured, you will not be able to register your car in that state.

This electronic system also prevents you from canceling your car insurance after a successful registration without repercussions. If you discontinue your coverage, your state’s DMV will be notified, and your registration may be suspended.

You can register your vehicle without having car insurance in Arizona, Mississippi, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. However, most of these states require you to have insurance within a specified period after registration; Virginia and New Hampshire are the exceptions.

If you’re living in Arizona, Mississippi, North Dakota, Tennessee, Washington or Wisconsin, you don’t need to have proof of insurance when registering your car. However, you do need to have car insurance before driving.

Across the U.S., only New Hampshire lacks a mandatory insurance law for drivers. You can both register your car and drive on public roads without having an active car insurance policy. However, the state’s DMV strongly recommends and urges vehicle owners to carry standard liability and property damage insurance.

Virginia doesn’t require insurance either, but drivers must pay a $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle (UMV) fee if they don’t have coverage.

Typically, you can’t register your vehicle without car insurance. Unless you live in the eight aforementioned states, proof of insurance is required for vehicle registration.

Everywhere except New Hampshire and Virginia, you’re required to have car insurance before you can legally drive. Driving uninsured or with lapsed insurance may result in financial and legal problems.

Here are some of the possible risks and consequences of driving without an active car insurance policy:

• Depending on where you live, you could be fined $50–$5,000 for driving uninsured.
• Suspension of driver’s license.
• Jail time.
• Increased insurance rates.
• In the event of an accident, out-of-pocket payment for personal and property damage.

Proof of insurance is a document that proves you hold a current, valid car insurance policy that meets your state's minimum required coverages.

All states except New Hampshire and Virginia require car insurance before drivers can legally drive on public roads. This requirement helps drivers pay for property damage and personal injury after an accident.

Other than the DMV, local law enforcement can ask for your proof of insurance if you’re pulled over. You may also have to present proof of insurance when applying for a new car insurance policy.

Insurance companies typically provide proof of insurance immediately after your first premium payment. They may send it via mail, fax or as an electronic insurance card.

Many insurance providers allow you to access your insurance ID through a mobile app. They can also email you a digital copy of your card, which you can access on your smartphone. Those are convenient options that prevent you from losing your insurance ID.

If you do lose your insurance card, most insurers allow you to access your account online. By logging onto their website, you can download and print out a new insurance ID. Additionally, you can contact your agent and ask them to send you a new card in the mail.

Registering your car doesn’t need to be a complicated process. MoneyGeek answered some of the frequently asked questions about vehicle registration to make it easier.