Vehicle Registration 101: A Helpful Overview

Okay, so we know that each of our fifty states has different rules and regulations when it comes to registering and titling vehicles. This is a given, and we’d never dream of lumping all 50 together. But…

There are some procedures and requirements that are true nearly across the board. And because here at eTags we like to make your life easy (at least when it comes to tags and titles) we thought we’d help you get a head start when it comes to registering your vehicle.

Here is a list of the most commonly required elements when registering a car, truck, or SUV in the USA.

1. You will need proof of ownership first. This means that you must either be in possession of a certificate of title that has been legally and legibly signed over to you by the vehicle’s previous owner, or you must have a title on hand that already lists you as the legal owner on the front of the document.

If you have a signed-over title, you’ll need to get that piece of paper exchanged for a new title that lists you as the owner. For this service in NY, FL, MD, CA, OH, and MD, you can head over to eTags.com for quick and easy title transfer along with your registration or on its own.

3. If you’ve just purchased the vehicle you want to register, you’ll need a bill of sale that lists the following items:
   1. Seller and buyer names
   2. Date of sale
   3. Make, model, and year of vehicle
   4. Selling price
   5. Odometer reading (optional, but smart)
4. In order to register and drive a vehicle legally, you’ll need to have auto insurance. This insurance must meet state-required minimums (different in each territory) and list your name as either policy owner or as covered by the policy owner. If you’ve just moved to a new state, you’ll have to either switch your coverage area (if your provider has a presence in your new place) or obtain new, local insurance coverage.
5. As with any legal transaction, you will be asked to provide ID. The identification requirements vary from state to state, but it’s fair to say that the most universally accepted form of ID is a current, valid driver’s license or state-issued ID card. Some territories will accept a passport or military ID, but you will need to confirm this with your local DMV.
6. Each DMV will provide its own application for registration, and you’ll want to source this form either online or in person. These forms usually ask for the same information, including owner, seller, and vehicle details, along with sale price and insurance specifics.

3. Depending on where you are registering your vehicle, your state may ask for a passing emissions inspection. If your place of residence requires this, it’s good to know that many DMVs will only accept a passing test for a specific amount of time. Meaning, the results will only be valid for a short period, like ninety days, for example.

And these are the basic needs of registering a car, truck, or SUV. You may, at some point, be required to obtain notarization or provide other documentation such as probate papers or lien releases depending on your particular situation. But generally, the above list is a great place to get started.

Of course, if we can be of service, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for all your tag and title needs. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!