The logistics of car shipping can be overwhelming, especially for people relocating to a new state or purchasing a vehicle from another state. There are numerous factors to consider whether it be a job opportunity, some quality time spent with family, or simply a change in scenery. Regardless of the reason, one important question people often ask themselves in such a situation is,
Do I need to pre-register my car in the new state before shipping it?
This comprehensive guide will answer the above question and explain the process of car shipping across states and registration details alongside handy tips for a seamless change of domicile for your car.
Must You Register Your Vehicle Before Shipping It?
No, there are no legal requirements stipulating a person must register their vehicle prior to car shipping, regardless of the state. Do note, however, that these requirements vary from one state to another. Shipping companies do not care whether the car is registered in the state from which it is being shipped or not. The only information they require is what make and model of the vehicle you intend to ship.
Regardless, even though there is no need for prior registration before transporting your vehicle, there is a need for registration after the shipment is completed in the new state. We can look into both aspects of the procedure further in depth.
The Entire Process of Shipping a Vehicle
Once you make the decision to ship a car to a different location, it implies that you have contacted a moving company to shift your vehicle. Here is everything that requires your attention prior to shipping:
1: Picking a Vehicle Shipping Company
The primary choice to make is the selection of a trustworthy car shipping service provider. After all, you can have an option of open transport (less costly) and enclosed transport (ideal for luxury or classic cars). As it is with everything, there are cons and pros for both. Assess your circumstances before making the decision and you’re likely to end up satisfied.
After selecting a business, you will have to submit the following information:
– Collection and delivery locations
– Your Vehicle’s Make, Model, and Year
– Preferred Dates for Shipping
– Method of Shipping (open or enclosed)
2: Arranging the Shipment
They will allocate a carrier to pick your car from the location specified and take it to the requested location. The business, after confirming all details, will book a pick-up time for you. Most of the time, no changes to the registration are needed for this stage, although the vehicle does have to operate unless special arrangements are made for non-operational vehicles.
3: Transporting the Vehicle
The actual shipping should take somewhere between a week up to several days, depending on how far the vehicle is going and the method of transport selected. The transport company doesn’t concern themselves with registration issues while the vehicle is in transit, but you will have to update the registration once the car is moved to the designated state.
Updating Your Vehicle’s Registration in a Different State
In a new state where you plan to live or visit, you’ll need to update your car’s registration. While all states have their own guidelines and deadlines pertaining to registering a vehicle, there are steps which you will likely have to complete:
1: Registration
Starting with any new state, there will be a DMV to get in touch with regarding getting the car registered. Since every state has a separate DMV, it varies at times. In any case, there are certain requirements and documents that are mostly needed such as:
– Proof of residence (Lease agreement or a utility bill)
– Proof of identity (Passport or Driver’s License)
– Title of your previous state along with an insurance policy that meets the minimum requirements set by the state you’re moving to, proof of registration OR proof of ownership
– Odometer reading at the point of registration
– Vehicle Inspection (if the state mandates it)
2: Completion of Forms
Once the documents mentioned above alongside the respective payment have been submitted, there are bound to be several forms that you will need to fill out per the new State’s requirements. In most cases the fee is determined based on your vehicles make, model and weight। Though a state can charge whatever it wants, full registration cannot be processed till the payment is done.
3: Replace Title and Registration
Following the submission of documents, you will receive a vehicle title and registration from your new state. You may also need to purchase new license plates if your old state’s plates are not admissible in the new state. Although this may take weeks, some states offer expedited services that facilitate rush processing.
Exceptions to the Rule: Moving Within the State and Temporary Moving Permits
Some situations may warrant the need for a temporary registration, particularly if you are moving to a new state and need to drive your car legally while waiting for everything to be finalized. Some states provide new residents with specially designed permits flagging them as new permit holders for a limited time while they complete the administrative processes associated with the vehicle registration.
If you are relocating for a short period, such as a job assignment or an extended stay, verify whether your state of origin allows registration suspension. Some states allow residents to use a non-resident registered vehicle without requiring immediate change of address in the new state, as long as it is registered out of state, during a limited timeframe.
Why is Vehicle Registration Relevant After Transportation?
There is no requirement for you to register your vehicle prior to shipping it, and we do not recommend preemptive registration on your end either. Still, there are reasons your vehicle needs registration in the new state:
– Legal Compliance: From a legal standpoint, holding on to out-of-state plates for an extended period of time could land you fines and penalties. Registering your vehicle in a new state uses up these risks.
– Insurance Coverage: As mentioned above, your vehicle will have insurance. However, insurance of your vehicle may have local conditions. As per one of the requirements, registration of the vehicle at the new address is mandatory for insurance policy updates.
– Local Road Usage: In most states, there are laws pertaining to the registration and use of automobiles on public roads. Cars must have current registration to be deemed legal for public road use. Avoid as many law enforcement issues as you can by having your registration current.
Wrap Up
For us to respond to that. No, you’re not required to register your vehicle in a new state before it is shipped. Registration is an independent activity relative to the vehicle/auto shipping process which will be carried out without fail regardless of pending registration at the state of the vehicle’s delivery.
Nonetheless, when your car arrives, ensure that you take the appropriate steps to register it in the new state to avoid legal complications. Check the local DMV for the requirements of your new state to avoid any problems.
To get further details or to book your car shipment, please contact Car-Transport24. Our professionals are always available to provide the best services to our clients and ensure their satisfaction.
