Where Do I Register My Car If I Have Homes In Two States?

Lisa Conant, Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Reviewed by

Lisa Conant, Automotive Content Specialist

Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on September 4th, 2023

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Summary
  • If you have homes in two states, register your vehicle in the state where you drive the most.
  • Consider the registration fees, insurance rates, and laws of each state.
  • Use the same primary address in the documents you fill out when registering your vehicle in the selected state.
  • If you recently moved to a new state, visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and register your vehicle within 30 days (20 days in California).
  • The states that permit vehicle registration for non-residents are Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania.

Registering your vehicle is important because it allows states to determine ownership and provide data when tracking a criminal or assessing taxes. It also allows the state to regularly check if a vehicle is complying with its safety and emissions standards.

If you intend to register your vehicle in a certain state, you have to remember that your license needs to be from the same state. This is because most states don’t allow non-residents to register their vehicles. But what if you have homes in two states? Where do you register your car?

The most straightforward answer would be to simply register your car in the state where you drive the most. This could be the same state as the address printed on your driver’s license or the address that you’ve listed as your primary mailing address.

It’s best to register your car in the state where you drive the most, or you may consider the registration fees and insurance rates of each state.

You can also consider the registration fees and insurance rates of each state. You could save yourself some money because some states offer cheaper insurance rates and registration fees. Additionally, each state has its own laws when it comes to vehicle registration requirements. States like California, for example, have strict muffler laws where any modification to the original muffler is considered illegal.

When registering your car in the state you’ve chosen, make sure all the documents you fill out during registration use the same primary address.

What To Do If You’ve Recently Moved Into A New State?

If you’ve recently relocated to a new state, you might be wondering when you’ll need to register your vehicle. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the laws of the state you’ve moved to and how long you intend to stay. You should check with the DMV in the state where you’ve relocated to learn about its special requirements for car registration.

In most circumstances, you must register your car in the new state within 30 days of relocating. There are, however, some states that have exceptions to this rule. California, for example, requires you to register your car within 20 days of moving there. If you’re only going to be in the new state for a short time (less than 90 days), you may not be required to register your car.

In most circumstances, you must register your car in the new state within 30 days of relocating.

States That Allow Non-Residents to Register

Most states only allow residents to register their vehicles in the same state. However, several states allow non-residents to register their vehicles there. These include:

  • Delaware
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Pennsylvania

The registration requirements for each of these states vary. Luckily, the registration requirements of each state are available online, so make sure to do your own research.

About The Authors
Reviewed By Lisa Conant

Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com

Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.

Written By CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

Share
Published by
CarParts.com Research Team and Lisa Conant