Can a car be registered and insured in different states?
Asked by: Dr. Alfred Cummerata | Last update: January 14, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (39 votes)
Does your car insurance have to match your registration state?
In general, your car must be registered and insured in the same state, since both vehicle registration and auto insurance are based on your permanent residence. In fact, using an address for insurance that's different from the primary residence where you keep your vehicle is a form of insurance fraud.
Can you insure cars in different states?
If you keep vehicles at both homes, you'll need a separate policy for each state. For example, if you have homes in Massachusetts and Florida and you keep a car at each residence, each vehicle will need its own policy.
Is it legal to have your car registered in another state?
You can't register your car in a different state from where you live to avoid higher registration rates or insurance fees. But some states allow nonresident vehicle registrations if you have a legitimate reason for doing so.
Can my car insurance address be different than my registration?
The short answer: yes, your insurance policy, your driver's license as well as your vehicle registration should all have the same (current) address. Let's explore the reasons why you should get this done quickly after a move.
Cheap Car Insurance! Can you use a different address to get cheaper rates on your car insurance?
Does car insurance have to be in the same name as registration?
Does your car insurance and registration have to be under the same name? Insuring and registering your car under different names is allowed in most states. However, in those states that allow it, insurers still might not underwrite a policy to a name different than that of the registered vehicle owner.
Does it matter where your car is registered?
However, leaving your car registered in a state where you don't live anymore is illegal in most situations. You risk a fine and jail time if you don't have the correct address on your vehicle registration, and you could be denied insurance coverage if you file a claim.
How do I transfer my car registration to another state?
Visit the DMV: Schedule a visit to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or its equivalent agency to start the registration process. Submit documents: Present the necessary documents, including identification, residency proof, vehicle title and insurance information.
Can I register my car in Texas if I live in another state?
Unless you are a full-time student or active military, you must register the vehicle in the state where you now reside. If you are currently a Texas resident and are temporarily located out of state, you may continue to renew online or by mail as long as you have not established residency elsewhere.
How long can I drive in Washington with out of state plates?
You have 30 days after moving to Washington to get your driver license and register your vehicle. If you aren't sure what steps to take to register a vehicle, contact a vehicle licensing office. They'll be happy to give you information on steps, documentation, and fees.
Do I have to change my car insurance if I move states?
There are several factors to consider while planning your move, including your auto insurance policy. If your new home is in a different state, you may wonder, “Do I have to change car insurance when I move states?” The short answer is yes.
Is it illegal to have car insurance at a different address?
Keeping your car insurance registered at a different address can be viewed as misrepresentation, resulting in severe consequences. If your insurance provider discovers that you are lying about the address on the car insurance, they may deny your claims or cancel your policy altogether.
Can you insure a car that is not at your residence?
If you're homeless and in need of car insurance, keep your vehicle at a friend's house and use that address for your quote. It's critical that you park the vehicle at this location when it's not in use.
Does it matter what state your auto insurance is in?
Although you don't have to change car insurance when moving states, it often makes sense for drivers to make the switch. Insurance agents are typically licensed only in a single state, and different states have different laws about insurance coverage.
Can someone drive my car if they are not on my insurance Geico?
Some states require the car owner's insurance to cover any accidental damage, so if they're not insured or don't have the right coverage, as the driver you may end up being liable.
Can I keep my car registered in a state I don't live in?
Can I have a car registered in one state and live in another? Drivers living in two states can register their vehicle in the state they drive the most or in both. So if you spend equal time in California and Texas, you can register a car in California and one in Texas.
Can I register my car in Florida with an out of state license?
The only photo identification acceptable are: (1) a Florida, out-of-state, US territory, Canadian driver license or a state issued ID card with photo, or (2) a valid passport of any country. 3. Bring in your original title if in your possession.
Can I register a car in Texas that I do not own?
You may only register a vehicle on behalf of the titled owner with a Permission Letter and acceptable form(s) of ID for you and the owner.
Can you add someone to a car registration if they are not on the loan?
Yes, in many cases, you can add your mother's name to your car registration without her being on the loan. However, the process and the requirements can vary significantly from one state to another.
Do I need to change my driver's license when I move to another state?
Do I need a new ID if I move to another state? All states require that residents update their driver's licenses when they move.
Does your insurance and registration address have to match?
First of all, your insurance policy and your driver's license (as well as your vehicle registration) should use the same address. Depending on which insurance company you have, that will determine how quickly you should get this taken care of, but generally it's around 30-60 days.
Does it matter what state your car title is from?
Per DIrect Auto, your new car title comes from the state where you buy the car. If you live in a different state, make sure you take it to your local Department of Motor Vehicles when you register the car in your home state. If you are buying a car out of state, make sure you understand their title process.
Can I register a car in Texas with an out of state license?
You don't need to be a Texas resident already to register your vehicle in Texas. You must register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Texas, and residency requirements for a driver's license are a minimum of 30 days of living here (unless you surrender a valid out-of-state license).
Does a car need to be registered to be insured?
In some states, you can get a license plate without insurance, but you cannot drive the car until it is insured. However, most states require you to get insurance before registration. In every state except for New Hampshire, you must have a minimum amount of liability insurance to drive your car.