How long can you keep a car registered in a different state?
Asked by: Colleen McKenzie | Last update: December 5, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (55 votes)
How long can I keep my car in another state?
Most states have a limited grace period during which you need to change your vehicle registration and license to your new address. This varies from state to state but is generally between 30 and 90 days.
What happens if you don't change your car registration?
Different states will have different penalties if you're caught driving an unregistered vehicle or a car with expired registration around, but you can expect to pay expensive fines, receive a warning or ticket, and even have your car towed.
Can I register my car in a different state if I don't live there?
No, it is not legal to register a vehicle in a state you don't actually live in. Providing an incorrect address is fraud. I know people do this often and usually get away with it though.
Can my car be registered in one state and have insurance in another?
Can You Have Car Insurance In a Different State Than Your Registration? Registering a vehicle in one state while holding an insurance policy in another is not permitted for most drivers. This restriction is due to variations in traffic laws and minimum insurance coverage requirements.
Can I Register My Car In A Different State? - Car Performance Pros
Is it illegal to have your car insured in another state?
If you split your time between two states, you may be able to get auto insurance in either of the two states (but it will not technically be “out of state” since you will be living there). Most often, the rule of thumb is your car must be insured in the state where it is registered.
How long do you have to change your car insurance when you move?
If you're moving in state, you'll want to tell your car insurance company as soon as possible about your new address. If you move to another state, you may only have 30 to 90 days to change your car insurance, and update your driver's license and vehicle registration.
Can I drive an unregistered car in another state?
That's a crime. So is that unregistered vehicle. See, EVERY U.S. STATE has LAWS requiring ALL DRIVERS HAVE, ON THEIR PERSON, A VALID DRIVERS' LICENSE WHILE DRIVING, and to present/give same to police when stopped. Also, EVERY U.S. STATE has LAWS requiring ALL VEHICLES BE REGISTERED WITH SAID STATE.
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.
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.
Can I live in California and have a car registered in another state?
However, automobiles may also be registered on an interstate basis. California residents may obtain interstate registration for vehicles registered in another state, but a California resident who is exempt from registering in another state should not be encouraged to pay fees to both states.
What do cops see when they run out of state plates?
The name and address of the registered owner. Along with the license number for verification that the correct plate has been run and the expiration date of the registration. It will return the VIN number as well as the year, make and model of the vehicle and more recent ally the color of the vehicle.
How long can I drive an out of state car in Texas?
Once a person becomes a new Texas resident, they must apply for a Texas license within 90 days to continue to drive legally.
How long can a car be stored without being used?
How long is too long without driving a car? Experts recommend driving your car every two to three weeks to keep it in running condition. Ideally, you should not let your vehicle sit unused for more than two weeks.
What happens if you don't update your license when you move states?
Failing to update your driver's license address is generally not a major offense, but don't be surprised if law enforcement gives you a ticket along with directions to get it updated.
How long can you insure a car without registration?
Buying Car Insurance with No Registration
Most major insurance companies will allow you to take out a new policy on an unregistered vehicle you own. However, they will typically require you to get it registered shortly after buying insurance, usually within 30-60 days.
What happens if you don't register your car for a year in Washington?
(You can get a $529 minimum traffic fine if you are a resident and do not license your vehicle in this state.
How long can you drive a car out of state?
You can drive a car registered in another state, but there's usually a limit to how long you're able to do so before changing your registration. Generally, you can drive out-of-state for up to 30 days without having to re-register the car.
How long can a car be unregistered in WA?
You cannot drive your vehicle on the road. You have three months from the expiry date to renew your vehicle licence without the need to return the plates and have the vehicle inspected.
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 you get pulled over for expired tabs in Washington state in 2024?
HB 1513, SB 5572 removes the burden of police stopping drivers for non-safety related reasons, including expired tabs, a broken taillight or headlight, and other equipment violations that are not actual dangers on the road.
How long do I have to register an out of state vehicle in California?
Registering Your Vehicle
A nonresident vehicle is a vehicle last registered in another state or country. Registration fees for nonresident vehicles must be paid to DMV within 20 days of the date they become due.
What happens if I don't tell my car insurance that I moved?
Why Does It Matter If I Forget To Tell My Auto Insurance Company That I Moved? The short answer: Because they can refuse to cover you if you are in a car wreck and failed to change your address.
Can I keep my car insurance if I move to another state?
While buying a new auto insurance policy may seem like a hassle, the good news is that if your current carrier sells insurance in your new state, you can typically just get a new policy from the same company. You'll usually only need to switch carriers if your current insurer doesn't do business in your new state.
Can I have car insurance in two states?
There's also no such thing as a multi-state car insurance policy that originates from two or more states. Any auto policy you buy will originate from one state only, typically the state where you reside.