Can A Car Be Registered And Insured In Different States?

Learn why you need to insure and register your car in the same state even if you recently moved.

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Written by:

Dash Lewis , Writer

Written by: Dash Lewis Content Writer

10/21/2024 12:00 AM

Key Points:

With the exception of military personnel, most drivers must register and insure their vehicles in the same state.
How long you have to register a car after moving varies by state, but the timeframe can range from immediately after becoming a resident of the state to 90 days.
You’ll also want to update your driver’s license and shop for new vehicle insurance, if necessary, when you establish residency in a new state.

In this article, we’ll detail why it’s important to have your vehicle registered and insured in the same state, and also explain a few exceptions to the rule. If you’ve recently moved and are looking to switch insurance companies, read our round-up of the best car insurance companies and compare quotes from a few providers.

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Do I Need To Register And Insure My Car In The Same State?

Yes, with very few exceptions, your vehicle should be registered and insured in the same state. Even if you move back and forth between states, you need to have your car registered and insured in the state where you legally reside. This will typically be the state in which you’re licensed to drive, based on the address listed on your driver’s license.

If you recently moved, you have some time to switch your car insurance policy, but we recommend doing it as soon as possible.

Timeframe To Register Your Vehicle In A New State

Your car should not be registered in one state and insured in another. Insuring your car in a state where you don’t reside is considered fraud and could result in your claims being denied and your policy canceled.

When getting a driver’s license, registering your car, and signing up for insurance, you need to include a valid address. This should be the address where you reside for the majority of the year and where you park your car most of the time–known in the insurance industry as your “garaging address”. This address typically needs to be the same on all three documents: your license, registration, and insurance.

When you move permanently to a different state, you’re required to register your vehicle with that state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The timeframe in which you must do so varies by state. If you’re visiting another state temporarily, you don’t need to register your vehicle. All states allow you to drive an out-of-state car for a certain number of consecutive days (usually around a month).

Here’s how long each state allows drivers to register vehicles after moving:

State	Timeframe to Register Your Vehicle
Alabama	30 days
Alaska	10 days
Arizona	15 days
Arkansas	60 days
California	20 days
Colorado	90 days
Connecticut	90 days
Delaware	60 days
District of Columbia	60 days
Florida	10 days
Georgia	30 days
Hawaii	30 days
Idaho	90 days
Illinois	30 days
Indiana	60 days
Iowa	30 days
Kansas	90 days
Kentucky	15 days
Louisiana	30 days
Maine	30 days
Maryland	60 days
Massachusetts	As soon as you become an MA resident
Michigan	As soon as you become an MI resident
Minnesota	60 days
Mississippi	30 days
Missouri	30 days
Montana	60 days
Nebraska	30 days
Nevada	30 days
New Hampshire	60 days
New Jersey	60 days
New Mexico	30 to 90 days
New York	30 days
North Carolina	60 days
North Dakota	90 days
Ohio	30 days
Oklahoma	30 days
Oregon	30 days
Pennsylvania	20 days
Rhode Island	30 days
South Carolina	45 days
Tennessee	30 days
Texas	30 days
Utah	60 days
Vermont	60 days
Virginia	30 days
Washington	30 days
West Virginia	30 days
Wisconsin	60 days
Wyoming	30 to 120 days, depending on employment status

How To Update Your Driver’s License, Registration, And Car Insurance

After you establish residency in a new state, updating your driver’s license, registration, and auto insurance should be among your first priorities.

Driver’s License

To establish residency in a new state, you first need to update your driver’s license. The process for obtaining a new license is different in each state.

In some states, if you already have a license in another state, it is simply a matter of paperwork. You may be required to provide proof that you live in the state–an energy or water bill with your new address on it, for example.

In other states, you might need to take a written test before being issued a license. If you do need to take such a test, it is strongly advised that you spend some time studying first. Most state DMVs will provide free review materials online or at local offices.

Car Registration

Updating your license and registration can usually be done in one single trip to the DMV. The requirements for registering your vehicle will vary by state but typically involve establishing residency (your new license will work) and completing basic paperwork.

You will also need to provide proof of insurance on the vehicle being registered. Most states require that you have in-state insurance and an in-state driver’s license before you can register your car and get a license plate, so you should take care of those things first.

Car Insurance

Changing your insurance policy is usually very easy. Simply contact your auto insurance carrier and explain that you’ve moved.

Many providers also let you change your policy online in a matter of minutes. You could also take this opportunity to see if you can find better coverage at lower rates with a different company. Insurance rates and requirements vary by state, so be sure to review your coverages carefully to make sure you’re adequately protected.

What If I Split My Time Between States?

Even if you spend winters in one state and summers in another, you should still have your vehicle licensed and insured in the same state–wherever you spend the majority of your time. So if you live in Michigan seven months of the year and in Florida for five, your car will typically need to be registered and insured in Michigan.

If you’re frequently driving between states or have a vacation home you often visit, discuss the particulars with your insurer. The best thing you can do is accurately inform your car insurance agent of your situation and work out a personalized solution.

Failing to inform your auto insurance carrier of your multi-state status is a bad idea. It may save money in the short term, but could ultimately cost you significantly if you end up having a claim that’s denied.

Noteworthy Exceptions When Insuring Your Car In A Different State

There are a few unique situations in which it might be permissible to have your car registered in one state but insured in another.

Military Personnel

If you are a member of the military, the rules are a little different. Service people declare residency in the state to which they intend to return after deployment. Laws differ in each state, but almost all states make registration exceptions for active-duty military.

As long as your vehicle registration is current in your declared home state, you don’t usually need to register in the state in which you are stationed.

Temporary Moves

For temporary moves, you may not have to change your registration, depending on the length of your stay.

If you’re temporarily working out of state, however, be aware that most states consider employment a means of establishing residency and will likely require you to change your car insurance and registration. If you’ll only be moving to another state for a short period of time, check with your car insurance company and with the local DMV.

Can A Car Be Registered And Insured In Different States?: Our Take

Though there are a few exceptions, in most cases, your car needs to be registered and insured in the same state. If you think you might qualify for an exception, be sure to talk to your insurance company as well as the DMV to make sure you’re fully protected and avoid possible penalties and fines.

Our Recommendations For Car Insurance

If you are unhappy with your car insurance provider or simply searching for a cheaper option, make sure that you compare quotes from a variety of different companies. Use our auto insurance quote comparison tool to get started and be sure to take a look at our list of the best car insurance companies.

We’ve reviewed dozens of reputable insurance providers and ranked each one based on coverage options, cost, customer reviews, and other factors. Below are a few of our top recommendations based on that research.

USAA: Best For Military Members

USAA auto insurance is only available to military members, veterans, and their families. If you are eligible to purchase USAA insurance, we think there is no better choice. Offering a range of discount options, USAA provides affordable full-coverage auto insurance and boasts some of the best customer review scores in the industry.

Geico: Best For Basic Coverage

Geico has become one of the most popular insurance providers because of its nationwide availability, affordable rates, and easy claims process. Geico’s DriveEasy app allows customers to track driving habits and reduce their premiums. This and other quality discounts make Geico one of the cheapest providers available. It’s a great place to start when comparing auto insurance quotes.

Can My Car Be Registered And Insured In Different States: FAQ

Take a look at answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about registering and insuring a car in different states below.

Can I drive a car registered in a different state?

You must register your car in the state where you reside. When you visit other states, you are allowed to drive your car that is registered in your home state. Most places have rules for how long you can continue to operate a vehicle registered outside of the state. Check local laws, but the average is about 30 days.

Does my license have to match my vehicle registration?

Your driver’s license needs to match your vehicle registration. In most states, you cannot register a vehicle without holding a state-issued license.

Can you have out-of-state car insurance?

Most auto insurance policies in the U.S. will cover you when driving in all 50 states and Canada. However, you cannot buy out-of-state car insurance. In most cases, you need to buy car insurance in your state of residence.

Can you live in one state and have car insurance in another?

No, you need to have car insurance in the state where you live. If you move, you need to update your insurance with your new address as soon as you can. The company may deny your claims if you fail to provide accurate and up-to-date information.

Can a car be owned by one person and insured by another?

In some situations, a vehicle can be owned and insured by two people, but it’s not generally recommended. You’ll need to call an insurance agent directly to set this up. It’s known as non-owners insurance and is only applicable in some circumstances.

How We Rate Auto Insurers

Our review team extensively researches auto insurance providers to deliver informed and unbiased assessments of leading companies. We evaluate several key rating factors that are important to consumers to determine which providers are the best in the industry:

Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
Availability: Insurance companies that offer wider availability to consumers in terms of state availability and few eligibility requirements are more likely to meet consumer needs.
Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
Pricing: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer a smooth experience.
Technology: Providers with an online quote tool, easy-to-use claims app and a usage-based insurance app score best in this category.

*Data accurate at time of publication.

Dash Lewis Content Writer