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It’s something we all have to do to avoid irritating the authorities. We all, rich and poor, old and young, have to do it. I’m, of course, referring to registering your car. Some states require you to update your registration annually with an irritating inspection element. However, all states require you to keep your registration up-to-date. Still, before you head to your local DMV or registration office, you might want to keep a few things in mind.

Keep these things in mind before registering your car or you might end up making a few trips

Registering your car is a must. After all, not keeping up with it can land you in trouble with the fuzz. For instance, if a police officer pulls you over with expired registration, you could incur fines, impounding fees, and even license suspension. However, remembering some of these tips can make your registration experience easier.

  • Don’t forget your license and proof of insurance
  • Proof of residence
  • Keep your car in working order; you might need an inspection
  • Bring a little cash
  • You might not want to pull up illegal modifications

For starters, and it might seem obvious, but don’t forget your license and proof of insurance. If a clerk asks you for an insurance card or proof of minimum coverage and you can’t produce it, you may get sent away. Save yourself a trip and bring your documentation.

In that same vein, your registering state might require proof of residence. As such, if you move to a new state or register a recent vehicle purchase, you may need documentation to prove that you have an address in that state. In most cases, a bill, bank statement, or official mail should suffice. 

Drivers in Texas only have to deal with the dreaded annual inspection for a little bit longer. However, in many other states, like the Commonwealth of Kentucky, new vehicle registrations require a Sheriff’s inspection. As such, you might want to ensure that your vehicle is in working order, including headlights, signals, brake lights, and horn.

Consequently, your inspection or registration might cost a bit of cash. As a result, it’s prudent to bring little cash to the DMV or registering agency. Finally, any obviously illegal modifications you’ve made to your car might stand in the way of your registration process. Oh, and it might net you a nasty little fine from the authorities.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).