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You’re moving? Hey, good on you; a change of scenery might serve you well. But, before you load up your car, make your move, and go on living, you might want to consider a few things. In fact, your attempt to register your vehicle in a new state might require more than you bargained for. For instance, you might require a police inspection to register your ride.

Before you make your move in 2024 and try to register your vehicle in another state, consider these things

It’s moving day. That’s a big deal. You’ve packed up your car and plotted your course. However, before you drop anchor in your new locale and call it a day, you’ve got some logistics to handle. One of your logistical considerations is going to the right place to register your vehicle in your new state of residence.

Moreover, your experience registering your vehicle in your new home might be more complex than swinging by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Instead, you should consider the following before registering your ride. 

  • You may need an inspection to register your car
  • Some registration inspections are cash-only
  • Do you have a vanity plate? You might not be able to keep it
  • Many states require you to register within a timeframe of one to three months

In certain states, like the Commonwealth of Kentucky, you may require an inspection from a public safety professional, like a sheriff, to register your vehicle. If that’s the case, your vehicle will need to pass a functionality test, including signals, horn, and lights.

However, I recommend researching whether your state still requires inspections. For example, the State of Texas will stop requiring its residents to get annual inspections in 2025. Still, if your state requires inspections, you should know that beforehand. Of course, if your state doesn’t require inspections to register your car, don’t let your vehicle fall into disrepair.

What’s more, should your state require an inspection, the processing fee may be cash-only. Check out your DMV or relevant agency’s website before showing up. 

Ok, we get it. Your vanity plate is hilarious. Or informative. I mean, how else will we know that you’re the “NO.1 RN” or whatever? Well, don’t get too attached to that plate. There’s a chance that your next state of residence won’t let you keep it.

Finally, your new state of residence might require that you register your vehicle promptly. Make sure you check out your local DMV or relevant agency’s website for the required registration timeframe. You might be required to register your car within one to three months after moving.

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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).