How to Easily Move Car Insurance and Registration to a New State

You can transfer your car insurance, registration, and license plate to a new state in two distinct steps. First, you need to get new auto insurance coverage in the state you’re moving to. Then, you can use the proof of coverage at the department of motor vehicles (DMV) in your new home state to get a new registration and license plate.

Both steps should be done after you move to avoid any legal issues or insurance lapses. Most states give you between 10 and 90 days to get car insurance and register your car.

Keep reading to learn how to transfer car insurance to another state and what you need for your DMV visit.

How to get car insurance in a new state

When you move, you may keep your current car insurance plan for 30 to 90 days after you are settled in your new home, depending on the state. North Carolina, for example, gives new residents 60 days to get new insurance, a driver’s license, and to register their vehicle. New Colorado residents receive 90 days. This is good news, as you can focus on the actual move rather than worrying about transferring your car insurance.

Once you make it to your destination, it’s best to start looking into getting a new car insurance policy as soon as you can. You need to have your new car insurance policy first, then you can register your vehicle in your new state.

You have two options for getting car insurance in your new state:

Keep your same car insurance provider

Keeping your same auto insurance provider, assuming they operate in both your old and new state, is the easiest option when it comes to transferring your auto insurance.

I’ve moved across three states over the past 10 years. I kept my same insurance provider (USAA) for the first cross-country move, changed providers for the second (State Farm), and kept that same one for the third. Keeping the same insurance provider was easier, but I was able to secure a better rate by changing providers after my second move.

If you want to keep your same provider, simply notify your current auto insurance provider about your move. They will provide you with information on how your coverage and rates may change based on the new state’s regulations and risk factors. You can have them simultaneously cancel your old policy once the new one goes into effect.

You can contact your insurance provider by phone or in-person. Some companies, such as State Farm, Allstate, and Progressive, allow you to switch your car insurance online, too.

Find a new car insurance provider

The other option is to get your auto coverage from a new insurance provider. There are many factors that affect car insurance rates, and you may decide switching providers is the best option for you.

Think about what you want out of a policy, whether that’s to save money on car insurance or to be able to bundle your home and auto insurance policies together.

For me, both of those were a priority. I wanted affordable coverage for both my car and my new home, and I also wanted to pay the lowest price possible. To find this, I got multiple quotes from the top home and auto insurance providers in my new state. In the end,I was able to save roughly $30 per month and I bundled my car and home insurance together.

Understanding car insurance policies

It’s also important you understand your new state’s auto insurance requirements. Some states only require drivers to have liability insurance, while others also require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Your new auto insurance agent or provider will be able to answer any questions regarding minimum requirements and what you need to carry. You can also check your new state’s official website to see the minimum coverage you’ll need.

Below are examples of two states and their differing auto insurance requirements.

Minimum auto insurance in Illinois:

• $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage
• $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
• $20,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
• $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist insurance

Minimum auto insurance in Florida:

• $10,000 in personal injury liability protection
• $10,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage

Many insurance specialists suggest you carry more insurance coverage than what is required. Experts recommend drivers have at least:

• $100,000 per person in bodily injury liability insurance
• $300,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
• $50,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage

Once you have purchased your new insurance policy and have proof of insurance, you can register your car in your new state and get a new driver’s license. You can also cancel your old insurance policy at this time.

How to get a new registration and driver’s license

Depending on what state you move to, you should have between 10 and 90 days to register your car and get a new driver’s license after the move. You may apply for a new driver’s license during the same DMV visit you do to register your vehicle.

You’ll need to fill out an application and get your picture taken to get a new license. A new driver’s license can be as low as $10 or close to $90 depending on the state you’ve moved to, and you may be required to take a vision test.

Prepare for the DMV visit

To make the process of getting a new registration and license as seamless as possible, it’s important you prepare for the DMV visit and get a new emissions test, if needed.

Collect the documents you may need, including:

• Current driver’s license
• Proof of residency
• Vehicle title and previous registration
• Proof of insurance
• Emission inspection report, if required

Since you have just moved into your new home, you might not have many documents that prove your residency. However, the following documents should meet most states' requirements:

• Utility bill
• Mortgage or lease agreement
• Paycheck stub

If you don’t have a prior driver’s license to provide your proof of identity, you may use:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Welfare card
• Medicaid card
• Military card
• Refugee travel documents

There are several documents that different states may accept as proof of identity or proof of residency, so check with the DMV in your new state for what is accepted.

Get an emissions test

Several states require vehicles to undergo an emissions inspection, also known as a smog test. In states that require these tests, you may have to show proof that your car passed its emissions test to register it at the state’s DMV.

Emissions tests are required in 35 states, so you should check with the DMV in your new state to find out if it's a test you need before registering your car.

Once your car is moved, you’ve gotten an emissions inspection if needed, and you’ve gathered your documents, you can head to your new state’s DMV to register your car and get a new license.

FAQs about moving your car to a new state

Bottom line

While you are packing all your belongings in preparation for a big move, make sure you do your due diligence and be prepared to switch your car insurance to your new home state. Starting a new policy, or transferring your existing one after you move, will help you register your car and get a new driver’s license within the allowed timeframe.