Question: If I have two homes where do I register my car?
Answer: If you have homes in two different states, you’re legally required to register your car in the state where you spend the most time, typically over 183 days (six months) per year. For two homes within the same state, choose the address that is most convenient and consistent with your driver’s license and insurance policy.
How to decide where to register your vehicle
Once you understand the legal requirements for vehicle registration, you may have some additional practical considerations. Some common questions that might arise when choosing which of your two homes to use as your vehicle registration address include:
How will my registration address affect my insurance?
Your car insurance rates can vary based on the address you use for registration. Urban areas may have higher rates than rural areas due to factors like traffic density and crime rates.
Check with your insurance provider to see how your premiums might change based on where you register your car.
What inspections are required to register my car at each address?
Vehicle inspections: Some states require annual or bi-annual vehicle inspections. Ensure that the home where you register your car makes it convenient for you to comply with these inspection requirements.
Emissions testing: Similar to vehicle inspections, emissions testing requirements vary by state. If one of your homes is in a state with stringent emissions standards, be prepared to meet those standards.
Visit the DMV websites for the states where you have homes. These sites often provide detailed information on registration requirements, necessary documents, and deadlines.
How will my address affect the cost to register my vehicle?
Each state has its own laws and regulations related to vehicle registration and its cost. Registration fees can vary by county or city within a state—in addition, some locations might have different vehicle taxes.
Review the fee and tax structures associated with each of your home addresses to ensure you understand the full financial impact of your registration choice.
How convenient or accessible is the DMV associated with each address?
Think about which location is more convenient for you in terms of accessing DMV services and complying with local vehicle regulations. Consider the proximity of each home to DMV offices, which can affect how easily you can handle registration renewals, inspections, and other necessary visits. Additionally, evaluate the ease of adhering to local regulations, such as parking permits or zoning laws, which might be simpler to manage at one location over the other.
Choosing a location to register your vehicle that minimizes hassle and travel time can save you significant effort and ensure that you stay compliant with all necessary requirements.
Additional tips and considerations
Once you’ve settled on which home address you’ll use for your vehicle registration, it’s important to gather and maintain your documents properly. Typically, you will need:
- Proof of residency
- Your driver’s license
- Your car’s title
- Proof of insurance
Ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork before heading to the DMV will streamline the registration process.
After registering your car, keep all your records, such as your driver’s license, insurance policy, and vehicle registration, updated with the same address to avoid any legal complications.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.
