Question: My car is in dire need of a paint job, but I’m thinking about getting a new color. I haven’t decided yet, but if I do paint my car a different color, do I need to change the color type on the title?
Answer: State laws vary, but even if it’s not required where you live, it’s best to notify your state’s DMV if you change the color of your car. You may not need to change your car title, but you probably should update your registration. (In some states, like Massachusetts, you’re required to update the title to match the registration.)
If your car color doesn’t match your registration, it could lead to confusion—especially if you get pulled over. And if you’re required to notify the DMV about the color change and you didn’t, you could find yourself in legal trouble.
You may not need to report a color change—but you should
In states like Wisconsin, Rhode Island, and Colorado, the law is clear—you must update your vehicle’s registration if you paint your car another color.
Other states don’t have specific laws regarding updating your vehicle registration if you change the color of your car. In Vermont, for instance, you’re required to update your registration if you change your name or address, but there’s no law about what to do if you change the color of your car. In some states, like Texas, you’re not required to report your car color to the DMV at all.
But regardless of whether it’s required, most states do have a clear process for updating your registration. And it’s typically a good idea to notify the DMV of a color change.
The process for updating your car’s color varies by state
In some states, you can update the color of your car when you renew your registration. In others, you must do it sooner—for example, within 30 days.
Some states let you update your registration in writing. In others, you might have to make a special trip. For example, in Kentucky, you’ll need to head to the county clerk’s office with your title and photo ID.
NCIC COLOR CODES:Most states use a standardized list of colors—NCIC color codes—for vehicle registration. You’ll be asked to choose the closest match. These color codes help ensure law enforcement uses the same language to talk about cars—for instance, when they’re describing a stolen vehicle.
You should also notify your insurance company of the change
Although it’s a myth that certain car colors cost more to insure, you should still notify your auto insurance company if you paint your car. A custom paint job can affect your car’s value, which could affect your premiums and the payout you’ll receive if you have to file a claim.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Alice Holbrook is an editor with more than a decade of experience covering personal finance, including car insurance. She\’s passionate about creating easy-to-understand content that demystifies intimidating topics for readers. Previously, she worked for NerdWallet, and her work has been featured by Newsweek, The Washington Post and the Associated Press, among others.
