Yes, in most states, you can get your car tags (license plates and registration) in a different county from where you live. This is a common practice, especially for people who have moved, work in a different county, or find a county with shorter DMV wait times. The process and rules, however, are governed by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, not by individual counties. The vehicle must be registered in the state where you primarily reside. You cannot register a car in a state where you don't live just to avoid taxes or specific regulations.
The key factor is that your vehicle's registration address—your legal residence—will remain the same regardless of which county office you visit. The taxes and fees are typically calculated based on your residential address. When you go to a DMV office in a different county, you are still processing a transaction for your home county. The main practical advantage is convenience. If the DMV in your county is notoriously busy, driving to a neighboring county with a quieter office can save you significant time. You will need to provide the same documentation as you would at your local office: proof of ownership (title), proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, and, if applicable, a passed emissions or safety inspection certificate.
Some states, particularly those with large metropolitan areas that span multiple counties, have streamlined systems where any office can handle registration for any resident. However, in other states, certain transactions or specific county-specific fees might necessitate a visit to your home county office. It's always best to check your state's DMV website or call ahead to the specific office you plan to visit to confirm they can process an out-of-county registration.
| State | Typical Policy on Out-of-County Registration | Notable Consideration |
|---|
| California | Generally allowed at any DMV field office. | Vehicle license fee is based on residence address; some areas have smog test requirements. |
| Texas | Allowed at any county tax assessor-collector office. | Registration fees and local taxes are based on your county of residence. |
| Florida | Permitted at any county tax collector's office. | Initial registration on a new purchase may have different requirements. |
| New York | Usually processed at any DMV office statewide. | You may need to provide proof of your county residence for tax purposes. |
| Illinois | Can be done at any designated facility, including some currency exchanges. | Requires a valid emissions test certificate from your home county testing site. |
| Colorado | Allowed at any county motor vehicle office. | Specific ownership taxes and fees are calculated based on your home address. |
