No, you generally cannot register a car or obtain a license plate using only a PO Box. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in your state requires a verifiable physical street address for vehicle registration. This is a standard policy across the United States, primarily for law enforcement, taxation, and public safety reasons. A PO Box is considered a mailing address, not a residence or garaging address.
The core reason is tied to establishing jurisdiction. Your car's registration, and the associated fees and taxes, are based on where the vehicle is primarily stored and operated. A physical address allows the state and local municipality to apply the correct tax rates and ensures that emergency services can locate a vehicle if needed. Furthermore, your auto insurance policy is also based on the garaging address of the vehicle, as risk assessments (like theft and accident rates) vary significantly by location. The DMV must verify that your insurance and registration addresses match.
While you can and should use your PO Box for mailing correspondence from the DMV (like renewal notices), the initial registration process mandates a physical address. Some states may offer exceptions for specific circumstances, such as for members of the military or individuals experiencing homelessness, but these are handled on a case-by-case basis and require documentation.
| State | PO Box for Registration? | Special Notes / Alternatives |
|---|
| California | No | A physical address is mandatory. A PO Box can be used for mailing. |
| Texas | No | Requires a Texas-sized physical address. A homestead exemption can serve as proof. |
| Florida | No | Proof of Florida residency (like a utility bill) with a physical address is required. |
| New York | No | The vehicle must be registered to the address where it is principally garaged. |
| Colorado | No | Two proofs of Colorado residency with your physical address are needed. |
| Arizona | No | Requires an Arizona residence address; a PO Box can be listed as a mailing address. |
| Illinois | No | Proof of residency (lease, bill) must show the physical address. |
| Pennsylvania | No | The Application for Certificate of Title specifically requires the "address where vehicle is housed." |
| Washington | No | A Washington driver's license with the physical address is a primary requirement. |
| Ohio | No | The physical address determines the county of registration for tax purposes. |
To complete your registration, you'll need to provide documents like a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement that confirms your physical residence. If you're in a unique living situation, contacting your local DMV directly to explain your circumstances is the best course of action.
