what is required to register a car

[OCaden]

To register a car in the U.S., you typically need a few key documents: the vehicle's title signed over to you, a valid form of proof of insurance, a passed vehicle inspection or smog certificate (if required by your state), a government-issued photo ID, and the completed application for title and registration. You must also pay the associated registration fees and taxes, which vary by state and are often based on the vehicle's value, age, and weight.

The most critical document is the title, which is the legal certificate of ownership. When you buy a car from a dealership, they usually handle the registration paperwork for you. However, for a private party sale, you are responsible for taking these documents to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. The specific requirements can differ significantly from state to state, so it's always best to check your local DMV's website beforehand.

Here’s a quick reference table for common requirements:

Document/Item	Purpose	Common State Variations
Certificate of Title	Proof of ownership transfer.	Required in all states.
Proof of Insurance	Minimum liability coverage as mandated by state law.	Required in all states; some require an insurance card, others electronic verification.
Photo ID	Verifies your identity and state residency.	Required in all states (Driver's License, State ID).
Application Form	Official request for title/registration (e.g., Form MV-82 in NY).	Form number and name vary by state.
Odometer Disclosure	Reports the vehicle's mileage at the time of sale.	Required for most vehicles under 16,000 lbs.
Smog/Emissions Certificate	Verifies the vehicle meets state air quality standards.	Required in many states (e.g., CA, NY, PA); not required in others (e.g., AK, FL).
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspection	Verifies the VIN on the car matches the paperwork.	Some states require an official inspection for out-of-state or used vehicles.
Payment for Fees/Taxes	Registration fee, title fee, and sales tax.	Varies widely; can be a flat fee or based on vehicle value, weight, and age.

After a successful application and payment, you'll receive your new license plates, registration sticker for the plate, and a new title in your name, which usually arrives by mail a few weeks later.

[Billy]

Just went through this myself. The main thing is the signed title from the previous owner—don't lose that! You'll need your driver's license and proof of insurance. Call your insurance company to get that sorted before you go. Then, head to the DMV with all the papers, fill out their form, and pay the fees. It's a bit of a hassle, but once it's done, you're all set. Definitely check your state's DMV website first to see if you need a smog check.

[AndrewRose]

A young father, eager to get the family minivan officially theirs, learns the routine. It's a paperwork shuffle. The signed title is the golden ticket. Then, it's the insurance card, his driver's license, and the cash for the unexpected fees. He discovers their state requires a recent safety inspection, so a quick trip to the mechanic is added to the list. The goal is simple: walk out with those new plates so the weekend road trip can happen without a hitch.

[McAriel]

Think of it as a checklist. Before you even go to the DMV, make sure you have these:

• The car's title, signed by the seller and yourself.
• Current auto insurance that meets your state's minimums.
• Your driver's license.
• A passed smog or safety inspection certificate (check your state's rules).
• A pen to fill out the DMV's application form.
• A checkbook or credit card for the taxes and registration fees. Getting this stuff together first makes the DMV visit much faster.