Can You Register a Car Without Insurance?

Quick Facts About Insurance for Vehicle Registration

In most states, you need a valid insurance policy that meets minimum coverage requirements to register a car with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Even if insurance isn’t required for registration, nearly every state requires drivers to have liability coverage to legally drive the vehicle.
While you might be able to register a car without insurance, driving without insurance can result in penalties that include fines and license suspension.

In most states, you must show proof of insurance when registering your new car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). But there are some exceptions.

Learn where you can register your car without insurance and what documentation you need to complete your vehicle registration.

Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car?
What States Do Not Require Insurance to Register a Car?
Do You Need Insurance to Drive a Car?
What Happens if You Drive Uninsured?
What Do You Need to Drive a Car?
How to Register a Car
Bottom Line on Car Registration and Insurance

Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car?

In most cases, you’ll need a valid insurance policy for motor vehicle registration. You must have at least the minimum amount of car insurance your state requires to register your vehicle with the DMV.

However, there are a few states where you don’t need to show proof of insurance to complete your vehicle registration. Registration and insurance requirements vary by state, so you will need to find out your state’s laws.

Weigh insurance options carefully.

What States Do Not Require Insurance to Register a Car?

While you need auto insurance to register a car in most states, there are some exceptions. You don’t need insurance to register a vehicle in the following states:

Mississippi — You must at least have bodily injury and property damage liability coverage on your car insurance policy to drive legally in Mississippi. However, this coverage is not a vehicle registration requirement.
New Hampshire — Although you’re not required to carry automotive insurance in New Hampshire, you must demonstrate your ability to “provide sufficient funds” and meet their “financial responsibility requirements” in the event of an at-fault accident. The state may suspend your driving privileges if you do not meet these minimum requirements.
North Dakota — Auto insurance is required to drive legally in the state of North Dakota, but this is not enforced through the DMV. Therefore, you do not need insurance at the time of registration.
Tennessee — The state of Tennessee’s Financial Responsibility Law maintains you must demonstrate proof of financial responsibility if you want to register your vehicle and drive without insurance. To do this, you may post a bond or make a cash deposit with the Department of Revenue for $65,000.
Washington — To register a motor vehicle in the state of Washington without insurance, you must have one of the following: “self-insurance,” which only applies if you have 26 or more vehicles, a certificate of deposit for at least $60,000, or a liability bond for the same amount.
Wisconsin — Drivers in Wisconsin do not need proof of insurance to register a vehicle. There may be an exception if you previously had your license suspended or revoked.

However, if you plan on driving your car after you register it, you need insurance in all of these states except New Hampshire. Jump down to see information about New Hampshire below.

Do You Need Insurance to Drive a Car?

Nearly every state in the U.S. requires drivers to have liability coverage before they get behind the wheel. Some states require other types of coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM), personal injury protection (PIP), or medical payments (MedPay).

Currently, you don’t need auto insurance to drive legally in New Hampshire. However, the state has financial responsibility laws and drivers may be required to file an SR-22 form to show they have insurance to meet the financial responsibility requirement.

What Happens If You Drive Uninsured?

It depends on where you live. Different states have different penalties. In many states, driving without insurance is a misdemeanor, and you could be subject to the following:

Fines, which may range from $25 to $2,500 and are typically higher for repeat offenders.
Suspension of your license and/or registration. If your license or registration gets suspended, you’ll likely have to pay a fee to reinstate the privilege. And that’s on top of any other fines you might face.
Jail time
Vehicle impoundment
Filing an SR-22 to prove you have insurance
Community service

There is no penalty for driving uninsured in New Hampshire. Uninsured Virginia drivers must pay a fee of $500 if they want to register a car and drive without insurance.

What Do You Need to Drive a Car?

The requirements for driving a car vary based on the state where you live. But in general, you need the following:

A valid driver’s license
Proof of insurance
Current vehicle registration
Safety inspection (requirements vary based on the type of vehicle you purchase)
Emissions test (requirements vary based on the type of vehicle you purchase)

How to Register a Car

If you buy a car from the dealership, they often handle the registration process for you. However, you are responsible for registering your car if you buy a vehicle from a private seller or move to a different state. The vehicle registration process varies based on where you live, so you must check with your state’s DMV.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

Get your vehicle inspected. If you buy a new car, you may be able to skip the car inspection step. If you purchase a used vehicle or need to register your vehicle in a new state, you’ll likely need to get an inspection.
Pass an emissions test. You may be able to register a new vehicle without an emissions test, but if you buy a used car, you’ll likely need one. Electric vehicles do not require emissions testing.
Gather the necessary documents. Requirements vary by state, but you’ll typically need proof of insurance, your driver’s license, bill of sale, title, and registration fee.
Make an appointment at the DMV. Some states let you register fully online, but many require you to complete the process in person. However, you may be able to fill out much of the paperwork online to reduce the amount of time you spend at the DMV. Scheduling an appointment in advance can help you avoid long wait times.

You’ll receive your license plates and registration card after registering the vehicle.

Can You Register a Vehicle Without a Title?

In general, you need a title to show proof of ownership when you register a car. However, there may be exceptions. Depending on why you don’t have the title, you may be able to use different documents to register your car. Requirements vary by state. If you don’t have the title to your vehicle, check with your state’s DMV to find out how to register it.

Can I Register a Car Online?

It depends on where you live. In some states, you can complete the entire registration process online. In others, you can fill out the paperwork online, but must complete the process in person. Your options for in-person vs. online registration may vary based on whether you’re registering a vehicle for the first time or renewing your registration.

Bottom Line on Car Registration and Insurance

While the majority of states require proof of insurance when drivers register a vehicle, exceptions exist. However, almost every state requires drivers to maintain liability coverage to legally operate the automobile, with varying penalties for not complying. It’s crucial for all vehicle owners to understand and meet legal requirements.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.