Transportation

How to Avoid DMV Hassles When Shipping Your Car to a New State

Professional auto transport services make it easy to ship your car to another state, but the journey doesn’t end once your car arrives. To legally own and drive your vehicle, you must comply with your new state’s requirements for licensing, registration, insurance coverage, and inspections. After your car is delivered, you’ll need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your new state.

While the DMV is often associated with long lines and confusing paperwork, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process with ease. In this blog, you’ll learn what to expect when your vehicle is delivered and how to prepare for DMV requirements in your new state. Plus, stick around for some additional tips to make your transition smoother.

What to Expect When Your Vehicle is Delivered

Once your car arrives, you’ll meet the driver at your designated location to pick it up. To drive away with your car, you’ll need to bring your driver’s license, registration, proof of insurance, and the car keys. You’ll review the inspection paperwork with the driver, sign the Bill of Lading, and then you’ll be ready to go. Make sure to keep these documents, as you’ll need them to transfer your registration and insurance.

Preparing for the DMV

If you haven’t done so already, it’s a good idea to research your new state’s requirements for vehicle registration. Some states require emissions and safety inspections before you can register your vehicle.

In addition to specific requirements, each state has its own grace period for registration. Most states allow between 30 and 90 days to complete the process, but it’s best not to delay to avoid potential fines.

Required Documents for DMV Registration

Regardless of which state you’re in, you’ll need the following documents to complete your registration application:

Your car’s registration and title
Your driver’s license
Proof of insurance

While this list is generally sufficient, some states may require additional documents to complete the registration process. Be sure to check for any specific requirements. For a detailed guide on how to change your car registration when moving, check out our full article.

To help you plan ahead, DMV.org offers a useful tool that creates a moving checklist based on your origin and destination zip codes.

Discover More About Car Shipping

Click below for expert tips and step-by-step guides on transporting your car across state lines.

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