Can You Register a Car Without Insurance?(USA)

By Jennifer Brozic 10/12/2022 7:00am

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?

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.

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 that 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.
Virginia – In Virginia, you can register your car without insurance if you pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee to the DMV.
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 and Virginia. Jump down to see information about New Hampshire and Virginia below.

RELATED ARTICLE: Do I Need Car Insurance Before Buying a Vehicle?

Do You Need Insurance to Drive a Car?

Nearly every state in the country 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 and Virginia. However, both states have financial responsibility laws. In New Hampshire, some — but not all — drivers may be required to file an SR-22 form to show they have insurance to meet the financial responsibility requirement.

In Virginia, you can meet the financial responsibility requirement by:

Purchasing liability coverage. If you buy insurance, you must have bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. You must also have $20,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.
Purchasing a surety bond or getting a self-insurance certificate from the DMV.
Paying an uninsured motor vehicle fee. The fee is $500. Paying it will allow you to drive in Virginia legally, but it won’t help cover expenses if you’re in an accident.

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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)

RELATED ARTICLE: How Much Car Insurance Do I Need?

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.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was initially published.