New jobs, better educational opportunities, and a change of scenery are just a few of the many reasons 10% of Americans moved last year. In fact, the latest Census mobility releases show the U.S. mover rate remains near historic lows (about 8.6%–8.7%), and roughly 2.3% of people lived in a different state one year earlier—underscoring how common interstate moves are even in a low‑mobility era (Census). Maybe you’ve considered your own move for similar reasons.
When you start planning and packing for a move, there is a lot to take into account. Amid everything going on inside the home, one thing that’s easy to overlook is in the garage or on the driveway: your car. Because interstate mobility is near historic lows but long‑distance relocations still cluster to the South and Mountain West, auto‑transport lanes into those regions can tighten during peak season (late spring–summer), so plan early for either a drive or a shipment and expect seasonal capacity/pricing effects (United Van Lines; EIA diesel prices). Your car will likely be making the journey with you, so step back now and map the documents, inspections, taxes/fees, and timing your new state will require.
To help you plan your move (or at least the parts having to do with your car) we’ve identified and compiled the commonly expected fees, documents, and steps it takes to move to all 50 states and D.C. States differ on deadlines, inspection/emissions rules, VIN/odometer verification, and how they collect sales/use tax and local add‑ons at titling. Notable 2025 changes include Texas ending most annual safety inspections while keeping emissions where required (TxDMV), the end of the metro Atlanta emissions program (Georgia EPD), widespread EV registration surcharges now common in 30+ states (about $50–$225/year, varying by state and vehicle type; NCSL), and federal odometer disclosure now applying for 20 model years (generally 2011+ vehicles in 2025; NHTSA).
Most states require new vehicle registration in‑person, which also gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with the motor vehicle agency in your destination state. Many DMVs now provide online tools (appointments, fee calculators, some renewals/duplicates) and have expanded electronic title/lien programs for lienholders through ELT (AAMVA; example online services: FLHSMV). Taking yourself to the DMV also lets you ask questions specific to your situation.
What’s Changing?
When it comes to moving your car to another state, these are the key documents to get familiar with:
- Title – your certificate of legal ownership of your vehicle (includes odometer disclosure up to 20 model years under federal rules in most cases; NHTSA)
- Registration – a document that establishes a legal link between you and your vehicle (issued after taxes/fees are paid and prerequisites like inspections/VIN verification are met where required)
- License – your certificate of operation of a passenger vehicle (states set their own classes and ID standards; REAL ID options are available in all states; see DHS REAL ID)
- Plates – your evidence of official state registration (plate issuance often hinges on completing inspections/emissions where applicable)
These are the most important documents tied to you and your car, since they prove your ownership, ability to operate, and legal status of your vehicle. Expect to show proof of insurance, complete VIN/odometer verification where required, and pay state/local taxes and fees at titling/registration. Missing deadlines can bring late penalties or citations, adding stress and prolonging inevitable DMV visits.
Title & Registration
Every state has its own protocol to title and register an out‑of‑state vehicle. New‑resident grace periods most commonly fall in the 20–60 day range, with some shorter and some longer. Examples: California (20 days), Florida (30 days), Texas (30 days), and New York (30 days; inspection within 10 days of registration). Many states require VIN verification when you bring in an out‑of‑state vehicle (e.g., Florida) and will collect applicable sales/use tax and any county add‑ons at titling. EVs may owe separate registration surcharges in addition to standard fees (NCSL). For emissions/safety rules, requirements vary: biennial smog checks in California, annual statewide inspections in New York, and, as of 2025, Texas no longer requires most annual safety inspections (emissions remain in designated areas; TxDMV); Georgia ended metro Atlanta emissions testing in 2025 (Georgia EPD).
If your car is being leased or held in lien (aka financed), additional information will be needed on your application for title and registration. Many states require lienholders to participate in Electronic Lien and Title (ELT), which changes how titles are issued and released—start early and contact your lienholder for state‑specific instructions (AAMVA). Be prepared to complete odometer disclosure for vehicles model year 2011 and newer under the 20‑year federal rule (NHTSA). If your car is registered and titled in someone else’s name, like a family member or close friend, consider re‑titling in your current state before you move, as some states require presence or notarized authorization of all parties listed on the title.
License & Plates
Your license and license plates are the most visible parts of your vehicle paperwork. Licensing is similar across most states, but there are key differences. Make sure you obtain the correct “Class” for passenger vehicles and consider upgrading to a REAL ID‑compliant card if you plan to fly—REAL ID cards are issued in every state and D.C. and meet federal security standards (Department of Homeland Security); TSA lists acceptable alternatives like a U.S. passport and state Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and posts the current enforcement guidance (TSA REAL ID). Driver’s license timelines may differ from vehicle registration deadlines, so check your destination DMV’s instructions or the federal portal (USA.gov: Relocate). Then there are your license plates—easy to overlook but critical for proving current registration. Depending on your destination, inspections/emissions may be prerequisites for plates (e.g., California smog checks, New York inspections, Texas update ending most safety inspections, and Georgia program ending in metro Atlanta). Jake McKenzie of Auto Accessories Garage, tells us:
There are a million things going through your head during an out-of-state-move, but getting new plates is one that you really shouldn’t put off. Some states have late penalties they may enact and it’s widespread folklore of the road that cops tend to target out-of-state plates when it comes to writing tickets.
Insurance
Moving gives you an opportunity to re-evaluate your current insurance coverage, since in many instances you might be switching providers. State requirements and premiums vary widely. California increased its minimum liability limits to 30/60/15 effective Jan. 1, 2025 (California DOI), and Virginia ended its Uninsured Motor Vehicle fee so drivers must maintain liability insurance (Virginia DMV). After steep increases in 2023–2024, the CPI for motor vehicle insurance remained elevated into 2025 (BLS CPI). 2025 market snapshots consistently show full‑coverage averages typically around ~$2,500–$3,500 in the most expensive states (e.g., FL, LA, NV, MI, CA/NY) versus ~$1,000–$1,400 in the least expensive (e.g., ME, VT, ID, NH, OH), with figures varying by source and driver profile (Bankrate 2025; structural context: III/NAIC). If you’re moving to a new home you’ve purchased, consider different providers or bundling discounts. Also verify your new state’s minimums and any PIP/UM requirements using an authoritative table (III state minimums). As Jamie Page Deaton, executive editor of U.S News Best Cars tells us:
Even if a state has higher minimum insurance requirements than the state you moved from, getting extra coverage is still worth it. Even the highest state minimum insurance requirements are dwarfed by the medical costs that can result from a car accident.
Be sure to inform your insurance company of your change of address. If left unnotified, your insurance could be cancelled in transit, meaning you’ve lapsed on coverage and are liable to have your premium hiked up. Coordinate timing so your old policy remains active until your new in‑state policy starts to avoid any lapse (III guidance). As Deaton puts it:
A coverage lapse is a period of time – even only a day – where you do not have car insurance. So if you’re moving from one state to another, you need to make sure that you have coverage throughout the move. A lapse in coverage, even if it’s short, leaves you open to risk if you have an accident.
What Next?
Now that you know what your car will need, the next step to take is planning your physical move. You can never be too prepared for any kind of road trip, especially one that requires the movement of everything you own. Before you go, run through the NHTSA road trip checklist and check your VIN for open recalls. If you plan to ship the vehicle instead of driving, vet the transporter (verify USDOT/MC via FMCSA), confirm cargo insurance/valuation, and get your pickup/delivery condition documented on a Bill of Lading with photos (FMCSA: Auto Transporters). We asked Richard Reina at CARiD.com, for some tips on making your move safe and speedy, here’s what he had to say:
All regular servicing at your mechanic or dealership should be up-to-date. This includes fluid changes, tune-ups, battery test and brake checks. Pay close attention to your tires they should be free of cracks, bubbles or splits., Right before departing for your move, do a final check of all fluids, tire pressures, A/C and heat.
Your car should be in top shape before any state lines are crossed, but you should also have some essentials packed for roadside emergencies. The last thing you want to deal with while traveling cross country is an unexpected breakdown. So be prepared, Richard recommends that anyone undertaking a road trip should have ample supplies to deal with any potential mishaps along the way. Supplies like extra oil and brake fluids, flashlight, tire pump, and reflector triangles will serve you well should your move be interrupted. Consider adding jumper cables or a jump pack, first‑aid kit, water/snacks, and weather‑specific gear, as recommended by AAA. If your vehicle will be towed or shipped at any point, remove personal items, disable alarms, leave about 1/4 tank of fuel, and shield or remove toll transponders to avoid unintended charges (FMCSA; E‑ZPass). Because interstate moving and auto‑shipping demand still peaks seasonally—especially on popular inbound lanes—book earlier, allow a flexible pickup window, and expect quotes to reflect lane balance and fuel costs (United Van Lines; EIA).
Things to Consider
- This guide assumes your car is both registered and titled in your name, and the information presented is tailored to this assumption. If your vehicle is leased or financed, confirm your destination state’s ELT/lienholder requirements and processing timelines, and start paperwork early so lienholder coordination doesn’t push you past your state’s deadline (AAMVA).
- In every state you must transfer and register your car so the state can place it on local records and assess taxes/fees. Typical new‑resident grace periods range from 20–60 days, with some states shorter or longer: California (20 days), Florida (30 days), New York (30 days; inspection within 10 days of registration), Texas (30 days), Pennsylvania (20 days), Colorado (90 days), Wisconsin (60 days), and New Jersey (60 days). Budget for state sales/use tax, title/registration fees, and local add‑ons; EVs may face separate annual road‑use surcharges (NCSL).
- Moving to a new state means getting acquainted with a new DMV, so make yourself familiar with policies regarding your car. While some states let new residents start certain steps online or by mail, there are benefits to visiting in person for a guided experience. Also check whether safety/emissions inspections, VIN verification, or REAL ID documentation will be required and on what timeline (California smog; Texas inspections change; Georgia emissions program update; REAL ID traveler guidance: TSA).
