There’s a good chance you will need to renew your car registration at some point during your driving life. However, it can be a daunting process, even for those good at reading the fine print. The car registration renewal process varies by state, and not all states are created equal when it comes to auto registration. When it comes to car registration renewal, it is best to prepare in advance.
While registration renewal is a reasonably straightforward process, there are some things you should know. And if you haven’t renewed your registration in a while, you may have to pay a little more.
Registration Renewal
Renewing your registration is slightly more straightforward than registering a brand new car; nevertheless, you must still ensure that you prepare beforehand.
Renew Your Registration Early
Give yourself plenty of time to gather all of the necessary information and fill out the form correctly. If you wait too long, you will find yourself rushing, and if you don’t submit the documentation promptly, you could find yourself with a penalty.
The best course of action is to initiate the process as soon as you get your renewal form.
Check the Status of Your Registration
You should receive your renewal notice in the mail around 60 days before it expires. You must be aware that you are still responsible even if you do not obtain the expiration notice, and so you should make it your responsibility to check.
Therefore, you must check the current status of your registration to determine whether it needs to be renewed. If you do need to begin the process, there are several options you can choose from, such as going online, traveling to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, or using a specialist service to take care of the details.
Although you can renew your car registration online, knowing how to check your registration status can save time and energy. You will need a copy of your previous registration, car insurance information, and driver’s license. You can also check your registration status with your state’s DMV. Just know that this only tells you if there are any issues with your registration but does not get you your license tag.
Find Out What Documents You Will Need
If you are renewing or registering a vehicle, you need to be aware that registering a car in most places is a lot of work. The most common way to do it is to register your vehicle in person at your local DMV. In many states, you need to have the title and registration of your previous car as proof of ownership.
As mentioned at Quick Auto Tags, you will need the following documents to begin the process:
- The car’s title, along with a completed registration form (you must also include the mileage if the vehicle is under 10 years old.
- If your vehicle is over 4 years old, you must also have a valid smog certificate verifying that your vehicle is within the state’s limits.
- Insurance documents.
Registering A New Vehicle
This is a slightly different procedure and can be a more drawn-out affair than a simple renewal. If you have bought your vehicle brand new from a dealership, they will often take care of all the registration details for you (but you must still double-check just in case). If you have purchased a second-hand car, then you will be responsible for the entire process.
Proof Of Ownership Papers
You will need to prove that you own the vehicle to begin and to do this, you need the title and bill of sale. If you are financing it, you will need the statement from the finance company.
Once you have all of your documents in order, it is time to begin by calculating fees. You can do this by using the calculator at the DMV website. However, you should be aware that at this point, the charges mentioned are only an estimate because it depends on several variables that are verified once the application has been submitted.
Complete A Title Or Registration Application
After you have collected all the required information, you can begin to complete the form. You can get this form by either picking one up in person or downloading it from the DMV website. You will have to fill out details about yourself, the seller, and how much you paid, along with the proof of sale.
Registering or renewing a vehicle can seem tricky at first, but by ensuring that you are prepared and prompt, you should be able to get it done seamlessly.
