Some states may call the regulating agency the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Motor Vehicle Bureau, or some other similar name. Do a quick Internet search for the name of your state and “car registration,” and you should find the information you need to get to their website.  For example, if you live in California, you will find the website for the California Department of Motor Vehicles at www.dmv.ca.gov.  If you have just moved to New Hampshire, the agency is the Division of Motor Vehicles.  In Massachusetts, for example, the office is the Registry of Motor Vehicles. When you move into a new state, you generally must register your car in the new state within a certain time frame. This may be as short as 30 days or less.  For example, the website for the Washington State Department of Licensing says that you must register your car in the state within 30 days of moving. In many states, you must get a new driver’s license within your new home state either as part of registering the car or before you can register the car. Each state will have different requirements for registering your vehicle. When you find the website for your new DMV, you should be able to find a list of requirements for registration. Some of the most common requirements include the following:  Your identification. You will need to demonstrate some government-issued identification that shows that you match the owner of the vehicle. This may be your driver’s license, passport, or some other state-issued identification card.  Proof of ownership. You will most definitely need to provide some proof that you are the owner of the vehicle. This is most likely going to be the Title Certificate, although you may be able to present your registration from your previous state. If you still owe money on a loan, the lender probably is holding the certificate of title. You will at least want to check with the DMV on how to proceed in this case. You can probably get a certificate or statement from the lien holder to verify title ownership.  Odometer disclosure statement. In some states, you merely need to provide the odometer reading on your own. In other states, you may need to take your vehicle to a state-approved location and have an odometer reading certified.  Emissions disclosure statement. Several states, most notably California, require that your car must pass an emissions test before you can register it. Even if you passed such a test in your prior state, you must get a new certification if you move into California.  Bill of sale. Particularly if you have purchased your car recently, you may need to show some extra proof of purchase. Contact either the DMV or your own insurance company to find out what form of proof is required for a vehicle registration. Your insurance company may have a simple form or certificate that they can send you. You may need to have a particular DMV form stamped by your insurance company. Plan ahead, because getting this paperwork may take a few days. In some states, you may need a cursory safety inspection, while other states will require a multi-stage inspection that includes both vehicle operation and emissions or smog certification. Find out your state’s requirements and leave yourself enough time to get it done. When your car passes each stage of the inspection, you should get a certificate of some sort. Make sure that you have this available for the registration.
Contact your new state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Find out about your deadline. Gather the information and documents you will need to register your vehicle. Get proof that your vehicle is insured. Get your vehicle inspected as required.