Moving and your car registration
Driving laws and regulations vary by state
By Rick Hazeltine
Although we may consider the United States an all-encompassing country, the reality is that it consists of 50 states and each has its own laws and regulations. That is no more apparent than when it comes to drivers' licenses and vehicle registration.
If you are moving to another state, don't make the mistake of thinking it operates the same as the one you are leaving. You will find the laws and regulations are as varied as the people who live there.
For example, in New Jersey, new residents have 60 days to apply for a driver's license and register their vehicle. In Texas, you've got 30 days and in California it's 20 days for registration and 10 days for a driver's license. If you think that's quick, consider Michigan, which requires you to "immediately" apply for a new license and vehicle registration upon moving to the state or obtaining a new job there.
When considering the deadline for your new state, don't forget that states vary in their requirements for new residents. Some require you to pass a written test, some just a vision test. Make sure to apply as soon as possible in case you fail a test because even laws vary by state.
Insurance requirements also vary by state. Property damage minimums can be $5,000 in some states and up to $25,000 in others. Bodily injury varies from $10,000 in Louisiana to $50,000 in Maine.
All state departments of motor vehicles will have information for new residents, including insurance and emissions requirements. There are several for-profit sites that are portals to state DMVs, but you can access the same information from www.usa.gov/Topics/Motor_Vehicles.shtml and you won't have to wade through the advertisements.
