{"id":10284,"date":"2026-02-21T00:19:34","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T00:19:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=10284"},"modified":"2026-02-21T00:19:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T00:19:35","slug":"registering-your-car-in-a-new-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/registering-your-car-in-a-new-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Registering Your Car in a New State: How Long Before I Have to Do It After a Move?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Moving to a new state is an exciting adventure filled with new opportunities and experiences. However, it also comes with important responsibilities, especially when it comes to your vehicle. One of the most critical tasks is having your auto insurance<\/a> ready and registering your car in a new state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But how long do you have to register your car after moving? What are the deadlines, and what happens if you miss them? This comprehensive guide will answer these questions and provide you with everything you need to know about car registration after moving to a new state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Do You Have to Register Your Car After Moving? Understanding Deadlines and Grace Periods<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each state has its own rules and deadlines for registering your vehicle after you move. The time you have to update your registration can vary widely, generally ranging from no grace period at all to up to 90 days. This deadline is often referred to as the car registration grace period by state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Registering your vehicle on time is essential to comply with state laws and avoid penalties for late car registration. Knowing your new state car registration deadline helps you plan your move and prioritize this important task. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

State-by-State Car Registration Grace Periods<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just as there are auto insurance requirements by state<\/a>, there are also different vehicle registration timeframes you must consider when changing your address. Here is a detailed breakdown of how long you have to change car registration after moving, organized by state: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

State<\/strong> <\/td>Car Registration Grace Period<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
Alaska, Arizona, Florida <\/td>10 days <\/td><\/tr>
Kentucky <\/td>15 days <\/td><\/tr>
California, Pennsylvania <\/td>20 days <\/td><\/tr>
Alabama, Arkansas, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming <\/td>30 days <\/td><\/tr>
South Carolina <\/td>45 days <\/td><\/tr>
Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington D.C., Wisconsin <\/td>60 days <\/td><\/tr>
Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, South Dakota <\/td>90 days <\/td><\/tr>
Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico <\/td>No grace period (register immediately) <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Key Takeaways:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n