Do You Need Proof of Insurance to Register a Car?
All states except for seven require proof of insurance or financial responsibility in order to register your vehicle. The states that do not require proof before registration are: Arizona, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin.
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Is proof of insurance necessary to register a vehicle?
Yes, most states mandate that you to get car insurance first before you can register your car. That means a car insurance policy with at least the minimum coverage required before you can drive in that state.
Some states, however, do allow drivers to self-insure using a cash deposit or bond instead of carrying a typical insurance policy. The amount you're required to deposit varies by state from $25,000 to over $115,000. Self-insuring also leaves you with little in the way of other protections — you're on your own to negotiate claims with other drivers, for example. We don't recommend this route for most drivers.
New Hampshire is the only state that outright does not ask for liability insurance to operate a car. However, the state does require proof of financial responsibility, which means that drivers must prove they could cover the cost of an accident if they cause one. More than 95% of New Hampshire drivers purchase liability insurance anyway.
In the past, Virginia gave drivers the option to pay a $500 “uninsured motor vehicle” fee instead of buying an insurance policy. This allowed owners to drive an uninsured vehicle at their own risk. However, all Virginia drivers must have an auto insurance policy to drive legally as of July 1, 2024.
Most states offer an online renewal system that eliminates the need for a trip to the DMV. Drivers must renew their registration every 1 to 5 years, depending on the state and the year of their vehicle. Newer vehicles tend to require renewals less frequently since their engines were built to comply with higher emissions standards.
State | Proof of Insurance is Required | Allows Online Renewals? |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Before Registration | Yes — Certain Counties |
| Alaska | Before Registration | Yes |
| Arizona | Before Driving | Yes |
| Arkansas | Before Registration | Yes |
| California | Before Registration | Yes |
| Colorado | Before Registration | Yes |
| Connecticut | Before Registration | Yes |
| Delaware | Before Registration | No, but does offer drive-thru renewals |
| Florida | Before Registration | Yes |
| Georgia | Before Registration | Yes — Certain Counties |
| Hawaii | Before Registration | Yes |
| Idaho | Before Registration | Yes |
Many states let you sign up online for an automatic reminder of when it's time for your next renewal. All states except New Hampshire require current liability insurance in order to renew your registration.
What happens if I let my insurance expire?
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Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor offense that can lead to fines and, in repeat cases, even jail sentences.. If you let your insurance policy lapse, your registration will eventually be suspended. In some states, this occurs if you're caught with expired insurance, such as when you're pulled over for speeding. In states with an electronic filing system, your insurance provider will alert your state's DMV as soon as your policy has lapsed, and you'll receive a notice to renew your insurance in order to maintain registration.
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