New resident checklist
Moving with a car: how long you have to register and roughly what title and registration cost ($20,000 car owned over a year):
| State | Register within | Title + registration |
|---|---|---|
| California | 20 days | $334.00 |
| Florida | 10 days | $130.85–$383.85 |
| Georgia | 30 days | $638.00 |
| Illinois | 30 days | $316.00 |
| Missouri | 30 days | $44.75–$77.75 |
| New Jersey | 60 days | $131.50 |
| New York | 30 days | $131.50–$241.50 |
| North Carolina | 60 days | $363.00–$380.00 |
| Ohio | 30 days | $70.00–$105.00 |
| Pennsylvania | 20 days | $120.00–$125.00 |
| South Carolina | 45 days | $305.00 |
| Tennessee | 30 days | $26.50 |
| Texas | 30 days | $182.00–$221.25 |
| Utah | 60 days | $169.75–$182.75 |
| Virginia | 30 days | $45.75–$151.23 |
| Washington | 30 days | $236.25 |
- Bring your title (or lender details), registration, insurance, license and proof of address.
- Recent purchase? Bring proof of the sales tax you paid; several states credit it.
- Check whether your county needs an inspection or a property tax receipt first.
FAQ
What do I need to register my car in a new state?
Usually the title, proof of insurance, ID and proof of address, and sometimes an inspection. Each state page links its official checklist.
More guides
Trade-in tax credit by stateTax on a private car saleEV and hybrid registration feesGifting a car to familyDealer doc fees and state capsBuying a car out of stateNew resident checklistWhy our numbers are estimatesYearly car property and value taxesLate title and registration penalties
Estimates of government taxes and fees from official sources; your DMV or county calculates the final amount; not tax or legal advice. Every figure is taken from an official state page (quoted and dated in the sources) and can change. Dealer-set fees are not government fees. Exemptions are described, never applied for you: check the official rule and form.