A friend of mine recently asked me this question, and I realized there isn’t much information on it out there. Shipping a car can be an easy way to help someone make the move from one state to another. To get rid of an old clunker you no longer want. But if you don’t know how to do it properly, your shipment could be held up or even seized. Here’s what you need to know about shipping a car with an expired registration. Whether it’s even possible in the first place!
What does vehicle registration have to do with shipping a car?
Vehicle registration is proof that a vehicle meets the requirements of the state in which it is registered. Each state has different requirements, and an expired registration may mean that the vehicle no longer meets those requirements. If you’re planning on shipping a car to another state. Be sure to check with the DMV in both states to see if the car will be able to be registered in the new state.
Some states have strict requirements for vehicles entering their jurisdiction and require certain emissions standards or inspections before they’ll register a vehicle. Make sure the other state accepts out-of-state registrations, as well. Otherwise, you’ll have to transfer ownership or apply for temporary plates from the new state to keep driving until you get your registration renewed.
Be sure to note the expiration date of any license plate stickers that are left on the car. So you don’t lose them when you take them off. You’ll also want to make sure your insurance company knows about any change in location. Since they’ll provide coverage based on where you live or work (or plan to live or work). Finally, don’t forget to visit your local tag office as soon as possible because most states will not allow a vehicle without valid registration to drive on public roads.
Who needs to register their vehicle if they’re out of state temporarily or permanently?
If you’re planning on shipping your vehicle to another state. You’ll need to make sure that it has registration in that state. Depending on the length of time you’ll be out of state, you may need to get a new registration or transfer your existing registration to the new state. If you’re permanently moving out of state. You’ll need to cancel your current registration and get a new one in your new state of residence.
On the other hand, if you’re just out of state temporarily, there are some scenarios where it might not be necessary to get a new registration. For example, if you’re only staying in California for six months or less before returning home. Then there’s no need to register your vehicle in California. Likewise, if you’re going to stay outside of the country for more than six months but less than twelve months. Then you should request an overseas plate from your local DMV office before leaving.
It is also possible to leave your car in the original state with an expired registration so long as it will be off public roads for 12 consecutive months and you don’t intend on re-entering the US during this period. You can simply inform the DMV by filling out form VTR-60 which allows them to keep track of your vehicle. You can file form VTR-60 online or send in via mail.
What about renewing the registration from another state?
If you’re moving to a new state, you’ll need to register your car in that state. You can usually do this by mail or online, but you’ll need to have the proper documentation. You may also be able to renew your registration from another state if you’re just visiting for a short period of time. However, if your registration has expired, you may not be able to ship your car to another state.
It all depends on how much time is left on your registration and which state you are shipping to. Some states require two months before expiration. Others require only one month before expiration, and some don’t require any time at all before expiration. In general, as long as there is at least one month on your registration when it expires and you are going to a neighboring state. Then shipping should be fine. However, if you are going to a more distant state, you will likely need to transfer ownership of the vehicle first.
The process for transferring ownership varies depending on the state and each individual situation. So contact your local DMV for more information. One way to avoid this hassle altogether is to keep your registration current so you never have to worry about. Whether or not you can ship your car with an expired registration.
Is there any way around this problem if I’m planning on shipping my car soon but haven’t updated its registration yet?
You may be able to get around this problem by shipping your car through a third-party service. This service will likely have its own insurance and will be able to ship your car without issue. However, be sure to check with the service first to see if they have any restrictions in place regarding expired registrations. Keep in mind that this is an option only for out-of-state shipments. For example, USPS won’t allow you to ship your car from one state to another if the vehicle’s registration expires.
If you’re trying to send your car from California to Washington, then this could pose as a problem. It would depend on whether or not there are any restrictions at the destination end of things. If there are no restrictions, then you should be fine since vehicles don’t require inspections at state borders. But if there are inspection requirements or other regulations at the destination end of things. Then you’ll want to consider talking to your local DMV about it before making a decision about how to proceed.
The last thing you want is to get your car across the country only to find out that it isn’t legal in the next state. Remember, most states require cars registration within 30 days of entering the new jurisdiction. Otherwise, they risk fines or penalties.
What documents are needed when shipping a vehicle out of state?
When shipping a vehicle out of state, you will need the following documents:
1) A bill of sale or other proof of ownership; 2) A valid driver’s license; 3) An emissions test certificate (if required); 4) Proof of insurance; and 5) The registration paperwork. If your registration has expired, you may also need to get a new one from the DMV in your home state. But if you’re planning on keeping the car in its new location permanently. Then you’ll want to apply for a transfer of title with your local DMV.
A lot of people think that once they cross state lines with their vehicle that they are no longer responsible for complying with their home state’s laws and regulations. In some cases this is true, but when it comes to registering a vehicle in another state, this is not always the case.
Your responsibility as an owner doesn’t end when you move across country lines. Especially if you’re bringing your old car along with you! You’ll need to make sure that you have all the right documentation in order before you register your vehicle in the new state.
What are other states’ rules on shipping vehicles through their borders?
Depending on the state, shipping a vehicle with an expired registration may or may not be allowed. Some states will allow you to ship the vehicle as long as the registration is current in the state of origin, while others may require that the registration be current in both the state of origin and destination. Be sure to check with the destination state’s DMV before shipping a vehicle there.
For example, Massachusetts allows vehicles registered elsewhere with a valid inspection sticker to be driven through their borders for up to 14 days without registering it in Massachusetts. The same would apply for Connecticut – vehicles from other states must have a valid CT plate, registration and inspection sticker before being driven into Connecticut for up to 60 days without registering here.
Vermont does not even let vehicles with expired registrations enter Vermont at all. You’ll need to get a Vermont license plate and registration if you want to continue driving into Vermont after crossing its border. If you’re sending a vehicle to another state where they don’t recognize out-of-state plates and registrations, such as Illinois, contact the DMV of that state beforehand so they can provide instructions on how to register the vehicle.
Maine requires 30 days’ notice to change the vehicle registration when someone moves there from out of state, but you can also import an out-of-state car with Maine plates. In Texas, cars from any other state must go through a process called conversion (basically reregistering the car) if they stay in Texas for more than six months.
Even though this isn’t technically shipping the car across state lines, the rules are different depending on which type of conversion you do: there is an need of Foreign Vehicles Conversion (FVC) for foreign-built vehicles like those from Japan, Canada, or Germany; FVC II is essential for US vehicles outside of Texas; there is a need of Resident Conversion by residents who move to Texas with an out-of-state vehicle; or new residents who bring in a used vehicle from another country.
Most of these conversions only take 10 minutes, but can vary based on the weight and size of the vehicle. Contact your nearest DPS Motor Vehicle Division office for more information.
Why don’t shipping companies require title and registration?
Shipping companies don’t require title and registration because they’re not technically driving the car. They’re just transporting it from one place to another. As long as you have the proper documentation, they’ll be able to ship your car without any problems.
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you’re planning on shipping a car with an expired registration. First, you’ll need to make sure that the destination state doesn’t have any regulations that would prohibit this. If the destination state does have restrictions, you may need to transfer ownership of the vehicle to someone who lives in the area or find someone who’s willing to drive your car out there for you.
If none of these options work for you, then it might be time to get a new registration before shipping your vehicle. You can do this by taking your vehicle to the DMV or by renewing online. Remember, it’s always best to double-check all the details before you go through with anything. Once everything is settled, then your car will be ready to be shipped!
What you’ll need to do when your car arrives
When your car arrives in the new state, you’ll need to register it and get new license plates. You may also need to get a new driver’s license. Depending on the state, you may be able to do this online or in person. You’ll also need to pay any fees associated with these changes. You may have to provide proof of insurance for the vehicle as well. If you’re shipping a commercial vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler truck, there are additional requirements that you should meet before shipping across state lines. Be sure to check with your auto transport company about any specific rules and regulations.
Some states require notarized certificates of ownership and a completed Vehicle Emission Inspection Report (VEIR). It is also important to note that if your destination is outside the United States, you will need all applicable customs documentation in order to export a car. These include an International Driving Permit and a Declaration of Conformity.
You should also consider getting a U.S. Customs Import Clearance Application at least two weeks before shipment to make things easier when the time comes to cross the border into Canada or Mexico. Keep in mind that non-residents from the US need to apply for a temporary import permit from their country of residence prior to crossing into the US. For more information, visit the United States Customs and Border Protection website.
A Quick Wrap
If your car’s registration has expired, you may be wondering if you can still ship it to another state. The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, check with the DMV in the state you’re shipping to see if they have any requirements for out-of-state vehicles. Next, make sure you have the proper insurance coverage in place. Finally, be ready to pay any fees associated with shipping your vehicle. Some companies will cover these costs, while others will require you to cover them yourself. Keep all of this information in mind when deciding ship your car across state lines.