The Basics of Vehicle Registration

• Renewing vehicle registration is a fairly simple process that can be completed by mail or online in many locations. Renewing your registration requires providing proof of current insurance, paying annual registration fees and receiving a new registration card and sticker for the license plate. In some states, vehicles can be registered for several years at a time. Some types of vehicles, usually trailers, are eligible for permanent registration in some states.
  
  

Items Needed to Renew Vehicle Registration

• In order to renew a vehicle's registration you will need the previous year's registration, proof of insurance, proof of passing emissions testing in areas where emissions testing is required and cash or a money order to pay the registration fees. Some states may require a driver's license or proof of identification as well. If you have changed your address since the last time the vehicle was registered, you will need to be able to provide documentation and proof of your new address.
  
  

Types of Vehicles That Have to Be Registered

• Any vehicle that is operated on public roadways, waterways or lands is required to have a current registration. Laws vary by state, but vehicles that are required to be registered commonly include cars, trucks, semi-trucks, buses, motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, boats, trailers, jet skis and mobile homes. Vehicles that never cross onto public lands for any reason do not typically need to be registered, but it is still a good idea to keep current registration on any vehicle you own.
  
  

Emissions Testing

• Some states require that cars and trucks pass emissions tests before they can have their registration renewed. Emissions testing is done to make sure cars and trucks are not releasing a dangerously large amount of pollution into the environment through their exhaust pipes. Vehicles with mechanical problems often have emissions problems. In states where emissions testing is required for registration and registration renewal, a failed emissions test will leave you unable to register your vehicle until the problem has been repaired and the emissions test has been successfully passed.
  
  

Vehicle Inspections

• Vehicle inspections are also required in some areas of the country. Inspections are done to make sure a vehicle is considered roadworthy and can be safely operated. If a vehicle fails to pass the inspection, it will have to have all the problems repaired before it can be re-registered. Both of these types of testing can be state, city or county mandated.