State-by-state registration
Vehicle registration requirements by US state, written for non-US residents
A guide for non-US residents
Every US state sets its own rules for registering a vehicle, and most of them require something a visitor cannot produce: residency, a state driver's license, a Social Security number or an in-state inspection. This guide lists the requirements state by state so you can see the obstacle before you buy. The short version: Montana registers vehicles for non-residents in their own name, through Personal Registration, which is why visitor.us registers vehicles there no matter where the vehicle is bought.
There are many resources on the internet that describe vehicle registration in each of the US states, but they are all written for an American audience.
They say things like "Bring your Washington State driver's license" or "Provide your proof of Tennessee residency," assuming that these are easy steps for the reader.
This guide is different - it's written exclusively for visitors to the US.
Below you'll find links to the registration requirements for each US state (plus Washington, D.C.), written for the international visitor.
They highlight the requirements that are the biggest hurdles to non-Americans:
- Proof of residency
- Identity (US-issued driver's license and/or US social security number)
- Vehicle inspection requirements, and
- Cost (sales tax and registration fees).
This guide won't magically solve each state's registration requirements for you (you do need a Washington State driver's license in order to register your vehicle in Washington State, and you do need proof of Tennessee residency in order to register your vehicle in Tennessee).
But we hope it will be a resource that helps you quickly and easily sort through each of the US states' vehicle registration requirements.
After all, non-US residents get to choose the best state in which to register a vehicle that they purchase.
And isn't it nice to have a choice?
Which US states allow non-resident vehicle registration?
Every US state requires an in-state address to register a vehicle, and most also ask for a state driver's license, a Social Security number, proof of residency or an inspection. Montana is the exception that works for visitors: Montana law lets a nonresident with an interest in real property in Montana register a vehicle in their own name, and a lease counts. There is no Montana driver's license, Social Security number or inspection requirement, and no sales tax.
South Dakota is often suggested too, but its title application asks each owner for a South Dakota driver's license or ID number, or a Social Security number. Visitors without a Social Security number usually can only register there through a company.
The West Coast
The Mountain West
The Midwest
The South
The Northeast
Frequently asked questions
Which US states allow non-resident vehicle registration?
Every US state requires an in-state address to register a vehicle. Montana lets a nonresident with an interest in real property in Montana, such as a lease, register a vehicle in their own name, with no Montana driver's license, Social Security number or inspection.
Can I register a car in a state I don't live in?
Most states only register vehicles for their residents. In Montana, a nonresident with an interest in Montana real property, such as a lease, can register a vehicle in their own name.
Do all states require vehicle registration every year?
Most states require renewal every one or two years. In Montana, vehicles 11 years old or older can be registered permanently, and trailers and motorcycles are registered permanently by default.
Do I need a US driver's license to register a vehicle?
In many states, yes. Montana does not require one: a passport or other government-issued photo ID works.
Can a non-resident register a vehicle in South Dakota?
South Dakota's title application asks each owner for a South Dakota driver's license or ID number, or a Social Security number. Visitors without a Social Security number usually can only register there through a company.
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