You must keep your car title and registration up to date. And it's not just a suggestion, it’s the law.
But to be honest, one thing that's surely not uniform in the country are the rules around renewal. In fact, they all depend on where you live.
No worries, though—here’s a quick guide to help you stay on top of your car’s paperwork and avoid any last-minute stress!
Registration Renewal: What’s the Deal?
Car registration is required for every vehicle you drive on public roads, and yes, it’s something you need to renew regularly.
For most states, this happens every year, but in some places, you can opt for a two-year or even three-year renewal. You’ll usually get a renewal notice by mail or email that’ll let you know it’s time to act. Keep an eye out for it because it’ll have all the important details, like when your renewal is due, how much it costs, and what you need to do next.
If you’re in states like California, Texas, or New York, expect to renew annually, often around your birthday or the date of your last registration.
In states like Montana or Colorado, you might have the option to renew for up to two years, which can be super convenient if you don’t want to worry about it every year.
How to Renew: Online, Mail, or In-Person?
Most states will give you a few options for you to renew your registration. If you’re looking to save time, go through a company like ours. We help you get that done in just a few clicks and done.
But if you need to do it yourself and by mail, it takes a bit longer.
And if you’re going in person, just be ready for possible wait times.
A few states even have mobile apps now, so you can renew your registration from your phone.
Emissions and Inspections—Are They Required?
Now, here’s where things can get tricky. In certain states, like California, New York, and Maryland, you must pass an emissions or safety inspection before renewing your registration.
Yeah, that means you can’t just renew. You’ve got to prove your car’s in good shape.
Again, this is one of the perks of doing your renewals with us. We have experts who already know if this applies to you. If it does, inspection requirements will depend on your vehicle’s age or type.
What If You Miss the Renewal Deadline?
Life gets busy; it happens. But if you miss your registration renewal date, don’t sit on it too long!
Most states will hit you with penalties if you’re caught driving with an expired registration, which can mean fines or even getting your car towed. Some states give you a brief grace period, but not all.
For instance, Texas gives you five days if you renew in person, but in Florida, there is no grace period. So, play it safe and renew o
n time.
Car Title Renewal: Do You Need to Worry About It?
Good news! In most cases, you don’t need to renew your car title. Once it’s in your name, you’re good to go for as long as you own the car. You’d only need a new title if you move to a new state, sell your car, or change your name. No need to stress about keeping up with this one unless one of those situations applies to you. If they do, just reach out to us, and we'll be there to help.
How Much Is This Gonna Cost?
Registration fees vary nationwide and can depend on your car’s weight, age, or value. In Missouri, you might pay a little more than $30 for a standard renewal, while in Washington, it could be way more if your car is newer or worth more. And if you’ve got more than one vehicle to register, states like Arizona have discounts for renewing multiple cars simultaneously.
Stay Organized, Stay Legal
Keep your registration paperwork in your car, just in case you get pulled over. Mark your renewal date on your calendar, set a phone reminder, or jot it down somewhere you won’t forget. Staying on top of it means no fines and no hassles.
The Bottom Line
The average driver we've asked has always believed that being up-to-date with their car’s title and registration keeps them worry-free on the road.
The good news? You don’t have to handle any of it alone. Contact us, and we’ll take care of everything. We are bringing both renewal and registration and everything in between. Why do you need to worry about the paperwork stress when you can just return to cruising?
When it comes to getting your Fort Lauderdale tag and title needs completed, don’t waste your time at the Broward County DMV. Come to East Broward Auto Tags for all things Fort Lauderdale tag renewals. Auto Tags of East Broward is the best Broward County tag agency. Give us a call or visit our website to learn more, or to start your online renewal.
For more information on replacement car titles, check out these great resources below:
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