Related Questions from DMV Answers

• How much do inspection stations charge?

  Some states standardize vehicle inspection fees; others leave it up to the individual inspection stations. Keep in mind that in addition to regular fees, you might also need to pay for repair costs (if your vehicle fails the inspection and needs repairs) as well as a fee for a re-inspection.Inspections are important in order to make sure each vehicle on the roadways is operating safely and efficiently. If your state requires a vehicle inspection, it’s most likely that’s you’ll need to take care of it before, during, or shortly after you register your vehicle or renew your vehicle’s registration. Make sure you handle the inspection within the appropriate amount of time in order to proceed with these vehicle transactions as well as avoid penalties such as citations and additional fees.The grid below lists how much you can expect to pay.NOTE: Even if the grid notes that your state doesn’t require a vehicle inspection, it doesn’t mean there aren&rsquo...
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• Are vehicle inspection stations open on Saturday?

  Days and hours of operation for vehicle inspection stations can vary greatly. Your state might perform vehicle inspections at privately owned inspection stations located throughout the state, in which case you’ll need to contact your closest station and ask about days and hours, or it might perform these inspections at the DMV, in which case times will depend on the DMV’s typical days and hours.In order to register your vehicle or renew your vehicle’s registration, as well as avoid citations, fines, and other penalties, it’s important to handle your auto inspection (and, in some cases, the re-inspection) within the time limits your state mandates.Check your state in the grid below.NOTE: The grid might state that your state doesn’t require vehicle inspections, but keep in mind this grid deals with safety inspections only. Your state might require other kinds of inspections, such as emissions inspections or VIN inspections in certain situations (such as w...
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• Where can I get an application for a temporary license plate?

  Probably because of the amount of paperwork that’s required (copies of title/registration documents, proof of identification, proof of residency, proof of vehicle identification number, fees, etc.), most states require owners to apply for temporary license plates (or temporary permits or temporary registrations, as some states call them) in person at the DMV or other state motor vehicle licensing agency. If this is the case for you, sweep through your state’s Web site and look to see if an temporary license plate application form is available online before heading out; it could save you some time.No matter what state you live in, when you purchase a new or used vehicle from a dealership your salesperson will start most of the registration-related paperwork for you and issue you a temporary license plate or equivalent; therefore, the grid doesn’t reflect the dealership option.Check your state in the grid below.
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• Does my state require snowmobile registration?

  Snowmobile registration requirements vary by state. You may need to register the snowmobile as you would a motorcycle, or do nothing. Certain states, such as Utah, Idaho and Wyoming, require snowmobile registration. This means you go into your motor vehicle department and register the snowmobile as you would any other vehicle. Registration fees vary depending on the age of the snowmobile, just as the registration fee varies for cars. In addition, as in the case of Wyoming, the state also charges a small annual user fee in addition to the registration fee.How often you have to register the snowmobile is also up to the state. Montana, for example, only has you register it once in a lifetime for a fee of $60.50.  Washington state requires an annual registration; the period covered is October 1 to September 30. Washington charges $15.75 for snowmobiles 30 years or older and $33.75 for newer snowmobiles. North Dakota charges a $35 trail tax and a $5 registration fee every odd y...
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• If I bought a car out of state, what do I need to register my car in my home sta...

  At one point, drivers who needed new vehicles almost always made their purchase locally. Thanks in part to online auto Web sites, however, it's now becoming more common for people to travel out of state for their vehicle purchases. If that's your case, you may be asking, "What do I need to register my car?" Registering a vehicle purchased out of state is relatively similar to any other registration process. You'll typically need to have the following before you can register your vehicle: A completed vehicle registration application, which you can often download on your state's DMV Web site Proof of ownership in the form of the vehicle's original title, manufacturer's certificate of origin, or a registration certificate from a non-title state or country Proof of residency Proof of insurance Proof of a safety and/or emissions inspection, if required in your state of residence Demonstrating the proper payment of sales tax is where you might run into problems with your vehicle registr...
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