Registering your vehicle with the state is part of the responsibility of being a driver and an automobile owner. In most cases, registration renewal is required every year or every other year, depending on how much you paid the last time that you renewed your registration; in some states, renewing your registration for two years includes a small discount. Continue reading to learn more about the things you need to do to renew your car registration:
Get Your Car Tuned Up
In most states, automobile owners are required to take their vehicles through emissions every other year. This is required to ensure that vehicles that have issues and are producing excess emissions and pollution do not continue driving on the road indefinitely.
If you know that you need to take your car through emissions before you will be allowed to renew your registration, it is a good idea to have your vehicle tuned up so it won't have any issues with the emissions testing. This is especially true if the check engine light is on, as most states will not allow a vehicle to pass emissions if the light is illuminated.
Go to an Emissions Location
Most cities and large towns have multiple emissions sites. If you want to save some time, avoid going to emissions places on the weekend or towards the end of the month when most locations tend to be busier. Many counties have websites that list the wait time at the different emissions locations, so take advantage of this tool to select a location with a short wait.
Renew Your Registration
After your car passes emissions, the information will be transmitted electronically to the department of transportation. You will then be able to renew your car registration. The majority of cities allow you to renew your automobile registration online, which is by far the most convenient method. If you choose to renew your registration online, the whole process typically only takes a few minutes. Just make sure that you have your renewal notice or the license plate number. It is also possible to renew registration in person at the motor vehicle department.
Place A New Tag on License Plate
After you renew your registration, you will be mailed a new document showing that your car is registered. This should always be kept in your glove department box or console in your vehicle. When you receive your registration, don't forget to place the new tag that came with it on to your license plate to prevent getting pulled over.
