Dealing with the DMV When Moving

Dealing with the DMV is never fun.  In fact, it’s usually just the opposite: boring, tedious, time-consuming and expensive. However, if you’re moving, you can’t avoid it.  The DMV will beckon.

Here’s what you need to do when moving, and some tips for avoiding too much hassle:

In-State Moves

If you’re moving in-state, there’s good news: dealing with the DMV should be quite easy.  You will probably only have to change your address, and you can probably do this online.

Out-of-State Moves

If you move out of state, you will have to conform to the new state’s DMV requirements.  Unfortunately, this will probably involve having to go to the DMV to fill out paperwork and, gulp, take a driving test.

Every state is different, but each will require you to:

1. Get a new driver’s license
2. Register your car
3. Pass a vehicle check and emissions
4. Provide proof of insurance

Some states will also go to the next step and make you take a driving test, a written test or both.  Some might also require to pass a vision test.

For any state, getting a new license and registration will cost you some fees, sometimes totaling hundreds of dollars.  However, these fees are usually cheaper than the tickets you’ll get if you avoid re-registering.

DMV Tips

• Make an appointment – most DMVs offer appointments, but most people don’t make them.  Take advantage of this and enjoy being able to walk into the shorter “appointments only” line.
• Arrive early – people are lazy.  It’s a fact of life.  If you can get out of bed and to the DMV by 8:30, the lines should be small.  If you waltz up at 11:00, you can expect to stand outside for a bit.
• Use the Internet – making basic, administrative changes, like changing your address and updating your registration, can be done online in just a few minutes.

If you are moving to a different state, you might have to hire a service to move your car.