PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Do you need car insurance before you get license plates?
I'm going to be buying my first car. Do I register it first to get license plates or do I buy insurance first?
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
In almost every state, you are required to have
car insurance
before registering your vehicle and getting license plates. States want to check that you have a minimum amount of car insurance
required to legally operate a vehicle on the road before they hand over the license plates or do any paperwork.Even in states like
New Hampshire
where drivers aren’t required to purchase insurance, you’ll still have to demonstrate you can be financially responsible in case of an accident before you’ll be allowed to register your vehicle.Once you’re able to show
proof of insurance
or financial responsibility to your state’s DMV and pay your registration fee, you will be issued your temporary registration. You typically receive your plates in the mail a week or so after.View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
