Vehicle Registration for Military Families
Military families face a long checklist during PCS moves, and vehicle registration is one of the critical tasks. Rules and fees vary significantly by state, with some offering exemptions or special considerations for military members and veterans.
General Guidelines
- Most states require insurance, and many demand proof of insurance before registration.
- Insurance rates change with relocation; carriers may not offer coverage in new states.
- Registration requirements differ for military members stationed in a state versus being residents.
State-by-State Breakdown
Alabama
- Non-resident military members don’t need to register vehicles if they have valid home state registration and insurance.
- Resident military members follow the same registration process as civilians.
Alaska
- Non-residents don’t need to transfer title or registration.
- Dependents must obtain an Alaska license.
- Alaskan residents can renew registration by mail with valid LES showing Alaska as home of record.
Arizona
- Active-duty non-residents are exempt from vehicle license tax.
- Arizona residents can get a Special Military Exemption for registration fees during deployment.
Arkansas
- Non-residents are exempt from assessment and personal property taxes with valid LES.
- Resident military members follow the same requirements as civilians.
California
- Non-resident military can drive with valid out-of-state license and insurance.
- California residents can get a late fee waiver for registration during deployment.
Colorado
- Non-residents can register without ownership tax using Form DR 2667.
- Colorado residents can apply for a three-year registration extension by mail.
Delaware
- Military stationed out-of-state can renew registration with an Out-of-State Inspection Packet.
- Active-duty personnel and dependents get a document fee exemption.
Florida
- Military members (residents and non-residents) are exempt from the $225 initial registration fee.
Georgia
- Specific information available on Georgia vehicle registration.
Hawaii
- Military can keep home state registration or switch to Hawaii’s, exempting them from weight and excise taxes.
Idaho
- No provisions for extending vehicle registrations; check expiration dates before deployment.
- Online renewal available from out-of-state.
Illinois
- Military on active duty outside Illinois can drive with expired licenses for 120 days after return.
- Vehicle registrations can be renewed online.
Indiana
- Military licenses remain valid 90 days post-discharge.
- Non-resident military can renew vehicle registrations in Indiana.
Iowa
- Resident military pay same registration fees as civilians.
- Non-resident military don’t need to register if properly registered in home state.
Kansas
- Military stationed out-of-state can renew vehicle registration online.
Kentucky
- Can renew vehicle registration through mail or online.
Louisiana
- Military follow the same registration process as permanent residents.
Maine
- Can renew registration and license online.
- Non-residents may be eligible for state excise tax waiver.
Maryland
- Non-resident military don’t need to register if vehicle is registered in home state.
- Residents must title and register within one year of moving.
Massachusetts
- Can retain home state registration if vehicle was purchased, titled, and registered there.
- New military-themed license plates available for veterans and families.
Michigan
- Requires Application for Certificate of Title and Registration for vehicle title and registration.
Minnesota
- Non-resident military don’t need to register if registration is current in home state.
- Minnesota residents on active duty are exempt from registration tax.
Mississippi
- Non-resident military don’t need Mississippi registration or tag.
- Resident military must register vehicles.
Missouri
- Military stationed out-of-state must submit specific documents to register vehicles.
Montana
- Resident military stationed outside Montana can register without certain fees.
Nebraska
- Non-resident military can operate vehicles with out-of-state plates.
Nevada
- Non-resident military on active duty don’t need to register vehicles.
- Spouses are also exempt if living in Nevada to be with the service member.
New Hampshire
- Residents need to register vehicles annually regardless of station.
New Jersey
- Active military duty members get automatic extensions for driver license, registration, and inspection.
New Mexico
- Non-resident military can drive with home state plates or switch to New Mexico registration.
New York
- Allows others to register vehicles on behalf of military members with proper forms.
- Sales tax exemption for vehicles purchased out-of-state by service members.
North Carolina
- Requires specific documents and forms for vehicle registration.
North Dakota
- Military assigned to North Dakota must submit out-of-state title with application.
Ohio
- Non-resident military don’t need to register vehicles.
Oklahoma
- Active-duty military get discounted annual registration fees.
- Registration and penalty exemptions available.
Oregon
- Residents must register vehicles, providing LES showing Oregon as home of record.
Pennsylvania
- Military can maintain Pennsylvania registration or register in their stationed jurisdiction.
Rhode Island
- Military must renew registration before expiration, even if out-of-state.
South Carolina
- Service members register or renew registration as normal.
South Dakota
- Military stationed out-of-state can renew registration online or by mail.
Tennessee
- Allows title, registration, and transfer through local county clerks.
Texas
- Active-duty military outside Texas can maintain valid driver’s licenses unless suspended or revoked.
Utah
- Non-resident military can register in home state.
- Utah residents on active duty get property tax exemption and inspection exemptions.
Vermont
- Military register vehicles similarly to civilians.
Virginia
- Can register purchased vehicles in home state or Virginia.
- Military can request driver’s license extensions.
Washington
- Non-resident military can keep current state registration or get Washington plates.
- Residents stationed out-of-state can renew registration online.
Washington DC
- Requires registration unless displaying a reciprocity sticker.
West Virginia
- Can renew registration online while stationed out-of-state.
Wisconsin
- Allows military members, relatives, or friends to renew registrations online, by mail, or in-person.
Wyoming
- Specific information available on Wyoming vehicle registration.
Key Considerations
- Insurance requirements and rates
- State-specific rules for military members and families
- Documentation needed for registration and renewals
- Potential exemptions and special considerations
By understanding these guidelines and state-specific rules, military families can navigate the complexities of vehicle registration during PCS moves more effectively.
