PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
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
Can I travel if my car registration expired?
My car registration just expired this week. I’ve been meaning to renew it, but I keep forgetting. I was going to visit my parents soon, who live a couple of states away, but now I’m wondering if I can even travel there with an expired car registration.
Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Arranging to see family at a time that works for everyone, especially when you live far from each other, can be hard. You’re legally required to
register
your vehicle every year or two (depending on where you live). While you technically can travel with an expired registration, it’s not a good idea.There’s typically a grace period of one or several months that you can drive your vehicle past the registration expiration date without being
fined
. How long that grace period lasts depends on the state you live in. Once you’ve passed that grace period, you could face fines. Not only that–you might also see higher insurance costs as a result. In some states, you could even have your car impounded.
If your registration just expired this week, it sounds like you may still be in a grace period. If, however, your grace period ended this week, that could put you in a tough spot if you hit the road and get pulled over. Registering your vehicle with your state’s DMV can be costly, and it might be a headache, but putting it off will cost you more in the long run.
When you do head out to visit family, make sure you’re covered for the journey there. With car insurance broker and comparison app,
Jerry
, you can compare quotes from 50+ top insurance companies to find the right policy for you at the best price.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