When you buy a car, there are several things that you will receive and one of them is a car registration. What is it? Is a car registration the same as tags? To know the answer, you are able to read the explanation below about car registration and car tags.
A Car Registration
What is a car registration? A car registration is a documentation which proves that your vehicle has been registered in your state and you have paid the taxes and fees. Why do we have to register it to the state? It is because by registering it, you will be able to drive your car legally. You may have to register your vehicle every year, but it depends on the state where you live. The fees that you have to pay for registration vary depending on where you live.
When you register your car for the first time, then you will get a license plate and a registration document or a sticker that will be placed on your windshield as proof.
It is important for you to register your car so that your car is known by the state. Besides, registering your car also permits you to drive on public roads. In all 50 states, registering a vehicle is required for any vehicles that you have or lease. If you do not register your car, you may be able to face a fine or jail time.
What will happen if we move across state lines? If so, you need to register your car with your new state. There are a lot of states that require you to update your license and registration within several days of being a state resident.
How about the expiration date of a car registration? It depends on where you live because every state has different rules about it. However, usually you have to renew your car registration every 12 months to two years. In Wisconsin, your car registration will expire on December 31st. In Michigan, your car registration will expire on the car owner’s birthday.
Is a Car Registration the Same as Car Tags?
Now, how about a car tag? Is a car registration the same as a car tag? No, a car registration and a car tag are two different things. A car tag is a sticker that sticks on the rear license plate of your car and this tag needs to be renewed per year. In the car tag, there will be the digits of the year where your vehicle’s registration is valid.
To know more about a car tag, you are able to read about it below.
A Car Tag
As explained earlier, a car tag is a sticker that sticks on the rear license plate of your car and it needs to be renewed every year every time you renew your vehicle’s registration. Why do we need to have a tag in our car? It is because the tag is a proof of yearly registration. You have to bring your car tag or stick it on your vehicle at all times and bring your registration and insurance cards. If you do not bring these items with you, it means that you drive illegally where it can end up paying a fine or penalties.
If you still think that a car tag is the same as a license plate, then you need to note that a car tag is not a license plate. A license plate is assigned by the DMV of the state upon initial registration where it is a metal or plastic plate which is attached to a vehicle. This license plate will stay with your car year by year, but your car tag needs to be renewed every year. After you get your new tag, you need to show it in the suitable location where usually it is on the corner of your license plate.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
