Shifting a car from one place to other sometimes adds layers of complexity than just simple shipping—and it can include legal challenges particularly if the registration dates have passed. Most vehicle owners frequently ask, -“Is it possible to ship a car with expired registration?”- And the answer is yes, but similar to anything with logistics, there are many rules that must be followed in order for everything to go as planned.
Whether your situation involves a car that isn’t running, a purchase from another state, or a project car with expired plates, don’t worry. Car Shipping Auto works towards alleviating complexities in shipping cars even if they are unregistered. Here’s what you need to consider before you book your shipment.
Do You Need Current Registration to Ship a Car?
The most surprising fact to many is that current vehicle registration is -not- a requirement when shipping a car. Most auto transport companies will not ask for a vehicle registration proof when shipping your car from one place to another. This is because your car will not be driven on the road, but will be transported using a licensed commercial carrier.
With that said, the transport company doesn’t care about registration, there are a few things that still need to be considered.
- You must have legal ownership of the car. A title or proof of ownership is a must.
- Your vehicle is expected to be available for loading. If not, that needs to be communicated so that proper equipment and materials can be brought for your vehicle.
- Different states have different rules around vehicles. Some states can have laws about receiving cars that are being delivered with an expired registration.
Having an experienced and reliable company like Car Shipping Auto make sure that these requirements are communicated and fulfilled is very important.
Shipping An Unregistered Vehicle: Special Provisions
Careful planning is a necessity when transporting a vehicle with an expired registration. Here are some vital issues to keep in mind:
- Operational and Non-Operational vehicles
Is your vehicle drivable or does it require towing or winching on to the carrier? Operational vehicles are relatively easy and often less expensive to ship. If your vehicle is not operational due to registration expiration and cannot be legally driven to the pick-up point, then arrangements need to be made to tow it or for pre-loading at a terminal.
Educated Vehicle Transporting Experts will assist you in getting your non-operational vehicle shipped. Just inform us of the vehicle’s condition and we will make sure the appropriate truck, equipment, and tools are scheduled.
- Proof Of Ownership Is Necessary
Prove yourself as the legal owner of the vehicle by showing relevant documents which include title, bill of sale, or a lien release, if applicable. It is necessary for a vehicle transporter to understand that the vehicle is owned by the individual who is booking the transport for the vehicle.
With the required documents, our personnel will explain how to avoid surprises during the pick-up process.
- No Driving on Public Roads
Driving your vehicle with an expired registration is illegal. For example, if your pickup location necessitates driving your vehicle from a garage to the street, you have to legally move or tow your vehicle to the garage. Depending on the state, attempting to drive an unregistered vehicle can lead to fines, and in some cases, impoundment.
Alternatively, our transport team can assist you in scheduling a pickup that works best for you while legally avoiding any violations.
- Notify the Company in Advance
Your transport provider should never be the last person to know your changes. Remember, if your registration is expired, you must inform the company ahead of time for the vehicle transport. This ensures that the transport provider is able to plan in advance and arrange for the needed equipment in compliance.
At Car Shipping Auto, full transparency is required from the client so that the process can flow without hitches. Thus, we offer step by step assistance so that clients are not caught off guard by unexpected delays.
When Would Someone Ship an Unregistered Car?
There are specific situations where someone may need to ship a vehicle with no tags, such as:
- Buying a car online and needing to ship it before out-of-state registration renewal
- Military relocation where registration is on hold due to change of state
- Project cars or classic cars pending restoration or DMV paperwork
- Transferred inherited vehicles before updated registration
- College students needing a vehicle shipped to or from school
No matter the reason, we’ve helped customers handle it easily and seamlessly.
Why Choose Car Shipping Auto for Unregistered Vehicle Transport?
There’s no need for shipping a car with expired registration to be stressful. At Car Shipping Auto, we handle every case with tailored strategies because all automobiles, be it a brand-new ride or a barely-running antique, are important. Here’s why you should ship with us:
- No hidden fees or surprises
- Specialized services for non-operational vehicles needing transport
- Experienced professional handlers
- Extensive real-time tracking
- 24/7 Dedicated shipping agents
Our mission is and has always been to make auto transport simple and dependable, without regards to registration issues. We take initiative and plan for every detail to avoid unnecessary surprises for the customer for a hassle-free journey from booking to delivery.
Final Thoughts
Is it possible to ship a vehicle with an expired registration? Yes, if you meet some basic requirements. These would include providing proof of ownership, complete transparency with your shipping company, and plans for whether or not your vehicle is drivable. The rest can be covered by professionals who know how to manage the logistics smoothly.
At Car Shipping Auto, it is our focus to assist our customers with their unique moves. Contact us today to get your free quote and speak to a transport specialist who can provide you with answers. Allow us to assist you in safely and easily shipping your vehicle without registration.
