Of course, car registration can be a little complicated no matter where you live. So how exactly do you register your car? Is the process different for transplants versus brand-new vehicles?

In this article, we’ll walk you through the car registration process in Idaho and teach you a little bit about your expected

Idaho car insurance costs

so you’ll feel confident when you head over to the DMV office.

How to register a car in Idaho

Registering your vehicle will be a little different depending on if you’re new to the state or if your car is new-to-you. In either case, however, you’ll need to apply for an Idaho title. Let’s take a closer look at that process.

If you just moved to Idaho

When you make the move to Idaho, you’ll have 90 days in which to register your vehicle in your new home state. Before you can register your vehicle in Idaho, however, you’ll need to get a new car title.

Fortunately, title transfers in Idaho are pretty standard. First, you’ll need to complete an Application for a Certificate of Title. This form, which is also referred to more officially as

Form ITD 3337

, will allow you to transfer your car title to your new home state.

Once you have your Application for a Certificate of Title in hand, it’s time to visit the DMV. In addition to Form ITD 3337, you’ll need to bring the following:

Your driver’s license

Your Social Security card, or another form of valid proof of your Social Security Number

Your vehicle’s current registration from your previous state of residence.

Your current vehicle title

Proof of address, which may include things like your lease or a current utility bill for your new home

A method of payment for the $14 title transfer fee

Once you get your car title transferred to Idaho, it’s time to switch over your registration—luckily, this can easily be done within the same DMV visit! You’ll just need to have your vehicle inspected at the DMV office, which will cost an additional $5. Be certain that your vehicle has the proper insurance or it will not pass this checkpoint.

Then, once your vehicle passes its inspection, you’ll have to pay a registration fee for your car. The exact amount for these fees will vary depending on your vehicle’s age, your county of residence, and the weight of your vehicle, but most passenger vehicles cost between $45 and $69 to register.

After you’ve paid your registration fees, your vehicle will officially live in your new home state—just like you!

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If you just bought a new car

Buying a new car in Idaho means getting a new vehicle registration. The basic process is the same for new cars as it is for state transfers, but the paperwork you’ll need is a little bit different.

First, you’ll need to transfer the title into your name. You’ll have 30 days from your vehicle purchase date in which to do this.

If you purchase your vehicle from a licensed dealer within the state of Idaho, your dealer will complete the titling process for you. Then, you can register your car online via

Idaho's DMV website

. You’ll use your driver’s license and Social Security Number to log in, but you may also need a copy of Form ITD 0502 or a Report of Sale and Application for a Certificate of Title from your dealer in order to enter all of the necessary information.

If you bought a car from a third-party seller or an out-of-state dealer, you’ll need to complete the titling process yourself. In these cases, you’ll need to bring your vehicle to the DMV for inspection. You’ll also need your license, Social Security Number, and the title of the vehicle that has been signed by both the buyer (you) and the seller—if you bought from a private party, you’ll also need

a bill of sale

and Form ITD 3337.

Once you title your vehicle, you’ll be able to obtain your car’s registration as well. Once again, be prepared to pay a registration fee of approximately $45 to $69!

MORE:

Car inspections in Idaho

How to renew your Idaho vehicle registration

You can actually renew your Idaho car registration online! Simply visit Idaho's DMV website and follow the prompts on your screen to complete the registration renewal process.

If you’d prefer, though, you can also renew your registration in person. Simply visit your local DMV office and bring your driver’s license, your current vehicle registration, your car’s VIN, and your DMV registration renewal postcard, if you got one. You’ll also need a method of payment for the registration renewal fee, which can range from $24 to $48 depending on the age of your vehicle.

Once you renew your registration, don’t forget to attach your new license plate sticker so that you don’t get pulled over!

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How much insurance coverage is required in Idaho?

Nearly every state has

minimum car insurance requirements

, and Idaho is no exception. There are a couple of types of required coverage within the state:

Bodily injury liability coverage

, of which you’ll need a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in order to meet state requirements. This type of insurance will pay for injuries sustained by other drivers and passengers if you are deemed at fault in a car accident.

Property damage liability coverage

, of which you’ll need at least $15,000 of coverage. This will cover property damages to another party if you are deemed at fault in a car accident.

In Idaho, insurers are also legally required to present you with

uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

. This type of insurance will protect you if you get into an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages. However, you are permitted to reject this coverage if you so choose.

You can also add more coverage to your policy if you so choose. State minimum insurance coverage is pretty sparse, and won’t always cover all of the damages following an accident. As such, finding policies that offer more protection is a good idea!

How to save on your Idaho car insurance

Whether you’ve just moved to Idaho or you're buying a new vehicle, you’ll also need to meet those minimum car insurance requirements and get some car insurance of your own. Fortunately, this process has never been easier—just use

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FAQ

How much does it cost to register a car in Idaho?

It depends on how much your car weighs and how old it is, but it will likely cost you $45 to $69 to register your car. When you add the $5 inspection fee and $14 title transfer fee, you could be looking at a final cost of up to $88.

Is anyone exempt from registering their car in Idaho?

There are some valid exemptions for vehicle registration in Idaho, including those who are nonresident military members, but these exemptions are pretty rare.

Can you register your car online in Idaho?

Yes! Provided that your vehicle has passed its inspection, you can complete the registration process online on Idaho’s DMV website.

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