Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in New York in 2025
New York law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Sections 310 through 320, vehicle owners must maintain financial security before operating a motor vehicle in the state. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance through the Insurance Information and Enforcement System. The requirement applies to both initial vehicle registration and registration renewal.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Sections 310 through 320 establish the mandatory financial security requirement, which requires all motor vehicles registered in New York State to have liability insurance in effect at all times. Under Section 319 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, no person shall operate a motor vehicle in New York unless the owner or operator has in effect the financial security required by Article 6.
Vehicle owners must maintain continuous insurance coverage throughout the registration period. Operating a vehicle without the required liability insurance constitutes a violation of New York law and may result in civil penalties up to $1,500, driver's license suspension, vehicle registration suspension, and additional fees. The New York State Department of Financial Services regulates insurance companies and investigates complaints related to automobile insurance.
New York Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228
Phone: (518) 486-9786
Official Website: New York Department of Motor Vehicles
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 311 establishes minimum amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. The New York State Department of Financial Services regulates insurance companies operating in the state. New York requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death of one person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury or death of two or more persons | $50,000 total |
| Property damage | $10,000 |
The minimum coverage requirements apply to liability insurance only. New York law does not mandate collision coverage or comprehensive coverage, though lenders typically require these coverages for financed vehicles. New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means that in addition to liability coverage, vehicle owners must also carry Personal Injury Protection coverage of at least $50,000 per person. Alternative methods of demonstrating financial security include self-insurance certification by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles or a bond filed with the Commissioner.
New York State Department of Financial Services
One Commerce Plaza, Albany, NY 12257
Phone: (800) 342-3736
Official Website: New York State Department of Financial Services
Proof of Insurance Documents
New York requires vehicle operators to carry proof of motor vehicle liability insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. Vehicle owners must provide acceptable documentation during registration and maintain proof while driving. The following formats are accepted:
- Insurance identification card issued by the insurance company showing the policy number, effective dates, and vehicle information
- Copy of the insurance policy declarations page
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a mobile device or other portable electronic device
New York law enforcement officers may request proof of insurance during traffic stops, accidents, or vehicle inspections. Failure to provide acceptable proof may result in a traffic ticket with fines up to $1,500 for a first offense. The Department of Motor Vehicles maintains the Insurance Information and Enforcement System, which allows law enforcement and DMV personnel to verify insurance coverage electronically for all registered vehicles in New York.
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Limited exceptions to the financial security requirement exist under New York law pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 311:
- Motor vehicles owned by the United States government, the state of New York, or any public corporation within the state
- Motor vehicles operated exclusively on private property and not used on public highways
- Motor vehicles approved as self-insured by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles pursuant to Section 317 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law
- Motor vehicles operated by a person holding a valid demonstration or transporter license plate, provided the person has liability insurance covering all vehicles operated under such plates
- Historic vehicles that meet specific criteria and are operated only for exhibition, club activities, parades, or other functions of public interest
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The New York Department of Motor Vehicles verifies insurance coverage before processing vehicle registration applications and renewals. Vehicle owners must provide proof of insurance when registering a vehicle for the first time in New York or when renewing an existing registration. The insurance identification card or electronic proof must show the vehicle identification number, policy number, and coverage effective dates.
New York residents who establish residency must register their vehicles within 30 days of becoming a resident. New residents must obtain New York insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements, including both liability insurance and no-fault Personal Injury Protection coverage, before completing vehicle registration. A person who has a permanent residence in New York or maintains a place of business in the state and uses a vehicle in connection with that business is considered a New York resident for registration purposes.
New York motorists may renew vehicle registration online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at DMV offices. The Insurance Information and Enforcement System monitors all registered vehicles to ensure continuous compliance with insurance requirements. Vehicle owners whose insurance lapses will receive a Notice of Insurance Lapse and Registration Suspension from the DMV. Motorists must surrender their vehicle registration and license plates immediately upon receiving this notice. To restore registration privileges after a lapse, vehicle owners must obtain valid insurance coverage, pay a civil penalty ranging from $8 per day to $12 per day depending on the length of the lapse, and pay a $50 registration suspension termination fee.
