Can you ship a car with an expired registration?

The car rides on a trailer, not on public roads under its own registration. Carriers confirm they have the right vehicle with the VIN, year, make and model on the Bill of Lading.

People ship cars without current registration for many reasons: a car bought out of state that hasn't been registered yet, a project or salvage car, a car moving to a new state where it will be registered on arrival, or a vehicle sold for parts.

• Auctions and dealers need a release or gate pass before the car can leave the lot
• Ports and international shipping require the title and ownership documents
• Some carriers may ask for proof you're authorized to ship the car

See car shipping documents for the full list.

Carriers aren't driving your car on public roads, so expired registration usually isn't a problem for transport itself. What they do check:

• That you are the owner, or authorized by the owner, to release the car
• The VIN matches the vehicle
• Whether the car runs, steers and brakes

Bring a photo ID and any proof of ownership you have.

Once the car arrives, you'll need valid registration before you drive it. If you've moved, register in your new state — many states give new residents only 10 to 30 days. Plan for any required inspection or emissions test. See moving a car to a new state.

• Auction vehicles: The auction's release paperwork usually matters more than registration.
• Ocean shipping to Hawaii or Alaska: Ports usually require a title or current registration.
• No title at all: See can I ship a car without a title.