How To Change Vehicle Color On Registration

Over time, you may need to change the color of your car on your registration certificate. In most countries or states, you can do it if your vehicle is for a primary mode of transportation or used as a business.

Different rules and regulations guide the change of vehicle color in various states or countries. So States require you to submit an alternate license holder and your certificate of title. At the same time, others may only issue a new certificate of the title once you submit proof of your insurance notification. The insurance notification must have updated information about the change in the color of your vehicle. It is also vital to check on your local DMV requirements before changing your car color.

In this article will help address your concerns regarding Changing your Vehicle Color On Registration. The process of changing the vehicle color, tips for changing the vehicle color on registration, potential challenges and issues you may be faced when changing the vehicle color on registration, and more.

How to change vehicle color on registration

The process of changing the vehicle color on the registration

It is a simple process to change your car’s color, which may or may not affect your vehicle’s registration. You would, however, need to notify your car’s insurance company of your intention because your insurance policy also covers your vehicle’s description, which consists of color.

Steps To Change The Vehicle Color On Registration

Here are the steps for changing the vehicle’s color on registration;

Obtain A New Title Or Registration Certificate From The Department Of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

In as much as changing the color of your car is your choice, obtaining a new title or registration from the DMV is necessary. Doing this would help the DMV to keep a correct record of your car on the road. It also allows security agencies quickly identify your car as legal after repainting.

Update The Vehicle’s Insurance Policy To Reflect The New Color.

Most Insurance companies consider the color of a vehicle when determining the rates, so you need to inform them of the color changes.

Though some colors will likely be involved in accidents or ticketed by security agencies, changing to a brighter color, such as yellow or orange, would make your car more visible. It will also be less likely to have lower rates since it won’t often be involved in an accident.

Have The Vehicle Repainted In The Desired Color?

It would be best if you painted as regards your choice as you make your vehicle stand out from the crowd. But be sure that your choice of paint is consistent with that of residential or DMV permits. Although, some states might have some laws on the selection of paint. In as much, consider your budget for your choice of paint.

Bring The Vehicle To A DMV Office For An Inspection To Verify The New Color

If your vehicle is worth hundreds of dollars, the office of the DMV might inspect it. However, this inspection would be before you get a title and registration with the DMV office.

Similarly, the DMV’s office inspects your vehicle to check if there is any damage before changing its color.

Update The Vehicle’s Title Or Registration Certificate With The New Color Information

This update on the vehicle’s title or registration certificate is very crucial. However, some states have regulations that ensure that you update your registration if you should make any change to your vehicle’s color.

A section in your vehicle’s registration mentions color, even if it doesn’t specify the color type. But instead, it would use code to represent the color. So, you should notify the DMV of any change.

On the contrary, if you live in a country or state that uses your vehicle’s plate number to track the registration of the car, then you would get a new plate number with an updated color.

Tips For Changing The Vehicle Color On Registration

Let’s look at some tips for changing vehicle color on registration below;

Check The DMV’s Requirements For Changing The Vehicle Color On Registration In Your State.

As I said earlier, some states don’t require a DMV permit before changing your vehicle’s color. On the other hand, some states would need it. Similarly, some states or countries may have specific ordinances that could restrict certain colors. For instance, most cities or states have laws against paint or vinyl wrapping your car with fluorescent colors.

I recommend you visit and enquire from the DMV office regarding their requirements/approval before you change your vehicle’s color on the registration.

Keep Any Documentation Associated with the registration.

It would help if you kept your receipts/bills (documentation) of payments that have your registration number appropriately. Doing this would give you a smooth process with the insurance and even the DMV as regards permits. Although, a bill of sale showing the date of payment and your vehicle insurance policy would be vital for the change of vehicle color.

Consider The Potential Impact On The Value Of The Vehicle When Choosing A New Color

When choosing a new color, you should consider the potential impact on the vehicle’s value. However, according to iSeeCars, a vehicle’s color can make or mare the resale value. Compared, a vehicle’s depreciation rate depends on the color. A vehicle’s color is among the primary determinants by which shoppers would decide on a model and brand.

So, the most beneficial color for retaining value includes yellow and orange. Please consider carefully before choosing any color if you intend to sell it shortly.

Potential Challenges And Issues When Changing The Vehicle Color On Registration

Below are potential challenges and issues anyone would face when changing the vehicle’s color on registration includes;

Firstly, the cost of a new registration if you had previously changed your vehicle’s color. However, you must make the necessary payment for a new title.

Secondly, if there is any damage to your vehicle, you must repair it before the color change.

Thirdly, insurance issues may arise if you have no insurance. Although, some states require that you get a permit from your vehicle insurance before you go for a vehicle color change.

Costs Associated With Repainting The Vehicle And Updating Documentation.

No matter your taste, repainting your vehicle can be an expensive venture.

However, the cost associated with repainting any vehicle and updating its documents includes;

From the above cost associate, you might spend between $1000 to $4000 for repainting and updating your vehicle’s documents. You must keep a budget within this range before considering changing your vehicle’s color.

Possible Delays In The Process Due To DMV Backlogs Or Other Issues

There may be delays in the process due to issues from the laws guiding your state or country of residence. These issues or backlogs could also emanate from a lack of proper documents, such original or a copy of the vehicle’s title or registration, and failure to provide an insurance permit. These factors put together could delay the process from becoming successful.

Summary Of The Steps And Considerations Involved In Changing The Vehicle Color On Registration.

Below are the sum and simple steps involved in changing the vehicle’s color on registration;

Importance Of Following The Proper Process To Ensure A Smooth Transition To The New Color.

Due process is always beneficial, no matter how long it may take to achieve your desire. So, the importance of following the proper process to facilitate a smooth change to the new color is;

Conclusion

Finally, it is effortless to change the color of your vehicle, especially one that has been sitting for years. Color change may require some regulation from your DMV but might vary depending on your state or country of residence. So, if you love to change the color of your old vehicle, some steps would be required.

However, it would be wise of you to enquire about the law guiding your place of residence before embarking on such a vehicle’s cosmetic change. If you decide to change your vehicle’s color, have a budget. I hope this post on how To Change Vehicle Color On Registration was of help to you. Do well to share this insightful write-up with others!

Reference

Ozioma Ogbuihe

Ozioma is an electric car devotee with a background in mathematics, education, and over 10 years of experience teaching in various institutions. He has held multiple positions in the academic world for the past years. Right now, in his free time, he enjoys researching on cars and keeping up-to-date with what is happening in the automotive industry, as well as writing on the topic. His deep understanding and love for cars makes him the perfect candidate for providing reliable information on trending stats in the auto industry and how to guide automobile topics. We are happy to have him as one of our Authors.