When you move with a car, you have two extra jobs on top of packing: getting the car to your new home, and making it legal there. The easiest plan is to book car shipping 2–4 weeks before moving day, prep the car the week before pickup, and then update your registration, license and insurance soon after you arrive, since many states expect new residents to switch within about 30 days. This checklist walks you through every step in order.
Key takeaways
- Decide early whether to drive or ship. Shipping usually costs about $500–$1,900 on an open carrier and frees you from a multi-day drive.
- Book car transport 2–4 weeks before your move, or earlier in summer and on snowbird routes.
- Do not pack the car with household items. Carriers generally do not allow it, and it is not covered by their insurance.
- Plan for your car to arrive a few days after you do, and arrange a backup ride or rental.
- After you arrive, update your license, registration, plates and insurance. Deadlines vary by state, so check your new state's DMV.
Step 1: Decide whether to drive or ship your car
For short moves of a few hundred miles, driving is often simple. For long-distance moves, shipping can save days of travel, hotel stays and wear on the car. It also frees you to fly, which is helpful if you have kids, pets or a tight start date at a new job.
| Question | If yes, consider driving | If yes, consider shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Is the move under about 500 miles? | Usually a one-day drive | Still useful if you have two cars and one driver |
| Is the move cross-country? | Plan for 5–7 days on the road | About 7–10 days in transit while you fly |
| Do you have more than one car? | Requires two drivers | Ship one or both |
| Is the car valuable, classic or low-mileage? | Adds miles and risk | Enclosed transport protects it |
| Are you moving to Hawaii? | Not possible | Ocean transport is required |
If you are not sure, compare the cost of fuel, lodging and meals with a shipping quote from our car shipping cost calculator.
Step 2: Book car shipping (4–6 weeks before moving day)
Once you know your move date, start getting quotes. Booking early gives you the most choice of dates and carriers.
What you will need for a quote
- Pickup and delivery ZIP codes or addresses.
- Year, make and model of the car, plus any modifications like a lift kit or roof rack.
- Whether the car runs.
- Your preferred pickup date and how flexible you are.
- Open or enclosed transport.
Choosing open or enclosed
Most people choose open car shipping. It is the most affordable option and is used to move new cars to dealers every day. If your car is a classic, exotic or freshly painted, consider enclosed car shipping for extra protection, usually around $800–$2,900.
Timing pickup with your move
Ideally, schedule the car to be picked up a day or two before you leave, or on moving day itself. That way you can be there to hand it over. If you need the car until the last minute, ask a friend or neighbor to meet the driver after you leave. Transit is typically 1–3 days under 500 miles and 7–10 days coast to coast. For long moves, our cross-country car shipping page explains what to expect.
If your timeline is tight, ask about expedited car shipping or CTS's guaranteed delivery date option.
Step 3: Sort out paperwork and loans (2–4 weeks before)
- Find your title. You will need it to register in your new state. If your car has a loan, the lender usually holds the title. Contact them early, because transferring a financed car's registration to a new state can take extra time.
- Leased car? Check your lease agreement and tell the leasing company you are moving. Some require notice before the car leaves the state.
- Make copies. Keep copies of your registration, insurance card and title (or loan info) with your important moving documents, not in the car.
- Check emissions or inspection rules. Some states typically require a safety or emissions inspection for new registrations. Look this up on your new state's DMV website now so you are not surprised.
Step 4: Prepare the car for transport (the week before)
Use this checklist in the days before pickup. Our full vehicle shipping checklist has more detail.
- Wash the car so existing scratches and dents are easy to see.
- Take date-stamped photos of every side, the roof, the wheels and the odometer.
- Remove all personal items, including chargers, sunglasses, car seats and anything in the trunk.
- Remove toll tags and parking passes so you are not billed along the route.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
- Check tire pressure and battery charge.
- Fix any fluid leaks, or tell your coordinator about them.
- Fold in mirrors and lower or remove antennas if possible.
- Remove or secure aftermarket parts like spoilers, bike racks and cargo boxes.
- Turn off the alarm, or give the driver clear instructions to disable it.
- Prepare a spare key for the driver. Keep your other keys with you.
Why you can't pack the car
It is tempting to fill the trunk with boxes. Most carriers do not allow it, because they are licensed to haul vehicles, not household goods. Extra weight can also cause problems with trailer weight limits. And personal items are typically not covered by the carrier's insurance if something is lost or damaged. Pack those items with your movers instead.
Step 5: Pickup day
- Be ready at the time the driver gives you. Drivers usually call 12–24 hours ahead.
- Walk around the car with the driver during the inspection. Make sure all existing marks are noted on the Bill of Lading.
- Sign the Bill of Lading and keep your copy. You will need it at delivery.
- Hand over the key and confirm the delivery address and contact number.
Step 6: Moving day and the gap in between
Your car will often arrive a few days after you do, especially on long moves. Plan for that gap.
- Book a rental car for the first few days, or arrange rides.
- Choose a delivery contact if you will not be home when the car arrives.
- Make sure the delivery address can fit a big truck. If not, pick a nearby parking lot.
- Keep your phone on for in-transit updates. CTS provides 24/7 updates while your car is on the road.
Moving with more than one car
Many households have two or more vehicles. You can ship both, or drive one and ship the other. Shipping two cars on the same truck is often easier to schedule, since one carrier handles the whole job and both cars arrive together. Tell your coordinator about every vehicle when you request a quote, including motorcycles, so the right space is held on the trailer.
If one family member is driving and another is flying, decide ahead of time who will meet the truck at delivery. Write that person's name and phone number on your booking so the driver knows who to call.
Step 7: Delivery day
When the car arrives, take your time with the inspection. Compare the car to your photos and the pickup report. Check every panel, the glass, the wheels and the interior. If you see new damage, write it on the Bill of Lading before you sign, and photograph it. Then start the car and make sure it runs normally.
For a deeper look at the full process from quote to delivery, see how car shipping works.
Step 8: Make your car legal in your new state (first 30–60 days)
This is the part people forget. Each state sets its own rules, so treat the timeline below as a general guide and confirm everything with your new state's DMV or motor vehicle agency.
Driver's license
Most states typically expect new residents to get a local driver's license within a set period, often around 30 days, though some allow longer. You will usually need proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address. If you want a REAL ID, bring the documents your state lists.
Registration and plates
Registration deadlines for new residents typically range from about 10 days to 90 days depending on the state, with 30 days being common. You will usually need your title (or lienholder info), proof of insurance in the new state and your ID. Some states also want a VIN check or inspection first. If you are heading to a popular destination, our state pages for Texas car shipping and Florida car shipping cover shipping into those states.
Insurance
Call your insurer before you move. Your policy usually needs to be updated to your new address, and you may need a new policy that meets your new state's minimum coverage. Rates can go up or down depending on where you live.
Old state
Some states typically ask you to return your old license plates or cancel your old registration. Check your previous state's DMV website so you do not keep paying fees or get a notice later.
Your printable moving-with-a-car timeline
- 6–8 weeks out: Decide to ship or drive. Research DMV rules in your new state.
- 4–6 weeks out: Get car shipping quotes and book.
- 2–4 weeks out: Gather title, loan or lease info and insurance documents.
- 1 week out: Clean, photograph and prep the car.
- Pickup day: Inspect, sign the Bill of Lading, hand over the key.
- Arrival: Set up a rental or rides until the car arrives.
- Delivery day: Inspect carefully before signing.
- First 30 days: Update license, registration, plates and insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book car shipping for a move?
About 2–4 weeks ahead works for most moves. In summer, or on busy snowbird routes, booking 4–6 weeks ahead gives you the best choice of dates.
Can I ship my car with my household goods?
Some moving companies offer car transport, but car carriers generally do not take household goods inside the car. The safest plan is to ship the car empty and move your belongings separately.
Should my car arrive before or after me?
Most people prefer it to arrive shortly after they do, so they can receive it in person. If you need it right away, book earlier pickup or ask about a guaranteed delivery date.
Do I need to re-register my car right away?
Not on the first day, but most states typically expect it within a set window after you become a resident, often about 30 days. Check your new state's DMV for the exact rule.
How much does it cost to ship a car when moving?
Typical prices are about $500–$1,900 for open transport and $800–$2,900 for enclosed, depending on distance, vehicle size and season. CTS also offers a Best Price Guarantee.
Moving soon? Get a free quote with $0 deposit, and check one big item off your moving list today.
Updated November 4, 2026