I just bought a car. How long do I have to provide evidence of insurance to DMV?
Private-use—your insurance company must report your insurance information to DMV within 30 days of the issuance of a registration card for a newly acquired vehicle (original or transfer). Commercial/business policies, self insurance, cash deposits, and surety bonds—you must show evidence of financial responsibility and complete a Notification of Alternative Forms of Financial Responsibility (REG 5085) (PDF) as part of the transfer or original application. NOTE: If after transferring a vehicle to your name you receive a notice requesting proof of financial responsibility, you must send evidence of financial responsibility to the Vehicle Registration Financial Responsibility Program prior to the suspension effective date shown on the notice.
