Expired Registration in Wyoming

Motor vehicle registration is required in Wyoming to legally operate vehicles on the state's roads and highways. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) administers all vehicle registration and titling processes throughout the state. The Wyoming Highway Patrol, a division of the Wyoming Department of Transportation, enforces compliance with registration laws on Wyoming's roadways.

State Code Provisions in Wyoming

Wyoming's vehicle registration requirements are codified under Title 31 (Motor Vehicles) of the Wyoming Statutes, which establishes the framework for vehicle registration, renewal procedures, penalties for violations, and enforcement mechanisms. Chapter 2 specifically addresses registration of vehicles and issuance of certificates of title, including application requirements, display requirements for registration plates, penalties for operating unregistered vehicles, and administrative procedures.

Registration Terms and Expiration in Wyoming

Registration Renewal System

Wyoming operates an annual registration system for motor vehicles. Vehicle registrations are valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance, as administered by the Wyoming County Treasurers' offices on behalf of WYDOT.

Standard Vehicle Registration:

• Most passenger vehicle registrations are valid for one year from the month of acquisition
• Registrations expire at midnight on the last day of the annual registration month
• The "annual registration month" is the month in which the vehicle was acquired or the month in which the current registration expires
• Example: A vehicle registered in October will have a registration that expires on October 31 of the following year

Grace Period for Expired Registration:

Wyoming does not provide a grace period for expired vehicle registration. Once registration expires at midnight on the last day of the annual registration month, the vehicle may not legally be operated on public roads until registration is renewed. Law enforcement officers may issue citations for operating a vehicle with expired registration immediately after the last day of the expiration month passes.

Penalties for Expired Registration in Wyoming

Wyoming assesses penalties specifically for operating motor vehicles with expired registration on public highways. The state does not impose administrative late fees at the time of registration renewal at the county treasurer's office.

Administrative Penalties

Wyoming does not impose administrative late fees or penalties when vehicle owners renew expired registrations at county treasurer's offices. Vehicle owners pay only the standard annual registration fee regardless of how long the registration has expired. However, operating the vehicle on public roads with expired registration subjects the owner to potential traffic citations.

Traffic Violations

Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration on Wyoming roadways constitutes a violation of state law. According to Wyoming Statute § 31-2-102, no person shall operate any vehicle required to be registered upon the highways of Wyoming unless the vehicle is registered and has displayed a valid license plate.

Violation and Penalties:

Government Agencies

Wyoming Department of Transportation
5300 Bishop Boulevard
Cheyenne, WY 82009
Phone: (307) 777-4375
Official Website: Wyoming Department of Transportation

Wyoming Highway Patrol
5300 Bishop Boulevard
Cheyenne, WY 82009
Phone: (307) 777-4301
Official Website: Wyoming Highway Patrol