Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Wyoming in 2025
Wyoming law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under Wyoming Statutes Title 31, Chapter 4, vehicle owners must maintain financial responsibility before operating a motor vehicle in the state. The Wyoming Department of Transportation administers vehicle registration and enforces insurance compliance through the state's Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Law.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Wyoming Statutes establish financial responsibility requirements for all motor vehicles operated on roadways maintained for public use in Wyoming. Under Wyoming Statute § 31-4-103, any person who drives on a roadway maintained for public use in Wyoming must carry liability insurance of at least the minimum statutory amounts or provide alternative proof of financial responsibility. Wyoming requires all drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage at all times while operating a motor vehicle.
Operating a vehicle without required insurance may result in fines, license suspension, and other penalties. The Wyoming Department of Insurance regulates insurance companies and handles consumer complaints related to automobile insurance.
Wyoming Department of Transportation
5300 Bishop Boulevard, Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340
Phone: (307) 777-4375
Official Website: Wyoming Department of Transportation
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Wyoming law establishes minimum amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. The Wyoming Department of Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the state. Wyoming requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability per accident | $50,000 total |
| Property damage liability | $20,000 |
The minimum coverage requirements apply to third-party liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage. Wyoming does not mandate uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, or personal injury protection as part of minimum insurance requirements, though insurance companies may offer these coverages as optional additions to policies.
Alternative methods of demonstrating financial responsibility include a surety bond filed with the Wyoming Department of Transportation or a certificate of deposit. Vehicle owners may also qualify as self-insurers under specific circumstances as defined by Wyoming law.
Wyoming Department of Insurance
106 East 6th Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone: (307) 777-7401
Official Website: Wyoming Department of Insurance
Proof of Insurance Documents
Wyoming requires vehicle operators to carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times. Vehicle owners must provide acceptable documentation when requested by law enforcement officers at traffic stops or accident investigations. The following formats are accepted:
- An insurance identification card issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in Wyoming
- A motor vehicle liability policy certificate showing current coverage effective dates and coverage amounts
- Electronic proof of insurance displayed on a portable electronic device such as a cellular telephone or tablet
- A certificate of self-insurance issued by the Wyoming Department of Transportation
Wyoming operates an electronic insurance verification system that enables real-time verification of motor vehicle insurance coverage. The verification program applies to all vehicles covered by personal lines insurance. If an operator cannot show proof of financial responsibility when requested, the driver has seven days to produce such proof to avoid penalties.
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Wyoming law provides limited exceptions to the financial responsibility requirement for specific categories of vehicles and operators:
- Motor vehicles owned by the United States government, the State of Wyoming, or any county or municipality within Wyoming when operated for governmental purposes
- Motor vehicles covered by valid certificates of self-insurance issued by the Wyoming Department of Transportation
- Motor vehicles covered by surety bonds or certificates of deposit meeting statutory requirements filed with the Wyoming Department of Transportation
- Vehicles registered in other states and operated temporarily in Wyoming by non-residents who maintain valid insurance coverage in their state of residence, meeting that state's minimum requirements
- Specific vehicle types as defined in Wyoming statutes that are not classified as motor vehicles subject to registration requirements
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Wyoming Department of Transportation requires proof of insurance when registering a vehicle in Wyoming. Vehicle owners must provide proof of liability insurance when obtaining vehicle registration through local county treasurer offices. Standard license plates and vehicle registrations are obtained through the county treasurer in the county seat of the county of residence.
New Wyoming residents who are employed must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residence in the state. Vehicles purchased from a dealership must be registered within 60 days of purchase, while vehicles purchased from a private individual must be registered within 45 days of purchase. New residents must obtain Wyoming insurance coverage meeting state minimum requirements before completing vehicle registration.
Wyoming motorists may renew vehicle registration through county treasurer offices. Vehicle registration renewal can be processed online through county websites, by mail, or in person at county treasurer offices, depending on the specific county's available services. The Wyoming Department of Transportation monitors insurance coverage through the electronic insurance verification system to ensure continuous compliance with insurance requirements.
