To claim federal electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle tax credit, must I register the vehicle? My car got totaled before I was able to register at the DMV.

[Vanessa]

Did you have a temporary registration?  What state?

[sonjoochang]

I did get a temporary registration along with a temp plate through a dealer in Colorado.

[Vanessa · Accepted solution]

As long as you purchased it and owned it, you would be able to claim it.  You do need to have the VIN and other details on the vehicle.  Without the VIN you cannot claim the credit. 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8936.pdf

[sonjoochang]

You are a life saver!  Thank you.