The article your go to ABCs of “How to Get Temporary License Plates When Buying from a Private Seller.” So, you’ve just found the car of your dreams, and it is a great deal from a private seller, and you can’t wait to take the car home or even take it for a spin.
However, before you do that, there’s one little thing you need to sort out first: getting a temporary license plate or, as some may call it, a license plate sticker.
And that is because without securing those temporary license plates, you could get in trouble, especially if the license plate number of the vehicle you bought was not transferred to you as the new owner.
The process of getting temporary license plates varies from state to state, just like the intricacies of local cuisine. In Texas and Illinois, you’d have to swing by your local DMV office, present some proof of insurance or a vehicle safety inspection, and pay a small fee which I show later.
Here’s a user-friendly guide to make this ride smoother for you.
What’s the Deal with Temporary License Plates?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a minute to figure out what we’re talking about. In simple terms, a temporary license plate (fondly known as “temp tags” or “temporary permits“) is like your car’s temporary ID that allows you to navigate public roads legally until the permanent license comes through.
Why Do I Even Need Temporary Plates?
If you’re scratching your head, wondering why these temporary plates are such a big deal, let me explain:
- Laws in your state: Most states don’t let vehicles roam around without registration. It’s like going out without your ID (not a good idea!). So, while you’re waiting for the permanent license registration, these temporary plates keep everything above board. This article has provided up to 15 states with their specific requirement. So scroll down to the section titled “Temporary License Plate for 15 States.”
- Breathing Room: Think of the temporary license as a 30-day grace period. It’s time you can use to navigate the maze of permanent license registration paperwork.
- Ownership Proof: Your temporary license registration is like a badge of honor, proclaiming you as the new owner of your shiny vehicle.
Related articles:
- How to Buy a Car from a Private Seller With Cash
- When I Buy a Car From a Private Seller Can I Drive it Home: Understanding the Legality of Driving it Home
Below are The How– To steps to get a Temporary License Plates: A Handy Step-by-Step Guide
A Quick Guide on How to get temporary License Plates When Buying from a Private Seller
Let’s cut to the chase and guide you through the ins and outs of obtaining your temporary license plate.
Step 1: Seal the Deal
First things first, close the deal on that car you’ve been eyeing. When you do, remember to snag the necessary paperwork. We’re talking title and bill of sale here!
Step 2: Make a Pit Stop at the DMV
Once you’re officially the owner of a new ride, make a beeline for your local DMV office. DMVstands for Department of Motor Vehicles and the DMV handles the world of motor vehicle registrations and license plates.
Step 3: Get Your Paperwork in Order
There at the DMV office, you’ll need to present some documents to score those temporary plates. Here’s the rundown:
- Title & Bill of Sale: Essentially, these are your proof of ownership, or you have with you at least a photocopy of the vehicle’s Bill of Sale to prove you now own the vehicle. Please note, the Bill of Sale has to have the car’s VIN which stands for Vehicle Identification Number ((VIN), it should also have the Description of the Vehicle, the date of the sale, (Year, Make, Model, Color, # Cylinders, and Body style). And finally, it must be signed by both the buyer(s) AND seller(s with their Addresses included.
- Insurance Proof: mind you with no insurance, no registration as simple as that. So make sure you have your insured first.
- Valid ID: A driver’s license or any other valid ID should do the trick.
Step 4: Cash in for the Temporary Tag
Once you hand in your documents, you’ll need to pony up the cost for the temporary tag. This fee varies by state, so check with your local DMV. You should budget around $10 to $50 for this.
Step 5: Walk Away with Your Temporary License Plate
And there you have it! Once you’ve paid, you’ll get your temporary license plate. Slap that baby on your vehicle, and you’re good to go!
The State of Affairs
Remember, things might be done a bit differently based on where you live. For example, the rules for a Kansas temporary tag might not be the same as the 20-day plates in NH. So, always make sure to check with your local DMV for the specifics regarding what you need for your area.
Temporary License Plate for 15 States
1. California.
California DMV passes the baton to the dealer regarding temporary plates, so the dealership issues it. But when purchasing a vehicle from a private seller, all you need to do is Schedule an appointment with the DMV to register your new ride, and you are good to go.
2. Texas.
In Texas, you can get a “One-Trip Temporary Permit” good for five days. All you need is your insurance proof, vehicle inspection document, and the title or a verified bill of sale.
3. Florida.
If you’re buying privately in the Sunshine Florida State, you get a 30-day grace period with a temporary tag. Take your insurance proof, the title, bill of sale, and valid ID to the local tax collector’s office, and you’re all set.
4. New York.
The Big Apple does things a bit differently. There are no temporary plates for private sales. So, make sure to register your vehicle immediately after purchase. Don’t forget your insurance proof, the title, and the bill of sale.
5. Pennsylvania.
Similar to New York, Pennsylvania doesn’t offer temporary plates. You’ll need to transfer the title and register your new vehicle immediately after buying. Bring along your vehicle title, insurance proof, and ID.
6. Illinois.
Illinois grants a 90-day temporary registration permit for private purchases. Show them your insurance proof, title, bill of sale, and valid ID, and you’ll be on your way.
7. Ohio.
In Ohio, you can score a 30-day temporary tag, and what you’ll need: insurance proof, the title or a memorandum of title, a mileage disclosure statement, and your trusty ID.
8. Georgia.
Peach State gives you a 30-day temporary operating permit. Be ready with your bill of sale, current insurance info, and a valid ID.
9. North Carolina.
North Carolina hooks you up with a 30-day temporary driving certificate. Make sure you have the title or notarized bill of sale, insurance proof, and your ID.
10. Michigan.
Michigan offers a cool 15-day temporary permit. Just bring along your insurance proof, the vehicle title or previous owner’s registration, and your ID.
11. New Jersey.
Temporary plates for private vehicle purchases can be secured in New Jersey within 30 days after purchasing one, providing proof of insurance, title, or bill of sale as well as valid ID, presented and an application filed. Once this paperwork is in place, you can secure your tag.
12. Virginia.
Virginia offers 30-day temporary tags to private sellers. To obtain one, all you need is your title or bill of sale document, proof of insurance policy document, and ID to your local DMV with these documents in hand – then off you go!
13. Washington.
Most dealers in Washington state provide temporary plates. If you purchased from an individual seller instead, however, a vehicle licensing office must issue you with your 60-day temporary permit. Please bring with you proof of ownership (title/bill of sale/ID card etc.).
14. Arizona.
Arizona provides temporary 3-day permits to privately sold vehicles sold privately within its borders. You will require your title/registration certificate, proof of insurance policy, and ID documents when visiting any local DMV office or authorized third-party office to secure one of these permits.
15. Massachusetts.
Massachusetts cannot issue temporary plates when selling vehicles privately; you’ll have to register your title immediately at the RMV (Registry of Motor Vehicles). Be sure to bring proof of insurance, title documents, and valid identification.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it on how to get temporary license plates when buying from a private seller. Buying a vehicle from a private seller has its charm and benefits, but it does mean you need to handle stuff usually managed by car dealerships by yourself, I am talking about things like getting temporary license plates and doing other pepper words to secure your investment. You read about them here. But with the correct info in your pocket, you can steer through this process like a pro.
And that is why this guide on how to get temporary license plates when buying from a private seller is made to help you through it all.
So, get started as soon as possible after the purchase to avoid any roadblocks. And remember, safe driving is happy driving.
Read this article: What to Do After You Buy a Used Car From a Private Seller
Hi dear, my name is Jeffery Ekweghi, and I am a certified mechanic and autobody parts technician. I created this site to share my expertise and experience with car lovers looking to resolve their car-related issues. I am certified in private cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. I have worked as a mechanic since 2015 and have experience in vehicle brands like Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, TATA, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, TVs, and Others; however, I primarily specialize in Toyota vehicles.
