Can you drive a car without tags.
Depending on the state, the rules for vehicle registration after purchase can be different.Most states allow you to drive a new car for a few days before you need to have license plates or temporary plates.While you wait for your official plates to arrive, you will need to apply for a temporary plate or permit.Driving laws are listed by state.
All 50 states require vehicles to be registered and titled.You have to attach a visible license plate to prove registration.
When you buy a new or used car, you may not know if it has plates yet or has them registered to the previous owner.Depending on where you live, you may be allowed to drive the car without plates for a few hours, days, or at least from the point of sale to your home.
While you wait for your official plates to arrive, you will need to apply for temporary plates or a temporary permit.You have to have official plates affixed to the vehicle before you can use a temporary plate or permit.The time frames are listed below.
Depending on how you purchased the vehicle, some states have different policies.Depending on whether you went to a dealer or a private seller, different laws may apply.The table below shows the laws for vehicle registration by state, as well as links to each state's website to find more specific information.
A licensed used car dealer can help you register your car and apply for a license plate transfer.Transferring the plates from your old car to the newer one is cheaper than applying for new plates.You should only transfer plates registered under your name.It is illegal to operate a vehicle with someone else's license plates in some states.[3]
If you purchase a used car from a private seller, you will need to register the vehicle, complete a title transfer, and apply for a transfer at the Department of Motor Vehicles.While you wait for your official plates, you may be issued temporary plates or a permit to display.
States have different costs for registration and transfer.Prepare to bring the following before you head to the DMV.