What you need to do to get plates for a new car
When you buy a new car, you cannot drive it home without a license plate. The process differs slightly depending on whether you bought from a dealer or a private seller, but the core steps are the same: register your vehicle with your state's motor vehicle department, pay the registration fee, and receive your plates in return.
Most new car purchases from dealerships include temporary plates or a temporary registration document that lets you drive legally for 30 to 60 days while you complete the permanent registration. If you bought from a private seller, you typically have a shorter window—often 10 days—to register before driving becomes illegal. The exact timeline depends on your state.
You will need to bring specific documents to your state's motor vehicle office or submit them by mail or online. The process usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on how you submit your paperwork and how busy your local office is.
Key Takeaways
- New cars from dealerships usually come with temporary plates or a temporary registration that lets you drive legally for 30 to 60 days while you register permanently.
- You will need your title, proof of insurance, a completed registration form, and proof of residency to register your vehicle.
- Most states let you register online, by mail, or in person at a motor vehicle office, and online is usually the fastest option.
- Registration fees vary by state and sometimes by vehicle weight or age, so check your state's motor vehicle website for the exact cost.
- Permanent plates typically arrive by mail within two to four weeks after you complete registration.
Documents you will need to bring or submit
Start by gathering your title document—the legal proof that you own the vehicle. If you bought from a dealer, they usually handle the title paperwork and give you a temporary document. If you bought from a private seller, the seller signs the title over to you. Your state's motor vehicle department will tell you if the title needs to be notarized or if a regular signature is enough.
You will also need proof of insurance. Your state requires you to carry liability insurance before you can register a vehicle. Call your insurance company or log into your account to get a declarations page or ID card showing your policy is active. Bring this with you or include it in your submission.
Fill out your state's vehicle registration form. This is usually called an "process for Registration" or "Registration Form." You can read it from your state's motor vehicle website, pick one up at an office, or fill it out online if your state offers that option. The form asks for your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), and details about the vehicle.
Finally, bring proof of residency—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID showing your current address. Some states accept a driver's license as proof of residency; others require a separate document.
Where to register your vehicle
You can register your vehicle at your state's motor vehicle office, which may be called the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or Bureau of Motor Vehicles depending on your state. Find the office nearest you on your state's official motor vehicle website.
Many states now let you register online through their motor vehicle website. Online registration is often the fastest route—you upload your documents, pay the fee by credit card or bank transfer, and receive confirmation within hours or days. Check your state's website to see if online registration is available for new vehicles.
If you prefer to register by mail, read the registration form from your state's website, gather your documents, and send them to the address listed on the form. Mail registration takes longer—usually one to three weeks—because your paperwork has to travel and be processed by hand.
Some dealerships offer to handle registration for you as part of the sale. If the dealer offers this service, ask what it costs and what timeline they may provide. You are still responsible if something goes wrong, so make sure you understand what they are doing and when you will receive your permanent plates.
Registration fees and what affects the cost
Registration fees vary widely by state. Some states charge a flat fee for all vehicles; others charge based on the vehicle's weight, age, or value. A few states charge different fees for electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.
Check your state's motor vehicle website to find the exact fee for your situation. Most states show the fee on their registration form or on a fee schedule page. If you are registering online, the fee will usually be calculated automatically when you enter your vehicle information.
In addition to the base registration fee, some states charge extra fees for things like emissions testing, road maintenance, or wildlife conservation. These vary by state and sometimes by county. Your state's website will list all fees that explore to you.
You may also be able to choose how long your registration lasts—one year, two years, or longer. Longer registrations sometimes cost more upfront but save you money per year. The choice is yours, and you can change it when you renew.
How long it takes to receive your permanent plates
If you register in person at a motor vehicle office, you may receive temporary plates on the spot or within a few days. Permanent plates usually arrive by mail within two to four weeks. Some states are faster; a few take longer during busy seasons.
If you register online or by mail, expect your permanent plates to arrive within three to six weeks. During peak times—like the end of the month or the start of a new year—processing can take longer.
Until your permanent plates arrive, you can drive using your temporary registration document or temporary plates. Keep this document or plates visible on your vehicle at all times. Driving without valid temporary or permanent plates is illegal and can result in a ticket.
If your permanent plates do not arrive within the timeframe your state promised, contact your state's motor vehicle office. They can check the status of your registration and reissue plates if needed.
What to do if you bought from a private seller
Private sales have a tighter timeline than dealer purchases. Most states give you 10 to 30 days to register a vehicle you bought from a private seller before you can no longer drive it legally. Check your state's rules on its motor vehicle website.
The seller should sign the title over to you and give you a bill of sale—a straightforward document showing the sale price and date. Some states require a bill of sale; others do not, but it is good to have one anyway as proof of the transaction.
You will need the signed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and proof of residency to register. Follow the same registration process as a dealer purchase: go online, by mail, or in person to your state's motor vehicle office.
If the seller has not signed the title yet, do not drive the vehicle. Driving without a registered title in your name is illegal. Make sure the title transfer is complete before you leave the seller's location.
Temporary plates and temporary registration explained
When you buy from a dealer, you usually receive either temporary plates or a temporary registration document. Temporary plates are physical plates that look like regular plates but have a different color or format and an expiration date. A temporary registration document is a printed form that serves the same purpose.
Both let you drive legally while you complete your permanent registration. The expiration date is usually 30 to 60 days from the date of purchase, though some states allow 90 days. Check the document or plates to see your expiration date.
You must display temporary plates on your vehicle just like permanent plates. If you have a temporary registration document instead of plates, keep it in your vehicle and show it to a police officer if you are stopped.
Do not drive after your temporary registration expires. Once it expires, you are driving illegally, even if you have submitted your permanent registration paperwork. If your permanent plates have not arrived, contact your state's motor vehicle office to request an extension or replacement temporary registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my new car home from the dealership without plates?
No. The dealership must give you temporary plates or a temporary registration document before you leave. This document is legal proof that your vehicle is registered temporarily. Keep it in your vehicle and show it to a police officer if you are stopped.
What happens if I drive after my temporary registration expires?
You are driving illegally and can be ticketed. If your permanent plates have not arrived, contact your state's motor vehicle office when ready to request an extension or replacement temporary registration. Do not wait—the longer you drive without valid registration, the higher the fine.
Do I have to register in person, or can I do it all online?
Most states let you register online or by mail. Online is usually fastest—you can complete it in minutes and receive confirmation the same day. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see what options are available for new vehicles in your state.
What if the title has the wrong name or address on it?
Contact the seller or dealership when ready. If the title has errors, the motor vehicle office will not process your registration until it is corrected. The person whose name is on the title may need to sign a correction form or explore for a corrected title before you can register.
Can I choose a custom or vanity plate when I register?
Yes, most states let you request a custom plate during registration, though there is usually an extra fee. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see what custom plate options are available and how much they cost. Some states have a waiting list for popular custom plates.