Buying a car from a private seller can be exciting because it offers unique opportunities to find the perfect vehicle at the right price. You can choose whichever car you want and still buy it at the cheapest price.
However, amidst the excitement of sealing the deal, it’s important to take note of the means of identification that will enable you to drive the car. This identification is what will prevent you from running into the arms of law enforcement.
Therefore, how do you get temporary plates when buying from a private seller?
There’s no way to get temporary plates when buying a car from a private seller because temporary plates come from the dealership as one of the authorities their “Dealership License” affords them.
Can You Get Temporary Plates When Buying From a Private Seller?
Unfortunately, you cannot get temporary plates when buying a car from a private seller because the seller does not have the authority to issue the plates to you, rather, it is the dealership that has the authority to issue temporary plates to their customers.
Even if you’re buying the car from a private seller out of state, the seller cannot give you temporary plates, rather, you will have to go to the DMV to obtain the plates.
When you purchase a car from a private seller, the seller will give you the necessary documents attached to the car such as a signed title and Bill of Sales.
However, temporary plates are not part of what you’ll be getting from the seller and there’s no way he can provide that for you because it is only the dealership and of course, the DMV that is authorized to issue temporary plates to people.
Therefore, instead of demanding temporary plates from the seller, demand a signed title and bill of the sales receipt. The bill of sale should cover your tag while driving the car home or to the DMV.
What I’m saying is this, if you purchase a car from a private seller, make sure the person signed a title before giving it to you as well as the bill of sale which should have the date of the purchase. These documents should serve as your temporary plates in case the police pull you over.
However, if while driving home you get stopped by the police, you can just explain the situation to them and show them the bill of sale which should have the same date as that day.
They will know that you just bought the car from a private seller which does not have the authority to issue temporary plates and you’re driving the car home.
Nevertheless, once you’re able to drive the car home, I suggest you start processing the papers to get plates for the car. Moreover, I suggest you drive directly to the DMV to start processing the plates after purchasing the car.
How to Get Temporary Plates When Buying From a Private Seller
Here are how to obtain temporary plates after buying a car from a private seller:
1. Gather Required Documents
Since private sellers do not have the authority to issue license plates, you’ll have to contact the DMV. However, before contacting the DMV, you should make available all the documents needed to get the plates.
These documents are:
- Proof of ownership (such as a signed title)
- Bill of sale or purchase agreement
- Valid identification (driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of insurance
2. Visit the DMV
Once these documents are ready, your next step would be to visit the DMV office. Be prepared to wait, as DMV visits can sometimes be time-consuming. Also, don’t forget to bring all the required documents mentioned earlier.
At the DMV, submit your application for temporary plates along with the necessary documentation. You may also need to pay a fee, which varies depending on your state.
However, it’s important to note that some states do not offer temporary plates for used cars. If that’s the case, you may have to ask the DMV for other options available.
For example, in New York, you cannot get temporary tags for your car if it’s a used one, rather, you’ll be asked to obtain transporter license plates also known as in-transit vehicle permits.
If you’re in New York, you’ll need to either apply for car insurance or get proof of insurance before you can be able to apply for this. Meanwhile, if you’re in a state that offers temporary plates for used cars, you don’t need to worry about this.
3. Receive Your Temporary Plates
Once your application is processed and approved, the DMV will issue you temporary plates. They will consist of a piece of paper or cardboard with the license plate number printed on it, hence, why temporary plates are not waterproof, except if the one given to you is made with Teslin, it will be water-resistant.
The plates are usually valid for a specific period, such as 30 or 60 days, during which time you’re expected to complete the vehicle registration process and obtain your permanent license plates.
Once you’ve received the plates, affix them to the vehicle as instructed by your state’s regulations. You’ll have to place them in the same location where permanent license plates would go, such as the front and rear of the vehicle.
However, while your temporary plates are already attached to your car, don’t forget to complete the vehicle registration process to obtain permanent plates. It’s very important.
Conclusion
There’s no way to obtain temporary plates from a private seller because he/she does not have the authority to issue temporary plates to anyone, rather, it is the car dealership that issues temporary plates to their customers.
However, after purchasing a car from a private seller, ensure to obtain a signed title which should have the same date you purchased the car as well as a bill of sale. This should enable you to drive home or to the DMV with the car.
You can however follow the procedure explained in this article to obtain temporary plates from the DMV. Don’t forget to have the needed documents ready before visiting the DMV for the plates.
