Registering your vehicle and obtaining license plates is a necessary step after a purchase. If you’re wondering exactly how to get tags for your car, the process involves a few key steps with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. While it might seem like a chore, having current registration and tags is a legal requirement to drive on public roads. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the documents required to the different methods you can use.
The term “tags” often refers to your license plates and the yearly registration sticker you place on them. Getting these proves you’ve paid the necessary taxes and fees to legally operate your vehicle in your state. The requirements and costs can vary, but the core process remains similar across the United States.
How To Get Tags For Your Car
The primary way to get tags for your car is through your state’s motor vehicle department. This typically requires an in-person visit, but many states now offer online, mail, or kiosk options for renewals or even new registrations. The exact steps depend on whether you’re registering a newly purchased vehicle, transferring tags from an old car, or renewing an existing registration.
You will need to provide specific documentation, pay various fees, and sometimes pass a vehicle inspection. It’s crucial to act promptly, as driving with expired tags can result in tickets, fines, or even having your car impounded. Let’s break down the typical documents you’ll need to gather before you head to the DMV.
Documents You Will Need To Provide
Having all your paperwork in order is the best way to ensure a smooth visit to the DMV. Missing one document can mean a wasted trip. The following items are commonly required, but you should always check your specific state’s DMV website for an official checklist.
Proof Of Ownership
This is the most critical document. For a new car from a dealership, this is usually the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) that the dealer turns into a title. For a used car purchase, you need the signed-over title from the previous owner. The title must be properly assigned to you with the odometer reading recorded.
Proof Of Identity
You must prove who you are. A valid state-issued driver’s license or identification card is the standard requirement. If your license has an old address, bring a secondary proof of residency like a utility bill or lease agreement, as your registration address must be current.
Proof Of Insurance
Nearly every state requires you to show proof of valid auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage limits. You can usually provide an insurance card or a printed declaration page from your insurer. The DMV will need the policy number and effective dates.
Completed Application Form
You must fill out an application for vehicle registration. This form collects information about you, the vehicle, and the transaction. You can often download this form from the DMV website and fill it out ahead of time to save time.
Additional Supporting Paperwork
Depending on your situation, you may also need:
- Bill of Sale: Shows the purchase price, which may be used to calculate sales tax.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement: Required for most used vehicle transfers to record the mileage.
- Lienholder Information: If you have a loan on the car, the bank or finance company will be listed on the title and you’ll need their details.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspection: Some states require a physical VIN verification by a law enforcement officer or DMV official, especially for out-of-state vehicles.
- Emissions or Safety Inspection Certificate: Many states require a passing test result before you can register the car.
Step-By-Step Process For New Registrations
If you’ve just bought a car, here is the standard sequence of events to follow to get your tags. The process differs slightly for a private sale versus a dealership purchase.
Purchasing From A Dealership
When you buy from a licensed dealership, they often handle a large portion of the registration paperwork for you. This is a major convenience. You will typically leave with temporary tags (a paper license plate) placed on your car.
- The dealer collects all necessary documents and fees from you at the time of sale.
- They submit the title application, proof of sale, and taxes to the DMV on your behalf.
- You pay the dealership for the registration fees, sales tax, and any documentation charges.
- The DMV processes the application and mails the official license plates, registration card, and stickers directly to your home address within a few weeks.
It’s important to keep the temporary tag valid by not delaying the purchase. If there’s a holdup, contact the dealership.
Purchasing From A Private Party
Buying a used car from a private seller means you are responsible for all the registration steps yourself. You must act quickly, as the signed title and bill of sale are your only proofs of ownership.
- Secure valid auto insurance for the vehicle before driving it.
- Ensure the seller properly signs the title over to you and provides a bill of sale.
- Gather all other required documents (ID, proof of insurance, etc.).
- Visit your local DMV office with all paperwork and payment for fees and taxes.
- Submit the application, pay the required amounts, and you will usually receive your plates and registration on the spot.
Do not drive the car without at least a temporary permit from the DMV if the old plates stay with the seller.
Understanding Fees And Taxes
The cost to get tags for your car is rarely just a simple flat fee. It is usually comprised of several components that can add up. Being prepared for the total cost will prevent suprise at the DMV counter.
- Registration Fee: This is the base fee to register the vehicle for one year. It can vary by state, county, and sometimes by the vehicle’s weight, age, or value.
- Sales Tax: Most states charge sales tax on the purchase price of the vehicle. The rate is based on your county or city of residence. Some states calculate tax on the fair market value if buying from a private party.
- Title Fee: A fee for processing and issuing the certificate of title in your name.
- Plate Fee: A charge for the physical license plates themselves, especially if you are getting new plates or personalized plates.
- Other Potential Fees: You may also encounter fees for vehicle inspections, VIN verification, emissions testing, or local district taxes.
Renewing Your Car Tags
Once you have your initial tags, you will need to renew your vehicle registration periodically, usually every one or two years. The renewal process is generally simpler than the initial registration.
You will receive a renewal notice in the mail from the DMV several weeks before your registration expires. This notice will show your renewal fees and any required actions, like a smog check. Many states offer several convenient renewal methods:
- Online Renewal: The easiest method if you have no special requirements. You’ll need your license plate number and PIN from the renewal notice, and you can pay with a credit card.
- Mail: You can send a check or money order along with your completed renewal form to the address provided.
- In-Person: Visit a DMV office or an authorized partner (like some grocery stores or AAA offices in participating states) to renew.
- Self-Service Kiosk: Some states have kiosks in public locations where you can renew by scanning your renewal notice and paying with a card.
Always allow enough time for new stickers or a registration card to arrive by mail if you renew online or by mail. Keep your receipt as temporary proof if your tags expire before the new ones arrive.
Special Situations And Considerations
Not every vehicle registration is straightforward. Here are some common special circumstances and what you need to know about them.
Out-Of-State Vehicles
If you are moving to a new state, you will need to register your car there. You typically have 30 to 90 days to do so after establishing residency. The process usually requires a VIN inspection, proof of residency, and often a title check. You may need to surrender your old plates from your previous state.
Lost, Stolen, Or Damaged Tags
If your license plate or registration sticker is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must request a replacement from the DMV. You will need to file a report for stolen plates, especially. There is usually a replacement fee involved, and you should not drive with missing or illegible tags.
Personalized And Specialty Plates
If you want vanity plates or plates supporting a specific organization (like a university or charity), you must apply for them. There is an additional initial fee and often a higher annual renewal fee. Availability is checked during the application process, which can take longer than standard plate issuance.
Non-Operational Status
If your car will not be driven on public roads for an extended period (it’s parked, stored, or under repair), you may be able to file for a non-operational (PNO) or planned non-operation status. This suspends the registration requirements and fees until you make the vehicle operational again, but you cannot legally drive it during this time.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
A few simple errors can delay getting your tags or lead to legal trouble. Be mindful of these common pitfalls.
- Procrastinating: Don’t wait until the last day. DMV lines can be long, and processing by mail takes time. Give yourself a buffer.
- Incomplete Paperwork: Double-check that every field on the title and application is filled out correctly and matches your other documents exactly.
- Unpaid Parking Tickets or Tolls: Many states will block your registration renewal if you have outstanding fines. Clear these up before you go.
- Lapsed Insurance: Your insurance must be active and valid. A cancelled policy can lead to registration suspension.
- Using the Wrong Address: Your registration and insurance must have your current legal address. An out-of-date address can cause you to miss important notices.
FAQ Section
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting car tags.
How long does it take to get tags for a car?
If you visit the DMV in person for a standard registration, you typically receive your plates and tags immediately. If a dealership handles it or you renew by mail/online, it can take 2 to 4 weeks for them to arrive in the mail. Processing times vary by state.
Can I drive my new car home without tags?
Generally, no. You must have at least a temporary movement permit or the properly transferred plates from the seller. Dealers provide temporary tags. In a private sale, you should obtain a temporary permit from the DMV before driving the car or ensure the sale agreement includes the plates (if state law allows).
What is the difference between a car title and registration?
The title is a certificate of ownership, proving you own the vehicle. The registration is a permit that allows you to operate that vehicle on public roads for a specific period. You need both.
How much are tags for a car?
The total cost varies widely by state, vehicle value, and county. It can range from under $100 for an older car renewal to several hundred dollars for a new vehicle registration when sales tax is included. Check your local DMV fee schedule for an estimate.
What happens if my tags expire?
Driving with expired tags is illegal. You can be pulled over and issued a ticket, which often includes a fine. If your registration is expired for too long, you may face additional penalties and will likely need to pay back fees.