Can I drive a car I just bought without plates in Texas?

Asked by: Ms. Kathleen Terry  |  Last update: June 21, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (31 votes)

If you buy a car or truck and the seller keeps the Texas license plates, the Vehicle Transit Permit allows you to legally drive the vehicle home or to your local county tax office. The Vehicle Transit Permit is valid for 5 calendar days; the start date is the day the permit is printed.

Can I drive a car I just bought without a license plate?

The only exception for driving without a permanent license plate is for a brief window after you've purchased a new car and you're waiting for your permanent plates. During this period, you'll need to attach a temporary plate or plates (provided by the dealer) to the vehicle.

Can I drive my car while waiting for registration in Texas?

State law gives you a five-day grace period. Renew your registration at Texas.gov and you will receive a receipt that allows you to drive legally for 31 days until your sticker arrives in the mail.

How do I get license plates after buying a car in Texas?

Registration

Next, it's time to get your vehicle registration sticker and license plates. To do this, you must visit your local county tax-assessor collector office. You will need your insurance card and proof you own the vehicle, such as the registration or title from your previous state.

Can I drive my car if my license plate was stolen?

Your local police agency will maintain a stolen license plate register and may be able to assist you in locating the stolen plate. You must also contact your state's DMV to obtain a temporary license plate so that you can drive your vehicle.

No Plate, No License, No Problem

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What if my license plate is stolen in Texas?

What should I do if my registration sticker or license plates are lost, damaged or stolen, or I need to replace them? Plates and stickers can be replaced on a currently registered vehicle for the registered owner with an Application for Replacement License Plates and/or Registration Sticker (VTR-60) and a fee of $6.50.

How to get license plate number from VIN?

If you need a vehicle's license plate number but only have the VIN, you can find the license plate number by doing a VIN check. You can do this online or at the DMV. The vehicle identification number, or VIN, is a seventeen-digit code that uniquely identifies your vehicle.

How to get temporary license plates when buying from a private seller in Texas?

You may purchase a 72-Hour Permit or 144-Hour Permit in the following ways:
  1. Purchase online now.
  2. At your local county tax assessor-collector office.
  3. At your nearest TxDMV Regional Service Center.

How do I register a used car I just bought in Texas?

What You'll Do to Register your Vehicle in Texas
  1. Step 1: Visit your nearest County Tax Office.
  2. Submit the required documents and identification.
  3. Submit the applicable payment.
  4. Receive new license plates (optional)
  5. Receive your registration sticker.
  6. Step 2: Affix your registration sticker to the windshield of your vehicle.

How to get a license plate after buying a used car?

If you buy a used car from a dealership, it generally comes with temporary plates or registration, and permanent plates should arrive in 4-6 weeks. You'll need to install the new plates as soon as they arrive, along with any registration tags.

Can you drive a new vehicle without registration?

One of the most important aspects of owning a car is registering it with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If the police pull you over and you don't have valid vehicle registration, they can cite you for a traffic offense.

How long does it take to get new license plates in Texas?

Your plates will arrive at the main office of the County Tax Assessor-Collector for your county of residence in approximately three to four weeks.

How long can you go without registering your car in Texas?

A vehicle may be operated up to five working days after the registration expires without penalty. After those five days, you can receive a citation of up to $200.

When I buy a car from a private seller, can I drive it home in Illinois?

Proof of Temporary Registration For Private Party Purchase - A person who purchases a vehicle from a private party without the services of a dealer or remittance agent may legally operate the vehicle for a 24-hour period with possession of the title for transit to an agent or a Secretary of State facility.

Can you drive a car without a tag if you just bought it in Georgia?

Dealers are required to issue Temporary Operating Permits (TOPs) for use on newly purchased vehicles during the 30 days customer has to register. Dealers are responsible for applying for a title for the buyer when the vehicle requires a title but are not required to apply for a new or transferred license plate.

What happens if you have insurance but no registration?

If you have car insurance but no registration, your insurance may not be valid for legal driving. Insurance typically requires a vehicle to be registered in order to provide coverage, and you might face penalties for driving an unregistered vehicle.

When I buy a car from a private seller, can I drive it home?

FAQs about buying a car from a private seller

However, you will need car insurance to legally drive the vehicle from the location of the sale to your home and later to the DMV. If you have an existing car insurance policy, it might cover the new car for a short period before the vehicle gets added to the policy.

Do dealerships register cars for you in Texas?

A Texas dealer is responsible for processing title and registration on behalf of their customer within 30 days of the date of purchase or 45 days if seller-financed (the dealer provides the financing).

Can I use my old Texas plates for a new car?

You can transfer TX license plates for free at your tax assessor-collector's office. Transfers are allowed IF your plates are less than 7 years old AND you're transferring them: Between vehicles you already own. To a vehicle you've purchased from a dealer or private party.

How do you get a temporary license plate when buying from a private seller in Ohio?

If a vehicle will be driven prior to a title being issued, then a temporary tag can be purchased from any local deputy registrar license agency or online at OPLATES.com.

How much is the Texas vehicle registration fee?

The state of Texas requires all personal car and light truck owners to pay an annual $50.75 state vehicle registration fee. For commercial vehicles, the registration fee is based on the weight of the vehicle, and these fees range from $54 to more than $840.

How long do temporary plates last in Texas?

Buyer's Temporary Tags

A vehicle riding on a buyer's temporary tag requires current inspection and will need that inspection in order to be registered. The buyer's tag is good for up to 60 days and the customer should keep the receipt in the vehicle until their metal plates are mounted.

How to look up the owner of a vehicle?

Legal Methods for VIN Owner Lookup
  1. National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)
  2. State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
  3. Commercial Vehicle History Report Services.
  4. Insurance Companies.
  5. Lien Check Services.

How to look up a license plate number in Texas?

1) If you're looking for a free option, you can search for the plate on our website - LookaPlate.com. Just enter the plate, select the state as Texas and hit the search button. You can view basic vehicle information like specs, photos, and in some cases, even title, accident and service history.

Can I change my license plate number?

If you would like to change the number on your license plate (to a vanity plate, for example), start by going through the appropriate process to get a new plate and number directly with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.