I Just Bought A Car: How Long Can I Drive Without Registration?

State-by-State Grace Periods for Driving Without Registration

After you purchase a vehicle, most states grant you a 30-day grace period to register it, but there are exceptions. Here’s a look at each state’s grace period:

It’s important to note that a grace period to register the car is not always the same as a grace period to drive the vehicle. Many states will grant you a few days where you can legally drive your car to your home and then to the DMV to register it.

Temporary Tags: What They Are and How to Obtain Them

A temporary tag is a paper license plate that allows you to drive your new vehicle while you wait for your registration and license plates to arrive in the mail. If you buy a car from a dealer, the dealer should issue you a temporary tag.

If you buy from a private party, the DMV should issue you a temporary tag when you apply for registration.

Driving Without Registration: Risks and Penalties

If you’re thinking, “I just bought a car, how long can I drive without registration?” you already know this is an important question to answer. Although it might be tempting to just drive without registration indefinitely, doing so is unwise. These are some potential consequences:

Criminal Charges

In some states, driving without a valid registration is a crime.

Higher Insurance Premiums

Driving with no registration makes you seem riskier to insure, so your average car insurance cost per month may go up.

Fines

At minimum, you’ll likely receive a fine for driving with no registration.

License Suspension

Driving with no registration can add points to your license and even lead to suspension.

Civil Liability

If you cause a crash, the fact that you had no insurance may make it easier for the other driver to win a car accident lawsuit.

Required Documents When Driving Without Registration

If you drive with no registration, you should have the following documents on hand:

• Your driver’s license
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of ownership (either title or bill of sale)

If your state requires vehicle inspection or emissions testing, you should also have proof that your vehicle has passed.

Dealer vs. Private Sale: Registration Responsibilities

In most cases, buying a car from a dealer means that the dealer will handle the registration process for you. However, in a private party sale, it’s your responsibility to register the car in your name. You’ll usually need the following:

• Proof of your identification
• A bill of sale
• The original title
• The car’s odometer reading

Once you have provided the DMV with these documents and any others they may require, you should receive a new title and registration in your name.

Steps to Register Your New Car Promptly

To ensure a speedy registration process, make sure to do the following:

• Understand your state’s registration grace period
• Purchase liability insurance and obtain proof
• Gather all necessary registration documents

If at all possible, registering the vehicle the same day you purchase it is ideal. That way, you’ll have time to address any potential issues.

Exceptions and Special Cases in Registration Laws

While most passenger vehicles must be registered, there are some classes of vehicles that generally don’t have to be:

• Antique vehicles
• Farm tractors
• Golf carts
• Trailers
• “Farm use” vehicles or those used exclusively on private property

Requirements for registration vary by jurisdiction. If you aren’t sure if a new vehicle must be registered, you should contact your DMV.

Tips for Avoiding Common Registration Pitfalls

Registration shouldn’t be difficult. To reduce your risk of running into challenges, do the following:

• Double-check your state’s required documents before registration
• Determine whether your state requires emissions tests or vehicle inspections
• Keep all important documents in a safe place and make digital backups
• Register your car as soon as possible after purchase

If you have any questions along the way, contact the DMV — they should be able to help.

Having Trouble Registering a New Car?

For anyone who has just bought a car, “How long can I drive without registration?” is a key question to answer. If you’ve encountered unexpected roadblocks when registering a new car and aren’t sure where to start, a free consultation lawyer may be able to offer advice.

ConsumerShield matches people in need of legal help with qualified, nearby attorneys. Fill out our contact form for a free case review!