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

Normally, it can take from two weeks to up to a month before your registration is sent out. In some states, you may need to complete an emissions test before registration can be completed. This can also add extra time onto the process.

Trying to find out how long it takes for your registration information to arrive? It’s different in every state, so call your local DMV or check their website for an answer that applies directly to you. You do not want to take a chance of driving without registration!

You will not be able to drive the car since the DMV won’t allow it.

No, DMV won’t allow it. You will need to get a new car title and registration in order to drive it. And the process is not that complicated if you have all the documents required in your possession. You will be required to fill out a title transfer paperwork. This is a necessary step and required by law. In most cases, you can do it online or at the local DMV office by submitting an application form and paying any applicable fees.

You can always get temporary plates so that you can drive a car while waiting for the new plates.

You can always get temporary plates so that you can drive a car while waiting for the new plates.

After buying a car, it’s also a good idea to get it insured as soon as possible. It is important that every driver must have insurance at all times when driving on the road.

This would be the most preferred option since you wouldn’t have to wait too long to get your new plates.

If you’ve just bought a car and are looking to drive it without having the registration yet, then you have three options. The first is to get temporary plates. Temporary plates allow you to drive your car during the waiting period while your permanent registration is being processed by the DMV. You can get these by filling out a Driver’s Vehicle/Vessel Identification Number Application and paying a fee of $23.

A second option would be to get a permit if your state allows them. Permits are typically only available for new drivers who want to learn how to drive before they take their official driving test, but some states do allow them for individuals who plan on getting their license but need more time before they can sit for the test or those whose licenses have been suspended or revoked and need some way of getting around before they are able to receive it again. A third option would be getting temporary registration which might not require as much time as getting permanent plates but also won’t last forever either (usually about 30 days). It’s up to you!

The DMV will not allow you to drive without registration because chances are high that someone else already has that same license plate number – meaning there’s no way for them know who should be driving on it so they just assume everyone should be pulled over as soon as possible!

When you just bought a car, you must go to the DMV first and have the title transferred so that you can register your new car.

When you just bought a car, you must go to the DMV first and have the title transferred so that you can register your new car.

  • You cannot drive without registration. If you drive without registration, you will be pulled over by law enforcement and given a ticket for driving with an unregistered vehicle. You’ll need to pay a fine, which depends on where you live and how long it has been since your vehicle expired.
  • In order to get tags for your car, you’re going to need the title of the vehicle in order for it to be registered. The title is basically proof that you own the vehicle so that when someone else buys it from you they can transfer ownership of their name on there too. If there was no way to prove who owned any particular item then everyone would just steal each other’s stuff all day every day because they could never prove otherwise!
  • When buying a new car or transferring ownership into another person’s name, both parties must complete two separate applications: one at the dealership where they buy/sell their car (which certifies its purchase date) before heading off into sunsets; second at their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office once they arrive home safe & sound with newly acquired wheels (to officially transfer ownership from old owner onto new owner).
Steven Hatman
Steven Hatman

We break down every information into easy-to-understand articles that cover all the categories anyone who owns a car needs to know about, such as oil , brakes , tires and etc. Our car guide is free and updated regularly for you to use as a resource, not only when you have an issue with your car but even before buying a new or used car! We also give tips on what to look for in each category or part of your vehicle.