How Long Does It Take to Get License Plates From a Dealer?

When you purchase your car, you’ll need to take the tags with you and go to a DMV office to receive a new number. You can visit any DMV office and order them in person or by mail. How long does it take to get license plates from a dealer?

It takes about 30 days, on average, to get license plates from a dealer. The time it takes to get your license plate from the dealer will vary depending on the state you are in.

Bring the title of the car, as well as your license plate number if you know it. If you’ve lost it, bring proof of ownership (such as a sales receipt) and proof of identity. You also need proof of insurance for your new car. 

Read on to learn more about how long it takes to get a license plate from a dealer and the process involved.

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How Long Does It Take to Get License Plates From a Dealer?

how long does it take to get license plates from dealer

The time it takes to get a license plate from a dealer for various states are as follows:

California

A California license plate is usually issued to a vehicle when purchased. If you buy a car from a dealer, the plates are typically delivered with the car. If you buy a car from an individual, the DMV will issue you temporary plates while processing your registration application.

The DMV can take up to 60 days to process this application. Once you have received your registration certificate in the mail, you can go to any DMV office and present them with your registration certificate and driver’s license to get new plates.

Texas

You can get a new license plate in Texas as soon as you have a new vehicle inspection sticker from a local state-licensed mechanic. You will need to bring your current TX driver’s license and the title for the car. The plates will be mailed to you in about 30 days. This could go up to 45 days if you financed your car.

Florida

Getting your license plates in Florida is a long process. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website states that you can expect to wait up to 30 days for their license plates to arrive. New residents who have bought a vehicle from a dealership should receive license plates within 60 days.

Pennsylvania

If you’re looking to get new license plates for your car, truck, or motorcycle, it’s essential to know how long the process may take for you to receive them. If you’re in Pennsylvania, the steps are as follows:

  • Fill out the application form at your local DMV.
  • Pay the fee.
  • Get your vehicle inspected (if required). 
  • Provide photo identification and proof of insurance. 
  • Provide payment for the cost of the license plates. 
  • Wait up to 8-10 weeks to receive your new plates in the mail.

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How Long Does It Take to Have Custom License Plates Made

Custom license plates are a fun way to personalize your vehicle. It’s also a great conversation starter. But did you know it can take up to 6-12 weeks for your custom license plates to arrive? And that’s if you’re lucky.

You can’t drive your new car without the plates on it. What are you supposed to do in the meantime? The wait for custom license plates is one of the most frustrating parts of getting a new car.

You could get temporary license plates. But, they don’t look very good. They’re usually just printed on plain paper and taped to your car. That’s not much better than having nothing at all. Plus, you’ll have to remove them before you can go to the DMV and get your custom plates. You won’t be able to drive legally with temporary plates.

You could buy a cheap set of plastic license plates from the dealer or an aftermarket company. But, these are flimsy and will break easily if you drive off-road or park improperly in the city. To know how long it takes to get a license plate for your used car, you can contact your dealership.

What Does FP Mean on a License Plate?

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How Long Does It Take to Register A New Car

how long does it take to get license plates from dealer in texas

Varies from State to State

The time it takes to register a new car varies from state to state. In Texas, for example, you have to wait three days after registering your car before you can drive it. In New York, you have a one-day waiting period before you can drive your new car.

The dealer should provide you with the title application when you buy a new car. You can fill out the form and submit it to your state’s DMV or the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Reasons Why There Is a Delay in Registration Process

The process takes anywhere from one day to two weeks to complete. Call your state’s DMV to see what is going on if it takes longer than that. The registration process may be delayed due to the following reasons:

  • You didn’t submit a title application for your car when you bought it.
  • Your state has a backlog of registration applications that needs to be processed.
  • You have outstanding parking tickets or other legal issues with your driver’s license. In some cases, these issues can be cleared up before you register your car and drive away in it. 

Most Cities Require a Valid Driver’s License

Most cities require drivers to have a valid driver’s license to register their cars. If yours is expired, you will have to get it renewed before you can register your car and drive away in it. You may even have to pay a fine for not renewing your license on time. 

Many States Require Drivers to Pass a Vision Test

In addition, many states require that drivers pass a vision test or driving test before they issue them with a new driver’s license (or renew an expired one). If they fail the test, they will need to retake it before receiving their new driver’s license (or renewal).

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How to Register a New Car

Car registration is a process that varies from state to state. In some states, you register your car at the DMV and pay a fee. You register your car with the county tax collector’s office in other states. And in some states, you don’t even need to register your car because you’ll automatically be registered as part of your driver’s license application process.

Know the Vehicle Registration Procedure

To register a new car, it’s important to know what type of vehicle registration procedure your state requires and what documents are required for registration. Docs vary from state to state but typically include the vehicle title, insurance proof, and address (such as a utility bill).

Required Documents

You’ll need to know the type of vehicle registration your state requires to register a car. Most states require either a title or a certificate of origin. A title is a document that proves ownership of the vehicle.

It shows that the car was legally purchased and is free from liens or debts. On the other hand, the certificate of origin is a document that shows the manufacturer’s name, address, and vehicle identification number (VIN).

Submit the Title to the DMV or County Tax Collector’s Office

If your state requires a title, you’ll submit it to the DMV or county tax collector’s office with your other registration paperwork. If your state requires a certificate of origin, you’ll submit it to the DMV or county tax collector’s office along with your other registration paperwork.

Again, how long does it take to get license plates from a dealer? It takes about 30 days, on average, to get license plates from a dealer. The time it takes to get your license plate from the dealer will vary depending on the state you are in.

Is It Possible to Register My Car Online?

how long does it take to get license plates in california

Saves Time

The process of registering your vehicle with the DMV can take a few hours, but it is worth it. Online registration has both benefits and drawbacks. For example, the process of registering your car online saves you time because you can complete the process from the comfort of your own home.

Avoid Long Lines

You also avoid the frustration of driving to the DMV only to find a line that will make you wait for hours before getting help. At the same time, registering your car online does not work for every state. 

California and Texas Require Drivers to Show up at DMV Office

Registering your car online may not be an option if you live in California or Texas because these states require you to show up at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person to register your vehicle. If you cannot visit a DMV office in person or have access to a computer at home or work, then there are still other options for registration available.

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Do Car Dealerships Complete Your Car Registration?

If you plan to buy a new car, you might be wondering whether the dealership will do your car registration. This is a common question when shopping around for a new vehicle. The answer to this question is not always straightforward, but it depends on the dealership’s state.

Virginia

For example, most dealerships in Virginia will complete your car registration if you purchase a new vehicle from them. However, if you purchase a used vehicle, they may not offer this service.

Ask Before Completing the Paperwork

Suppose you are unsure whether the dealership will do your car registration for you. In that case, it’s best to ask before completing any paperwork at the dealership or before signing any agreements with them. Most people wonder how long it takes to get license plates in the mail. This answer depends on who completes the registration.

Tips on How You Can Personalize Your License Plate

The use of spray paint to alter your license plate is illegal in many states. The reason for this is that it can be difficult for law enforcement to determine the original appearance of the plate, which can be important if there is a crime.

Here are some ideas on how you can personalize your license plate with paint but still keep it legal:

1. Paint the Back of the License Plate

Paint the back of your license plate with a design you create. This way, it can’t be seen from the front and will only be visible when you are driving away from someone. You’ll need to use non-permanent paint so it won’t damage your car or the license plate frames on your car.

2. Paint Over an Existing Design

Paint over an existing design that’s already on the license plate. For example, if you have a sports team emblem on your plate, you could paint over it with another color or design of your choice.

3. Place Sticker or Decals

Find stickers or decals of various designs or logos and place them over an existing design on the license plate. This way, you’ll still have all of the original information on the back of your license plate visible at all times but will have some personality added to the front.

Conclusion – How Long Does It Take to Get License Plates From a Dealer?

It takes an average of 30 days to get license plates from a dealer. The time it takes to get your license plates from the dealer will vary depending on your state.

Finding the perfect license plate for your car can seem like a daunting task. You might be surprised to find that most people don’t think about the plate at all. But, if you’re planning on buying a used car, you’ll want to make sure the plates match.

If you’re thinking about buying brand new, it’s important to know what each license plate will cost. You might be able to negotiate with the dealer and get a lower price if you buy them together.

Some people have their favorite symbol or color, while others will research the meaning of the different colors and symbols. Your car’s state or country is usually what determines your license plate design. Whether you’re looking for something classy or something bright and cheery, there are so many options out there for you to choose from.

Related reading:

License Plate Screw Size – What Size Will Fit Your Vehicle?