can a dealer register your car

[GideonFitz]

Yes, in the vast majority of cases, a car dealer can and will handle the entire vehicle registration process and the acquisition of license plates for you. This service is a standard part of the "out-the-door" price you negotiate. The dealer acts as an intermediary, submitting all the necessary paperwork, including the title application, odometer disclosure, and proof of insurance, to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf. This convenience is one of the primary benefits of buying from a dealership, as it saves you a significant amount of time and hassle.

However, this service is not automatic or free. The dealer will charge you for the state-specific registration fees, title fees, and any applicable taxes. These costs are bundled into a line item often called "DMV fees" or "registration and handling" on your purchase contract. It's crucial to review this amount before signing. While dealers are generally accurate, they sometimes estimate these fees, which could result in a small refund or a request for additional payment later if their estimate was off.

The process relies on you providing correct information. Any errors in your insurance documents or personal details can delay the registration. Furthermore, while dealers are efficient, the final registration and plates come from the DMV, so the timeline is dependent on state processing speeds. You will typically leave the dealership with temporary tags, and the permanent plates will be mailed to you, usually within a few weeks.

State	Typical Dealer Handling Fee	Temporary Tag Validity	Key Consideration
California	$85 - $150	90 days	High documentation scrutiny; smog cert required.
Texas	$100 - $200	60 days	Heavy vehicle use tax for certain trucks.
Florida	$70 - $130	30 days	Requires proof of Florida insurance at signing.
New York	$75 - $125	30 days	Strict insurance card requirements; must be NY-based.
Illinois	$150 - $250	90 days	High vehicle registration fees vary by vehicle type.

[AlainaLynn]

Absolutely, they do it all the time. When I bought my truck last fall, the finance guy took care of everything. I signed a bunch of papers, gave them my insurance info, and that was it. I drove off with a temp tag on the back. A couple of weeks later, my real plates showed up in the mail. It's one less thing to worry about when you're already dealing with the stress of a big purchase. Just make sure you look over the final bill to see what they're charging you for the DMV part.

[Emmett]

It's standard procedure. The dealership functions as a licensed agent for the state DMV. They collect the required sales tax and all registration fees directly from you, then remit them to the state. This streamlines the process for everyone. You avoid spending half a day at the DMV, and the state ensures it collects the correct taxes efficiently. Your responsibility is simply to provide valid proof of insurance. The convenience fee they charge is for taking this administrative burden off your hands.