can a newly bought car without plates

[DelVera]

Yes, but only for a very short period and under specific conditions, primarily using a temporary tag issued by the dealer. Driving a car without any form of registration plate is illegal and can result in fines, citations, or even having your vehicle impounded.

When you buy a new car from a dealership in the United States, they almost always handle the initial registration paperwork. Before you drive off the lot, they will provide you with a temporary license plate, often called a temp tag. This is a paper permit placed inside the rear window. It acts as your official registration until your permanent metal plates arrive in the mail. The validity period for these temp tags varies by state, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days.

State	Typical Temporary Tag Validity Period	Key Legal Requirement
California	90 days	Must be displayed in the rear license plate bracket or window.
Texas	60 days	Dealer-issued paper tag must be visible from the rear.
Florida	30 days	Temp tag must be securely fastened to the rear of the vehicle.
New York	30 days	The 10-day inspection sticker is also critical.
Illinois	90 days	Requires proof of insurance and a valid driver's license.

It is absolutely critical that you have the vehicle title and proof of insurance in the car with you whenever you drive. If you are pulled over, law enforcement will ask for these documents along with your driver's license. Driving without insurance is a serious offense with severe penalties.

If you purchase a car through a private sale, the rules are different. You typically cannot drive it legally until you visit the DMV yourself to complete the transfer. However, most states have a short grace period (e.g., 3-5 days) if you have the signed title and a bill of sale. You must carry these documents and your insurance proof during this time. The safest approach is to tow the vehicle home or complete the DMV registration immediately.

[OBrady]

Just drove my new truck home last week. The dealer slapped a paper temp tag in the back window—good for 60 days here. That’s your ticket. You can’t just roll off the lot with nothing. Make sure your insurance is active before you even pick up the keys. Cops will definitely pull you over if they see a brand-new car with no plates at all. Keep the dealer paperwork in the glove box, too.

[DeJuliette]

From a legal standpoint, operating a vehicle on public roads without a valid registration display is a violation. The temporary registration issued by the dealership is the legal substitute. Its expiration date is not a suggestion; driving on an expired temp tag carries the same weight as having no plates. Always verify the temporary tag is correctly filled out and visibly displayed according to your state's law before departing the dealership.

[SanEleanor]

I work at a dealership, and this is a top question. We cannot let a customer drive away without a temp tag—it’s a liability for us and for you. We print it right there, and it’s tied to your sale in the state system. The clock starts ticking the day you buy the car. If your permanent plates are delayed, contact us or the DMV for an extension; don’t risk driving with an expired paper tag.

[OBeckett]

Think of it like this: the temp tag is your receipt for the road. It proves you just bought the car and are in the process of getting it officially registered. But that receipt has a strict return policy. If you forget to put it up or ignore the date, you’re looking at a expensive ticket. It’s not just about the fine; your insurance could be invalidated if you’re in an accident while driving illegally. It’s a simple step that avoids huge headaches.