No, you generally cannot legally drive a new car home without a temporary tag or license plate in the United States. Operating a vehicle on public roads requires it to be properly registered and display a valid license plate, which serves as proof of registration. Driving without one is illegal and can result in a traffic ticket, fines, and even having the car impounded.
However, dealerships have a standard process to handle this. When you purchase a car, the dealer will typically issue you a temporary tag (also known as a "temp tag" or transit permit). This is a paper license plate that is placed in the rear window or license plate bracket. It is valid for a short period, usually 30 to 90 days depending on state laws, giving you time to complete the registration process and receive your permanent metal plates in the mail.
The specific rules can vary significantly by state. Some states have more flexibility, allowing for a very short "grace period" if you have the bill of sale and title application on hand, but this is risky and not a universal rule. The safest and most common practice is to complete all the paperwork at the dealership, which includes them providing the temporary registration and tag before you drive off the lot.
| State | Typical Temp Tag Validity | Grace Period? | Key Requirement |
|---|
| California | 90 days | No | Dealer must provide temp tag. |
| Texas | 30 days | No | Must have temp tag displayed. |
| Florida | 30 days | No | Proof of insurance and bill of sale must be in vehicle. |
| New York | 30 days | No | Temporary registration issued by dealer. |
| Illinois | 90 days | No | Temp tag must be visibly displayed. |
Before you finalize the purchase, confirm with your salesperson that the temporary tag is ready. Never assume you can drive the car home without this documentation. If you are buying a car from a private seller, the process is different; you would need to visit the DMV to handle the registration and get plates before driving the car away.
