Yes, you can get license plates for someone else's car, but it is not a simple, universal process. The ability to do so legally depends entirely on the specific rules of your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and your relationship to the vehicle's owner. In most cases, you will need a signed document from the owner, such as a power of attorney specifically for vehicle transactions, granting you explicit permission to act on their behalf.
The primary reason for this strictness is to prevent auto theft and fraud. The DMV needs to verify that the person titling and registering a vehicle is the legitimate owner or has their direct consent. Simply walking in with the car's title that bears someone else's name will typically result in your application being denied unless you have the proper notarized authorization.
There are common scenarios where this is permitted. For instance, parents often handle registration for their children's cars, or an adult child might assist an elderly parent. Some states have streamlined processes for immediate family members, while others require the same power of attorney for everyone. If the owner is out of state or deployed in the military, a power of attorney is almost always mandatory.
To proceed, you must contact your local DMV or visit their website to understand the exact documentation required. Generally, you will need:
- The vehicle's title signed over by the owner.
- A valid power of attorney form (often a specific DMV version).
- Proof of valid auto insurance for the vehicle.
- Your own government-issued photo ID.
- Payment for all registration fees and taxes.
Failing to follow your state's procedures can lead to significant legal complications, so verifying the requirements beforehand is crucial.
| State Examples | Policy for Non-Owner Registration | Required Documentation (Beyond Standard Forms) |
|---|
| California | Generally requires a notarized Power of Attorney (REG 260) for non-family members. | REG 260 form, smog certificate, proof of insurance. |
| Texas | Allows it with a signed title and a Vehicle Transfer Notification, but a Power of Attorney is recommended. | VTR-271 form, Application for Texas Title, insurance. |
| New York | Strict; requires a notarized Power of Attorney (MV-901) if the owner is not present. | MV-901, proof of sales tax payment, insurance ID card. |
| Florida | Permissible with a notarized Power of Attorney specifically mentioning motor vehicle transactions. | HSMV 82053 form, title, proof of Florida insurance. |
| Illinois | A power of attorney is required for anyone other than the owner to title/register a vehicle. | VSD 324 form, title application, emissions test proof. |
