how soon can you get tags on new car

[OmarLee]

You can typically drive your new car home with temporary tags the same day you purchase it. The process to get permanent license plates and registration (often just called "tags") usually takes two to four weeks, but this can vary significantly by state and your specific circumstances.

The timeline hinges on the dealership submitting your paperwork to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the DMV's processing speed. Most dealerships handle this entire process for you as part of the sale. They will issue a temporary tag, which is a paper license plate placed in your windshield or where the permanent plate will go. This temporary registration is legally valid for a set period, typically 30 to 90 days, allowing you to drive legally while you wait.

Several factors can affect the wait time:

• Dealership Efficiency: Larger, high-volume dealerships often have in-house title clerks who batch-process paperwork daily, leading to faster submission.
• State DMV Backlog: Some state DMVs process applications faster than others. Time of the month or year can also create delays.
• Financing and Lienholder: If you financed the car, the dealership must coordinate with your lender, which can add a step.
• Accuracy of Paperwork: Any errors on the sales contract or registration application will cause significant delays.

The table below shows estimated processing times for permanent tags in a selection of states, illustrating the variability.

State	Typical Processing Time for Permanent Tags	Temporary Tag Validity
California	3 - 6 weeks	90 days
Texas	2 - 3 weeks	30 days
Florida	2 - 4 weeks	30 days
New York	4 - 8 weeks	30 days
Arizona	10 - 15 business days	90 days
Illinois	3 - 5 weeks	90 days

If your temporary tag is nearing expiration and you haven't received your permanent plates, contact your dealership's finance and insurance (F&I) manager immediately. They can check the status and, if necessary, issue a new temporary tag to avoid a lapse in your registration.

[McDaniel]

From my experience, it's usually about a month. You drive off the lot with a paper temp tag right away. The dealer handles the DMV stuff, and the real plates show up in the mail a few weeks later. Just keep an eye on the expiration date of that temp tag—if it's about to run out and you have nothing, call your salesperson right away. They can get you another temp one while you wait.

[JosieLee]

It's not instant, so plan for a short wait. The dealer gives you a temporary permit to use immediately. The delay comes from them sending your title application to the state and the government printing and mailing your actual plates. This can be quick in some states but slower in others, especially if they're backed up. To avoid hiccups, double-check that all your personal information on the sales paperwork is 100% correct before you leave the dealership. A simple typo can set you back weeks.

[PresleyRose]

It really depends on the dealer and your state. A good dealership will submit all the paperwork to the DMV within a day or two of your purchase. Then it's a waiting game for the state to mail everything to you. I've heard of it taking as little as ten days in some places and over a month in others. The key is buying from a reputable dealer who has this process down pat. They should be proactive and give you a clear timeline, so you're not left wondering.