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You can get a legitimate temporary license plate in Florida through a car dealer after purchasing a vehicle—the temporary plate will allow you to drive off the lot before your new car’s
certificate of title
and vehicle registration
are ready. Temporary license plates issued in Florida can last for 10, 30, or 90 days, depending on the circumstances.Your car needs a license plate in order to legally drive in Florida, but sometimes it can take a while before your new vehicle’s plate is ready. That’s why the Sunshine State issues temporary tags so you can use your vehicle while you wait for a dealer to complete its title and registration.
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This guide will walk you through the temporary license plate process in Florida.
Does Florida issue temporary plates?
Yes—licensed dealers and, in some circumstances, private sellers, are allowed by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to issue temporary license plates, temporary tags, or paper plates to buyers. The provisional tags allow new car owners to drive their vehicles for up to 90 days before their title and registration have been completed.
For the most part, licensed dealers are the ones who issue temporary plates, but private sellers are also allowed to issue a temporary plate when
selling a vehicle
.MORE:
Car loan in Florida 2022
How to get a temporary license plate in Florida
The most common reason to get a temporary license plate is when you buy a new vehicle, but its title and registration processes must still be completed by the dealer.
Dealer use
In such a case, the dealer will issue you a temporary plate, usually for 30 days, until the registration process is complete.
Non-dealer use
Non-dealers can also issue temporary license plates in Florida, but under the following circumstances.
Ten-day temporary tags can be issued in the following situations:
- The vehicle has yet to be weighed for registration purposes
- The vehicle identification number (VIN) has yet to be verified
- If the vehicle needs to be inspected as part of applying for title or registration
In Florida, a non-dealer can issue a 30-day temporary license plate under the following circumstances:
- For a casual or private sale
- When banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions that do not need to be licensed in order to repossess vehicles for sale
- If a vehicle is sold in Florida by a state resident to a person out-of-state, so that person can then register the vehicle in their home state
- When an out-of-state resident moving to Florida needs to secure ownership documents from their current home state
- Needs a vessel trailer dealer to use for the sale of a vessel trailer
In Florida, a non-dealer can issue a 90-day temporary license plate under the following circumstances:
- To a customer who is applying for specialized plates while that plate is being manufactured
- For a person temporarily employed in Florida
All temporary plates in Florida cost $2.00, plus a $2.75 processing fee.
Can I drive a car without plates if I just bought it in Florida?
You can, but you’ll need to get your dealer to issue you a temporary plate. You should never drive without a license plate (permanent or temporary) in Florida.
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Penalties for misuse of a temporary license plate in Florida
If you are found to have abused or altered your temporary Florida plate, you can place criminal penalties. If you knowingly or willingly use a temporary license plate to avoid registering a vehicle, you can face a first-degree misdemeanor. You could face up to a year in jail and a $1000 fine.
If you are found to have issued a temporary license plate to a fictitious person or entity in order to avoid disclosing the true owner of a vehicle, this is considered a third-degree felony. Penalties include up to five years in prison and a $5000 fine.
How to find affordable car insurance in Florida
Finding a temporary license plate in Florida doesn’t have to be a pain, and neither does finding a robust and affordable
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By Jason Tushinski
Writer
Updated on Feb 17, 2023
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett, Senior Editor.
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