1. Seller's Responsibilities:
- Once the car sale is finalized, the seller typically needs to remove their license plates from the vehicle.
- Some states may require the seller to return the license plates to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other relevant agency.
- In other states, the seller can keep the license plates and transfer them to their new vehicle, if applicable.
2. Buyer's Responsibilities:
- In most cases, the buyer is responsible for obtaining new license plates for the purchased car.
- The buyer will typically need to visit their local DMV or equivalent agency and provide necessary documentation, including proof of car ownership (title) and insurance information.
- Depending on state regulations, the buyer might have a grace period to operate the vehicle with the seller's plates while waiting for the new plates to arrive.
3. License Plate Transfer:
- If the seller's license plates are eligible for transfer, the buyer may be allowed to keep and transfer those plates to their new car.
- This option may require specific paperwork and fees to process the transfer.
- The transferred plates will typically retain their original plate numbers and state identifier.
4. Temporary Plates:
- In some states, buyers may receive temporary plates or tags from the DMV when they first purchase a vehicle.
- These temporary tags allow the buyer to drive the car while waiting for the permanent license plates to be processed and mailed.
5. Plate Surrender or Retention:
- If the buyer chooses to use their own new plates, they may need to surrender the seller's plates.
- Alternatively, some states allow the seller to retain their license plates and transfer them to another vehicle without surrendering them to the DMV.
It's essential for both the buyer and seller to follow the state-specific requirements and procedures for license plate transfer during a car sale to avoid any legal issues or penalties. It is recommended to consult the local DMV or relevant authorities for accurate and up-to-date information on license plate transfer regulations in your area.
