Buying a car- A private party car seller wants to keep the plates, how do I drive this car legally?

Question

So here's the situation...

I'm going to buy a car tomorrow in ILLINOIS. I haven't asked the seller if he would like to keep his plates. I assume so. Lets say that he does- how can I get home with the car? I think i might need to go to the DMV and apply for a plate that day, but theyre not open on Monday's

Answer 1

The seller needs to keep the plates because they need to return it to the DMV so that they can cancel their insurance.  You have to get temporary tags or tow it.

Answer 2

when you go to the dmv with him to switch the title over, simply get  a temp tag.

Answer 3

you need to contact your DMV and ask the proper procedure, it varies by state. you can not just assume that "the cops will understand"... unless you want a ticket and possibly have your car impounded. if you cannot drive the car legally i would wait until the next day when the DMV is open and do things the right and legal way.

Answer 4

You can register it, or get a temporary tag (both at the DMV) or just drive it with no tag.  Cops will understand.

Insurance is another matter. Don't move it 1 foot unless your insurance agent says it's okay.

Answer 5

Here's what you can do. First off get insurance on the car. After the Seller signs over the title, keep the car at their place till next working day.

In Illinois, I believe that they don't need to SEE the car to issue temp registration. So go to DMV, present your License, Insurance & the title. After they issue Temp Tags, drive the car home.

If you can't keep the car at their place, you will have to tow it to yours. No choice.