Buying a car in another state, I'm not trying to buy tags/registration in another state?

Question

Ill be driving from PA to VA to pick up a vehicle i've purchased online. The title is being sent to me in the mail or i'll just get it in person when I buy the car. I'm really not trying to get plates tags and registration all in VA. What would be simplest way of going about this?

Answer 1

Contact your local DMV or Vehicle Registration Office about a temporary tag.  Each state is different.  If the registration is current on the vehicle you are buying and the seller does not want or need the plates and registration on the vehicle to turn in to their local DMV or Vehicle Reg. Office you should be able to use those plates until you get to PA.  

Also make sure of all the forms that you need signed by the seller before hand and take them with you.  A form in VA most likely will not work in PA.  And get the title in hand first.  Make sure the person you are buying the vehicle from is on the title.  If there is more than one person on the title, make sure you have signatures for all registered owners.

Answer 2

well if your getting it from a dealership they will be familair with the process and do it for you, what you need is called an intransit permit, I work at a dealer in NY and we sell to PA people all the time, they have to register the car themselves at thier local dmv or whatever you guys use in PA, you cant register it where you buy it you have to register it where you live. Im not sure what they call them in PA but if you went to a motor vehicle office and told them whats up they will help you, and if your getting one from a dealer they should do it for you.

Answer 3

To get tags in state you bought car in.  They will send plates from your state and sales tax may or may not be reciprocal meaning you most likely will pay your states sales tax lthough some states you pay theirs but not many.If there is problem you will have to go back to other state if you don't take care of business there.  Also ypou will not have a registered vehicle and if planning on driving and you get stopped they can confiscate vehicle for driving with illegal tag.  You said you might get title in mail?  Are you on drugs?  Never buy a vehicle without title.

Answer 4

Get the vehicle towed back home.

A bit pricey, but it's hassle free. Otherwise you'll have to go to the DMV (in VA) and get temp plates/registration, insurance, inspection... not worth the hassle just for a day to drive it back... tow it.