How To Transport A Car Without Plates – Understanding Your Options

In some cases, you may need to Shift a vehicle without plates. For example, if you buy a car from someone in another state that is not registered and doesn’t have plates, you may need to get it to your state to register it and start driving it.
Or, if you sell your vehicle and it doesn’t have plates, you may need to find a way to get it to the buyer – and you may not be sure what your options are. Let’s get into the details.

Can I Transport A Car Without Plates By Driving It Myself?

Yes, but only in some states. You may face issues if you try to drive a vehicle between states without license plates. Some states offer “in-transit permits” and temporary tags that people can legally use to drive cars without plates.

However, the rules vary widely between states. In Oklahoma, for example, it’s impossible to do this at all – there is no system to drive a vehicle without plates. However, in New York, you can get a 30-day “in transit” permit to drive the vehicle without plates as long as the car can pass inspection.

For this reason, we only recommend driving a car without plates to Shift it if you’re staying within your state – and you’re sure that you can get the legal permission to do so. Driving a vehicle without proper registration, even a temporary registration title or certificate, can lead to problems and severe legal penalties and repercussions. Consult with your local DMV/BMV for more information.

Can The vehicle Be Moved On Its Old Documents Until It’s Registered Again?

No. In most states, it’s illegal for a car that’s been bought or sold to be driven with the license plates of the previous owner. The vehicle should not be driven by anyone who is not the currently registered owner of the car – even for a day or two. If you’re caught doing this, you risk legal penalties and fines.

When buying a vehicle, you need to register it in your name right away. If you’re selling a car, make sure to remove the license plates and provide the buyer with the necessary paperwork to have it registered in their name.

What’s The Best Way To Haul A Vehicle Without Number Tag?

If you’re transporting a car across state lines without plates, we recommend searching for a vehicle shifting company and shipping it on a trailer instead of trying to drive it yourself. This will save you a lot of time and ensure you do not break any laws. Your vehicle doesn't have to be registered or insured to be Shifted on the back of a truck.

If you bought a vehicle without plates, it can simply be loaded onto a semi-truck carrier and driven from its current location to the destination of your choice. Then, as long as you have the required paperwork for your state, you can register it at the DMV/BMV and start driving it legally.

Or, if you’re selling the car, you can arrange for it to be driven to the buyer’s desired drop-off point, and they can handle the process of registering the vehicle from there. Either way, hiring a vehicle shipping company for the job simplifies things a lot, particularly if the car needs to be Shifted a long distance.

Relevant Statistics

• Approximately 25% of car owners move their vehicles without plates while obtaining new registrations.
• Over 80% of vehicle dealerships provide temporary shifting permits for vehicles without plates.
• A survey found that 9 out of 10 individuals who shifted a car without plates did so for less than a week.
• In urban areas, around 70% of car owners opt for professional towing services to shift their vehicles without plates.
• According to industry estimates, the average cost of renting a trailer or flatbed truck to move a vehicle without plates is $150 per day.

General Facts

• In most jurisdictions, it is illegal to shift a vehicle without plates on public roads.
• One option is to obtain temporary or transit plates from the relevant authorities.
• Another option is to hire a professional auto movers who can provide the necessary permits for transportation.
• Some states allow you to apply for an exemption and move the vehicle without plates, but this usually requires prior approval and documentation.
• Before transporting a vehicle without plates, research and comply with your jurisdiction's specific regulations and requirements to avoid any legal issues.

How can A1 Auto Transport Help?

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or dealer, A-1 Auto Transport can help you ship a car without license plates anywhere in the United States. Compared to driving it yourself as an individual, this saves you a lot of time – and could also help you avoid legal trouble. We have the equipment to ship cars to anywhere in the United States and can also provide temporary storage for your vehicle when required. If you have further questions or need clarification, contact us online or at (888) 230-9116 to get a quote and ship your car immediately.