If you just bought a car, you want to drive it. But in Florida, you cannot drive a vehicle without a license plate—not even for “just a few days” to get it home.
Most drivers assume they can just go to the DMV and buy a paper tag. This is usually false.
Florida law is specific: temporary tags (officially called Temporary License Plates) are only issued in limited situations, such as when a dealer is processing your paperwork or when a private seller’s title is held by a bank. If you have the title in hand, the state expects you to get a permanent metal plate immediately.
This guide will explain when you actually qualify for a temporary tag, the difference between dealer and private rules, and why buying a tag on Facebook could land you in jail.
Dealer Sales: Understanding the Electronic (ETR) Tag
If you buy a car from a licensed Florida dealership, you do not need to visit the tax office.
- The Process: Dealers use the Electronic Temporary Registration (ETR) system. They will print a 30-day temporary tag and attach it to your car before you drive off the lot.
- Your Job: Nothing. The dealer handles the title and registration transfer for you.
- Extension: If your 30 days are up and your metal plate hasn’t arrived, do not drive on the expired tag. Contact the dealer immediately. They can issue a replacement or extension if the delay is their fault.
Private Sales: When Can You Get a Temporary Plate?
This is where it gets tricky. If you buy a car from a neighbor or on Craigslist, you typically cannot get a temporary tag just for convenience.
Scenario A: You Have the Title (No Temp Tag) If the seller gives you the paper Certificate of Title, the Tax Collector will not sell you a temporary tag.
- Action: You must transfer the title and buy a permanent metal plate (and pay the $225 initial registration fee) right then and there.
Scenario B: The Title is Held by a Bank (Yes, Temp Tag) If you are buying a car that still has a loan, the seller doesn’t have the title.
- Action: You can go to the Tax Collector with a Bill of Sale and proof of the lien payoff. They may issue a 30-Day Temporary Tag so you can drive the car while the bank mails the title.
Scenario C: You Are an Out-of-State Buyer (Yes, Temp Tag) If you are from Georgia or Alabama and buy a car in Florida to drive it home:
- Action: You can purchase a “Drive-Out” Temporary Tag (30 Days) to legally drive the vehicle back to your home state for registration.
Types of Florida Temporary Tags (10, 30, & 90 Days)
Florida issues different tags for different delays.
| Tag Duration | Common Use Case |
| 10 Days | Vehicle Weighing: Used if you need to drive a heavy truck or trailer to a weigh station before it can be registered. |
| 30 Days | Casual/Private Use: Used for out-of-state purchases, waiting on a bank title, or dealer delays. |
| 90 Days | Personalized Plates: Issued while you wait for the state to manufacture your custom vanity plate. |
Note: If you are waiting on a custom plate, ensure your address is correct to receive it by mail. See our guide on Florida driver’s license address change if you have recently moved.
Required Documents Checklist (Form HSMV 83091)
To get a temporary tag as an individual, you must visit a County Tax Collector. We recommend booking a Florida DMV appointment to skip the line.
What to Bring:
- Proof of Identity: Valid Driver’s License or Passport.
- Proof of Florida Insurance: You cannot get a tag without active insurance.
- Bill of Sale: Must be signed by both buyer and seller.
- Application Form: HSMV 83091 (Application for Temporary License Plate).
- Sales Tax: You will likely have to pay the vehicle sales tax (6% + county surtax) at the counter before they give you the tag.
Buying for someone else? If you are picking up a tag for a family member, you must have a signed Florida vehicle Power of Attorney.
Florida Temporary Tag Cost & Service Fees
Temporary tags are inexpensive, but the service fees add up.
- State Fee: ~$2.00
- Service Fee: ~$6.25 (Varies by Tax Collector)
- Total Cost: Expect to pay around $8.00 to $10.00.
Warning: If you buy a car from out of state and register it in Florida, you may face the $225 Initial Registration Feewhen you finally upgrade to the metal plate. See our guide on how to transfer out-of-state license to Florida for more new resident tips.
Penalties for Fake or Misused Temporary Tags
Do NOT buy a temporary tag from Facebook Marketplace or Instagram. Florida is currently cracking down on fraudulent temporary tags.
- The Crime: Creating, selling, or possessing a counterfeit tag is a felony.
- The Penalty: If caught with a fake tag, your vehicle can be impounded, and you can be arrested for a third-degree felony (up to 5 years in prison).
- Suspended License Risk: Driving an unregistered vehicle can lead to license suspension. If you are already in trouble, check our guide on how to reinstate a suspended license in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is illegal to drive a vehicle on public roads without a valid registration plate. The “I just bought it” excuse does not work with police.
Generally, no. Temporary tags are non-renewable. If your title work is still stuck after 30 days, you must visit the Tax Collector to explain the situation. They might issue a second one in extreme hardship cases, but it is rare.
Yes, specifically the 10-day tag for weighing purposes. However, if you are changing your operations, ensure your license matches the vehicle class. If you no longer need to drive heavy trucks, you might consider downgrading CDL license to regular in Florida to simplify your renewals.
No, you should just get a duplicate immediately. The Tax Collector can print a copy of a Florida vehicle registration on the spot for a small fee.
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