How to Get a Temporary Tag and License Plate in Florida

Temporary license plates are issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). However, you can get license plates in two ways dealer user and non-dealer use. Suppose you buy a new vehicle from a dealer or an old one from an individual. In that case, you must carry a temporary license plate until it is registered permanently in Florida

In Florida, temporary license plates permit legal vehicle use until permanent registration. Dealers often provide a 30-day temporary plate with new vehicle purchases. The Florida motor vehicle department offers temporary licenses for 10, 30, or 90 days, depending on circumstances.

What Are The Temporary License Plate Requirements in Florida 

You must have the following documents when you want to obtain a temporary license plate in Florida

  • Proof of purchased bill
  • Proof of insurance 
  • Driver license 

With the documents, visit the Florida DMV branch office with or without florida license appointment and complete the temporary license plate application to process your request. 

When You Required Temporary License Plates in Florida?

For instance, the Florida motor vehicle department issues 10-day temporary license plates for specific situations, such as when your vehicle is weighed for registration and waiting for verified vehicle identification. Similarly, 30-day temporary license plates are issued in various scenarios, including private person-to-person vehicle sales and transactions involving financial institutions. If you are an out-of-state person purchasing a vehicle in Florida and looking to change your CDL to a regular fl license, you can also benefit from a 30-day temporary license plate to facilitate the registration process in your home state.

How To Get a Temporary License Plate in Florida

Florida motor vehicle department will issue a temporary license plate depending on the dealer and non-dealer use in certain circumstances.

Dealer use: In Florida, when you purchase a new vehicle from a registered dealer, they will give you a temporary license plate for 30 days until they arrange a permanent registration for your vehicle. 

Non-dealer use: If you purchased a vehicle from an individual in Florida, you must obtain a temporary license plate until you get permanent registration. However, the vehicle must be registered in Florida and need to present vehicle documents to the Florida motor vehicle office.

10-Days Temporary License Plates In Florida

Florida motor vehicle department will provide you with 10 days license plate below these circumstances. 

  • Florida motor vehicle department will issue 10 days temporary license when your vehicle is weighed for registration and waiting for verified vehicle identification. In addition, when applying for title registration that needs vehicle inspection, which usually takes 1 to 10 days, in this meantime, you need a temporary license for 10 days.

30-Days Temporary License Plates In Florida

Florida Department of motor vehicle department will issue 30 day temporary license following the circumstances. 

  • If you purchased a vehicle from a private person that needs a temporary license. Until you register a vehicle, you can carry a temporary license for 30 days. 
  • Sometimes bankers, credit unions, or financial institutes sell vehicles. In that case, they don’t need a license for the vehicle but a temporary license plate for 30 days. 
  • Suppose you are an out-of-state person and purchased a vehicle in Florida from a person, you don’t need to be licensed in Florida, but you have a temporary license plate to register the vehicle in your home state. This type of temporary license is valid for up to 30 days. 
  • If you are moved to Florida, you must present all the required documents for your vehicle should be submitted at the Florida motor vehicle branch office to register a vehicle in Florida. After this, the Florida motor vehicle department will issue a temporary license for 30 days. After this, if the submitted documents meet the requirements, DHSMV will provide a permanent license plate. 

90-Days Temporary License Plates In Florida

Florida motor vehicle department allows you to carry temporary license plates for up to 90 days following circumstances. 

  • Customers who apply for customized license plates in DHSMV are eligible for temporary license plates for up to 90 days. In the meantime, the Florida motor vehicle department will issue a temporary license plate to you. 
  • In addition, if you are a temporary employee, you can obtain a temporary license plate for 90 days.
  • If you are using a large truck for your business in Florida, even if it’s transporting goods, you must show proof that you have paid the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT). However, this rule does not apply if you bought the truck within the first 60 days.

Note: you need to pay $2 to $2.75 to obtain all temporary license plates. 

What Are The Penalties for Misusing Temporary License Plates in Florida

Florida law prohibits the misuse or alteration of temporary license plates. If you engage in such activities, the Florida motor vehicle department will consider it as fraudulent behavior. Additionally, using temporary license plates to evade full registration can result in being charged with a first-degree misdemeanour. For this offence, you need to spend one-year jail time and pay $1000. Moreover, if you find yourself in a situation where your license is suspended due to such violations, it’s crucial to understand the steps for reinstatement. In such cases, you may need to explore the Florida hardship license application process, which allows eligible individuals to regain limited driving privileges under specific circumstances.

Moreover, suppose you intentionally provide a temporary license plate to a non-existent individual or entity with the aim of hiding the true owner of a vehicle. In that case, it is regarded as a significantly more severe offence. This action is classified as a third-degree felony, and if found guilty, you could potentially be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison, along with a fine of $5,000.

Conclusion:

Temporary license plates (tags) are required when you purchase a new vehicle or old vehicle from a dealer or private person until the vehicle gets a full license. These temporary license plates are valid for up to 90 days, depending on the circumstances. Do not use temporary license plates to avoid permanent registration of your vehicle, as that can lead to severe consequences, including the suspension of your license. If your license is currently suspended, follow the appropriate procedures to unsuspend your license in Florida and ensure legal and responsible use of temporary license plates.

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