If you have just purchased a vehicle in the “Pelican State,” you are legally required to display a license plate before hitting the road. In Louisiana, there is no “grace period” that allows you to drive without a tag, even if you just bought the car ten minutes ago.
Whether you purchased from a high-end dealership or a private seller, you need a temporary registration to bridge the gap until your permanent metal plates arrive. This guide explains how to secure a legal paper tag and avoid the steep penalties for driving “plate-less.”
Understanding Your Louisiana Temporary Tag Options
Louisiana offers different temporary solutions depending on your specific situation.
- The 60-Day Temporary Registration: This is the standard “paper plate” issued during most vehicle purchases. It provides 60 days of legal driving time while the state processes your title and permanent plates.
- The 5-Day “In-Transit” Tag: This is a strictly short-term permit typically used by dealerships to move vehicles or for buyers who intend to register the vehicle in another state immediately.
- The 30-Day “Out-of-State” Permit: Under R.S. 47:511.3, if you buy a car in Louisiana but plan to permanently register it in another state, you can apply for this specific 30-day placeholder.
How to Obtain Your Temporary Plate Based on Vehicle Purchase
The process for getting a tag depends entirely on how you acquired the vehicle.
Getting a Temporary Tag from a Louisiana Dealership
Louisiana dealers use a “Print on Demand” system.
- Issuance: The dealer prints the 60-day tag and attaches it to your rear bumper or window before you leave the lot.
- Taxes and Fees: Dealers are generally required to collect the sales tax and registration fees upfront. They then submit the paperwork to the OMV on your behalf.
The Process for Buying from a Private Seller (OMV or PTA Visit)
This is where most drivers get into trouble. If you buy a car from an individual, the seller must keep their license plates. You cannot drive on their old tags.
- The Process: You must visit a local OMV field office or a Public Tag Agency (PTA) immediately.
- What to Bring: You will need the signed-over and notarized title, a bill of sale, and proof of a valid Louisiana insurance policy.
- The Appointment: To save hours of waiting at a state office, it is best to schedule a DMV Louisiana appointment before you go.
The Role of Public Tag Agencies (PTAs) in Issuing Temporary Tags
Many Louisiana residents skip the long lines at the state OMV and visit a PTA (private businesses like ABC Title or Express OMV) instead.
- Speed: PTAs can process your title and issue a 60-day temporary tag instantly.
- Cost: While the state fee for a temp tag is only $5.50, PTAs charge an additional convenience fee (usually $18–$25). Most people find the time saved is worth the extra cost.
Temporary Tag Expiration, Penalties, and Extensions
Driving with an expired temporary tag is a primary offense in Louisiana.
| Tag Status | Penalty / Action |
| Active (Day 1-60) | Legal for all driving in and out of state. |
| Expired (Day 61+) | Penalty of 25% of the annual registration fee + 8% interest. |
| Need an Extension? | You may receive one additional 60-day extension if the title transfer is legally delayed (e.g., bank lien issues). |
If you are a new resident and your old state’s tags are about to expire, make sure you have already completed your Louisiana OMV change of address to ensure your permanent plates don’t get lost in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. If your driving record has “flags,” the OMV system will block any registration activity in your name. You must first reinstate your suspended license in Louisiana before you can get a tag.
If you are moving to Louisiana, you have 30 days to register your vehicle. During this window, you should also transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to Louisiana to avoid residency complications.
No. Using a handwritten “Tag Applied For” or “In Transit” sign is illegal in Louisiana. You must have an official 5-day, 30-day, or 60-day printed permit.
Securing your temporary tag is the first step toward making your vehicle legal. If you purchase from an individual, do not risk the drive home without one—visit a Public Tag Agent the same day to avoid a ticket.
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