residents can receive temporary registration plates through a licensed dealer when they go to purchase a car. The state is especially cautious regarding temporary registrations since some people use fraudulent plates to avoid paying taxes or fines.

If you’ve ever bought a car, you know that the process of registering it can be a bit of a challenge. If the dealership you buy from has any issues helping you with a standard registration, they may instead issue temporary plates.

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Does Pennsylvania issue temporary plates?

Yes, licensed car dealers are capable of issuing you temporary license plates through the state of Pennsylvania. These temporary plates last up to 90 days and must always be obtained from an agent licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

What’s the problem with temporary Pennsylvania plates?

If obtaining a temporary license plate seems difficult in Pennsylvania, that’s for a good reason. Many people utilize fraudulent license plates as a way to avoid paying taxes or fines in PA, and therefore the state has to be very careful about who is issued these plates.

MORE:

How to check available custom license plates

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How to get temporary license plates in Pennsylvania

When you purchase a car from a legitimate car dealership, they will do their best to transfer your title and properly

. If they are unable to access any documents or if you are buying a car out-of-state, they may instead issue you temporary plates.

If for some reason the dealership you buy from is unable to help with this, or if you are buying from a private seller, your best bet is to get into contact with the

Pennsylvania DMV

Car registration fees in Pennsylvania

Registering a car in Pennsylvania will cost you $39, and it will cost an additional $11 if you ever need to replace your

license plates

. If you want to customize what it says on your plates it will cost you $85.

Although you may not be happy about paying a registration fee, keep in mind the fine for driving an unregistered vehicle in Pennsylvania starts at $75.

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Can I drive a car without plates I just bought in Pennsylvania?

You should never drive a car without license plates or some form of temporary registration. If, for some reason, the dealership that sold you your car is unable to provide you with proper registration, contact the

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

or the DMV.

MORE: Title transfer in Pennsylvania

How to find affordable car insurance in Pennsylvania

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