Can You Get Plates or Tags With a Bill of Sale?

A bill of sale alone is generally not enough to get license plates or tags. To register and tag a vehicle, most DMVs require the signed certificate of title, a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and valid identification, plus payment of registration fees and taxes.

The bill of sale supports registration by documenting the purchase price, but the title is the document that establishes your ownership so the DMV can issue plates.

Bring the title assigned by the seller with odometer disclosure, your bill of sale, proof of insurance meeting your state's minimums, valid ID, and payment for registration and tax. Some states require an inspection or emissions test before issuing plates.

Deadlines vary — buyers typically have 10 to 45 days to register after purchase. Check your state's bill of sale page for the exact window.

If you have a bill of sale but no title, most states will not issue plates until you resolve the title. Some offer a bonded title process for genuinely lost titles, which requires a surety bond and a state application.

Never assume a bill of sale substitutes for a title. Confirm your state's rules before buying a vehicle without one.