How long does it take to get license plates by mail? (transfer to, buyer)

[UtahGrad]

Excuse my ignorance on the subject, as I just moved to CA in April, but I have a fairly remedial question...

I purchased a used car in May, and since I was moving from out of state, I couldn't simply transfer my plates. The dealer explained to me that they would file the paperwork with the DMV and that everything would come through the mail. Sweet.

Only two weeks ago (nearly two months from purchase) did I receive an actual registration with a license plate sticker in the mail, but to this day, I still haven't gotten plates!

Was the dealer wrong? Do I need to actually go to the DMV to get them? Which one? Or is this typical, and I just need to sit tight?

[thelopez2]

Isn't your plate number listed on the registration? If there is a dealer plate/advertisement on the car , check behind it.

[Mr_Geek]

Plates take 3-4 weeks max to get to you. There's a reason the temp tags usually are valid for 30 days. They will come in the mail. I'd call the DMV.

[Lovehound]

Originally Posted by Mr_Geek

I'd call the DMV.

I'd call the DMV too but I would get in trouble with the moderators if I posted all the words I would call them.

[Sydney123]

Originally Posted by Lovehound

I'd call the DMV too but I would get in trouble with the moderators if I posted all the words I would call them.

LOL I went to the DMV with a friend and he got so frustrated with them that he threw down his paperwork and walked out. When we got back to the car I said.. Dude.. you know you're gonna have to go back in there right?

[CDJudge]

It took me forever, like 6 months. I don't remember exactly but it was a long time.

[cb73]

Originally Posted by UtahGrad

Excuse my ignorance on the subject, as I just moved to CA in April, but I have a fairly remedial question...

I purchased a used car in May, and since I was moving from out of state, I couldn't simply transfer my plates. The dealer explained to me that they would file the paperwork with the DMV and that everything would come through the mail. Sweet.

Only two weeks ago (nearly two months from purchase) did I receive an actual registration with a license plate sticker in the mail, but to this day, I still haven't gotten plates!

Was the dealer wrong? Do I need to actually go to the DMV to get them? Which one? Or is this typical, and I just need to sit tight?

The dealer didn't request license plates for you. The stickers you received would have been taped to the plates. They wouldn't come separately from the stickers.

Do you have license plates on the car now? (I'm asking because sometimes people already have plates but think they're getting new ones.)

If the car was purchased used in California, it should already have license plates on it--they stay with the car, not the owner.

If you don't have any license plates, go online to DMV-- www.dmv.ca.gov , make an appointment, take the registration card and sticker, and when you get there, fill out a Reg. 256--Application for Duplicate Plates. The fee is around $19.

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by cb73

it should already have license plates on it--they stay with the car, not the owner.

Not always! custom plates and handicap plates stay with the owner.
The CHP has told me in the past to keep the plates in my possession on selling a vehicle to force a buyer to transfer to their name. I had a buyer once (friend) who kept returning to the DMV to renew with cash, stated he did not receive reminder. He left the car in my name for years.

[cb73]

Originally Posted by ferretkona

Not always! custom plates and handicap plates stay with the owner.
The CHP has told me in the past to keep the plates in my possession on selling a vehicle to force a buyer to transfer to their name. I had a buyer once (friend) who kept returning to the DMV to renew with cash, stated he did not receive reminder. He left the car in my name for years.

Very true, but I questioned whether there were now plates on the vehicle. And the fact that the stickers were mailed out attached to the registration card does reflect that either plates were not requested by the dealer, or an error was made and they were not mailed out. In either case, plates will not be later mailed, so OP needs to contact DMV directly.

[ferretkona]

I bought a Jeep a few months ago. I called the dealer up and asked if they knew where the plates were. The plates were under the paper ad under the license plate frames.