Picking Up Personalized Plates At The DMV (lease, transfer)

[jksonza]

Hi, everyone!

I’ve tried calling, but the wait times are always ridiculous and I don’t know if it worth waiting at the DMV for hours only to be turned away without my plates...

The question is, I ordered personalized plates and they are now ready for pick up, but I want to use them on a car whose registration is not under my name. Is this possible? If so, what documents would I need to bring with me to ensure that the process goes smoothly?

Thanks!

[CA4Now]

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/dmv/vr

[jksonza]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/dmv/vr

Thank you for that, but I’ve been through all the FAQs on the website and none of them answered my question.

[CA4Now]

^^ Are you transferring registration of the vehicle to yourself?

[ElDiabloJoe]

DMV is just this side of useless. If you are dealing with "car" issues only like registrations, transfers, license plates, etc., try joining and going to AAA. They can handle nearly everything "car" related on behalf of their members.

[jksonza]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

^^ Are transferring registration of the vehicle to yourself?

I was wondering if it’s possible to use the personalized plates (which is under my name) on a car (whose registration is not under my name) without transferring the registration of the vehicle to me.

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by jksonza

I was wondering if it’s possible to use the personalized plates (which is under my name) on a car (whose registration is not under my name) without transferring the registration of the vehicle to me.

On the DMV website, one of the statements one acknowledges before ordering personalized plates is "The license plate ordered will be assigned to a vehicle in my possession." I assume possession means ownership. However, it doesn't clearly state this.

(I agree with the suggestion about Triple A. I never deal with the DMV, thankfully.)

[ysr_racer]

Originally Posted by jksonza

I was wondering if it’s possible to use the personalized plates (which is under my name) on a car (whose registration is not under my name) without transferring the registration of the vehicle to me.

So you're trying to put your plates on somebody else's car, or this is a gift for somebody that owns the car?

I'm confused.

[jksonza]

Originally Posted by ysr_racer

So you're trying to put your plates on somebody else's car, or this is a gift for somebody that owns the car?

I'm confused.

We got the car on a lease two years ago, and at that time, we had the car registered under my mother’s name. My lease is up next year, so I see it pointless having the name changed on the registration.

Long story short, I ordered the plates under my name, so I can use it on future vehicles should I decide to change cars. However, the car I’m currently using is under my mom’s name, but I would like to use my new personalized plates.

[ysr_racer]

Good question, let us know what you find out.