Titles and compliance

What is temp tag?

Also called: temporary tag, buyer tag

A temp tag is the temporary registration that lets a buyer drive legally while title and plates are processed.

Issuance is tightly controlled and increasingly audited, because fraudulent temp tags became a national problem. Several states have moved to metal plates at the point of sale for exactly this reason.

Temp tag rules are usually stricter than dealer plate rules. In Texas, for instance, personal use is barred on a temporary tag while it is permitted on a metal dealer plate.

General information for US dealers, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by state, so confirm specifics with your state agency or counsel.