Typically, yes. You’ll need to show proof of insurance, even for temporary tags.
State laws differ. However, most states require car insurance to register a vehicle, even if you just bought it and have only paper or temporary plates. The temporary plates are just a placeholder until you get a permanent set, and the same registration rules usually apply when issued.
Some states require you to show proof of car insurance when you title and register a car, and thus get your paper or real license plates (tags).
In other states, you do not have to show actual proof of auto insurance when you get your paper or permanent plates, but you are expected to have at least the state-required liability coverage on the vehicle.
When you sign your registration and license plate paperwork in many states, you attest that the car is insured and will remain covered by car insurance for the whole registration period.
If you get the paper plate from a dealer, it will depend upon state laws first and the dealership’s guidelines second. Even if the law does not require that you show proof of insurance, the rules of the dealership may require you to show proof of insurance to drive the car off the lot with the paper plates.
Since states’ procedures differ significantly, we recommend that you check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to find out your state’s process for obtaining paper plates and if you must already have car insurance in place to get this type of tag for your vehicle.
If you don’t have insurance, compare car insurance quotes before you buy. If you need insurance to get temporary plates, you may be rushed into choosing a policy. Instead, take your time and shop around first.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Leslie Kasperowicz
Managing Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
