New drivers can often feel like they have to pass a test, get a license, and then wait until they’re old enough to buy their first car. Most states require you to be at least 18 years old and have had your permit for at least six months before you can register a car. So what does that mean for teens who are ready to drive? Well, if you’re in the market for your first car, it means you’ll either need to wait longer than most or find a different type of vehicle that you can legally drive as soon as possible. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t any options out there. There are many ways that you can still get behind the wheel while meeting the requirements of your state’s laws regarding car ownership. Here is everything you need to know about registering a car with a permit.
Can You Register A Car With A Permit?
No, you cannot register a car with a permit. A permit is only necessary when you are taking the driving test to get your license. After you pass the test and receive your license, you can register your car in your name and use your new license as proof of insurance.
What Types Of Vehicles Can You Register With A Permit?
1) New Cars:
You can register a car with a permit if it is brand new and has been under the manufacturer’s warranty for at least 30 days. If you acquire the vehicle after you have received your permit, then you’ll need to wait until your permit is over before you can register the car.
2) Used Cars:
You can also drive a used car with a permit if it is less than 10 years old and has less than 100,000 miles on the odometer. However, in some states, used vehicles that are over 10 years old and have more than 100,000 miles may also require registration after your permit expires.
3) Motorcycles:
Most states do not allow motorcycles to be registered with a permit. However, there are some states that do allow motorcycles to be registered after one year of driving experience.
4) Trailers:
Trailers are generally considered commercial vehicles and must be registered as such before they are driven on public roadways. Certain types of trailers, such as those used to transport horses and/or livestock, are allowed to be registered with a permit.
5) Cars With Trailers:
You can also register your car and trailer if they are being used as a combination vehicle. For example, you could register your car first and then add a trailer to the vehicle. However, this type of registration is not typically allowed in many states.
6) Motor Homes/RVs:
Motor homes and RVs are considered commercial vehicles and must be registered as such before they are driven on public roadways. Certain types of motor homes and RVs, such as those used to transport horses and/or livestock, are allowed to be registered with a permit.
7) Motorcycles With Trailers:
If you have a motorcycle with a trailer attached to it, you can register the motorcycle first. Then, after one year of driving experience, you can register the trailer separately from the motorcycle. However, this type of registration is not typically allowed in most states.
How Can You Register A Car With A Permit?
Check Your Car’s Condition
Before you register your car, you’ll want to check its condition and make sure that it is roadworthy. That means that it should have proper breaks, tires, and fluids. You should also make sure it has valid registration so you’ll be ready to go once your permit is registered.
Get Your Car Ready
Before you visit the DMV to register a car with a permit, make sure that your car is ready. You’ll want to have proof of emissions testing or inspection completed. You can also have proof of insurance to show that you have it ready to go.
Know The Date And Expiration Of Your Permit
Before you go to the DMV to register a car with a permit, you’ll want to check the expiration date of your permit. Most states allow you to use the permit until 30 days after you get your license. However, some will allow you to use a permit until 90 days after getting your license. If you know you’ll need more time on the permit, you can always apply for an extension.
Visit The Dmv To Register A Car With A Permit
When you’re ready to visit the DMV to register a car with a permit, make sure you have all of your information ready. If your car needs an emissions test or inspection, make sure you’re ready to take care of that first. Once your car is ready for registration, here is what you need to know.
Find Out If You Need An Inspection Sticker Or An Emissions Test
Some states require an emissions test or inspection when registering your car. While others might not. You can either check with the DMV or online to see if your state requires it. If your car does need an inspection or emissions test, you’ll want to make sure you have a valid inspection sticker on your car.
Check If You’ll Need Road Tabs Or Wheel Stops
If you’re registering a car with a permit that’s over 25 years old, you might need wheel stops or road tabs. If your car is leased or the registration is in someone else’s name, you won’t be able to register it until the person whose name is on the title transfers it to you.
Re-Registering A Temporary Tag
After you go through all the steps to register a car with a permit, you might be surprised to find out that your state doesn’t require a permit. Well, if you don’t actually need a permit, then you won’t need to worry about most of the steps above. However, if you do have a permit, you’ll need to register your car before the permit expires. If you don’t, you’ll need to re-register your car with a temporary tag.
Tips For Buying A Car When You Only Have Your Permit
1. Be Prepared To Make An Offer
If you’re buying a car with only a permit, be prepared to make an offer that is higher than the car is worth. If you have the money to do so, then you can go ahead and buy it. However, if you don’t have enough money, then you’ll need to go through a few extra steps.
2. Look For A Used Car With A Good Title
If you plan on buying a used car with only your permit, then make sure it has been titled properly. This will help your case if there are any issues later on down the road. Make sure that the title includes both of your names or that the seller has confirmed that it does (either by signing as “seller” or by signing as “seller and buyer”). You might also want to confirm who owns the car before making an offer since some states require both of your names on the title before you can register the car.
3. Make Sure The Car Has Been Inspected And Passed
If you want to buy a used car with your permit, then make sure that it has already been inspected by a mechanic before you go ahead and purchase it. You might be able to find a used car with a clean title, but if it’s been in an accident or is missing parts or accessories, this could cause you problems down the road when trying to register the vehicle.
Final Words
Finally, even though you have to wait until you’re 18 years old to truly be able to drive as you’re supposed to, you can still drive a car with a permit. The main difference is that instead of getting your own car insurance, you will have to be added to your parents’ policy. This means that your parents will be responsible for paying for any damage or injury that you cause. If you want to get your permit, get your parent’s permission first.
