Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Can I drive a truck I'm buying across state lines, without plates, to get it home?

I'm looking at a used truck and may buy it. The truck is located in PA and I'm located in NJ. How do I transport the truck home? Can I buy the vehicle, have the seller take his plates off and take his registration out of the car? He will provide me with a signed title and a note saying I just purchased the vehicle and I already have it on my insurance policy.

Jul 28, 2021 Pennington, NJ

Answer
Author profile picture

Kristine Lee

Insurance Data Insights Analyst

Kristine joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer, with a property and casualty insurance license. Before joining The Ze…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 6+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry
I would call up your local DMV or appropriate state department and ask them what to do. Most states allow you to pay a small fee and show an out of state status and they will issue you a temporary paper plate for the vehicle to be relocated. You should have no issues transporting the truck across state lines to get it home this way. Just make sure the title is transferred to you so you can register it in your name and in your state. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Can my insurance company add someone to my policy if they share my address?

This is an excellent question. Insurance carriers reserve the right to add anyone that they pull that has used your daughter's address for a mailing address, especially if that person shares a last name and it's where the insured vehicle is garaged for most of the time.They are typically given 30-6…
Oct 16, 2025 New Tazeville, TN

What is a reinsurance facility?

Sure! In North Carolina, the reinsurance facility is basically a non-profit organization that allows insurance companies to pool the risk of high-risk drivers to keep rates low for consumers and create less risk for insurance companies themselves. Since car insurance rates in North Carolina are cap…
Aug 13, 2024 Raleigh, NC

Can I insure vehicle I am driving in someone else's name?

There's a couple of things to think about here. First, your boyfriend's sister cannot and should not insure the vehicle simply because she does not drive it. Second, although you do not have a license, you should still get the vehicle insured as it is required by law in North Carolina. Thankfully, …
Aug 13, 2024 Clayton, NC

Should I get insurance or car registration first?

Your best bet for car insurance with an expired registration is to contact your state’s DMV and begin the process for being reinstated. It's unlikely a car insurance company will cover you if your registration is currently expired. The process will vary by your state, but usually includes:Showing p…
Apr 24, 2025 Provo, UT