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.

Aug 29, 2019 Pennington, NJ

Answer
Author profile picture

Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ 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.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

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

Icon Agent

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!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Am I covered while I'm moving to a new state?

I'm so sorry to hear about your accident during such a transitional and inconvenient time! I would contact your insurance company in Oregon and talk to the claims department to see if this will be covered. Many companies provide a grace period for you to obtain other insurance while you are mo…
Jul 22, 2022 Atlanta, GA

How does changing my due date affect my car insurance

Sorry to hear about your accident.  You should still be covered since it sounds like you didn't miss your payment. Sometimes, if you completely change your due date, you can miss a billing cycle. In terms of your accident, you should still be covered. Due dates are notices of bills to be paid.…
May 10, 2018 Fort Myers, FL

If I have car insurance, can I test drive a car that has no insurance?

Yes, most car insurance companies in Alabama will cover you while driving another vehicle, even if you do end up getting in an accident during a test drive. To be sure, we recommend calling your specific insurance company to find out exactly what their coverage entails, but know that this type of s…
Jun 24, 2019 Madison, AL

How do I sell my car to an out-of-state buyer?

You will need to transfer the title of the vehicle to the new buyer. It is important that you fill in all of the appropriate areas required in the title certificate when selling the vehicle to another party. Once the buyer has the title in their name then they will need to title and register the ve…
Jul 29, 2017 New York City, NY