How Do I Get Permanent Plates for My New Car?

1). Purchase car insurance. Every state requires you to have some form of valid car insurance before you can register your car with that state. Use local agencies or get price quotes from larger insurance companies such as Geico and Allstate.
2). Check with your state's motor vehicles department and ask if you need to have a certification indicating that a safety check was performed on your car and that your car passed it. If required, visit a certified safety checker (many car dealerships and auto repair shops offer these services) and have your car inspected. Obtain a safety check certificate.
3). Visit your local secretary of state office or a local motor vehicles department office. Show proof of identity, insurance, safety check (as required by some states) and proof of title to the clerk. Ask to register your car with the state. Pay the registration fee. This fee varies from state to state.
4). Wait for your state's motor vehicle department to send you the permanent license plate. Install the plate on the back of your car by screwing it in place. Some states, such as Nevada, require a license plate on the front and the back. Install both plates if you receive a front and back plate.