Here’s the good news: you’re not stuck. With Dirt Legal, you can skip the DMV lines and get your paperwork handled fast. Thanks to our streamlined service and Montana processing times as quick as 3 days, you can be road-ready again in no time.
So, What Happens If You Don’t Register Your Vehicle?
If your registration has been expired for a while, you’re probably wondering what the real consequences are. Here’s what typically happens when vehicle registration is allowed to lapse:
Late Fees and Penalties
Most states impose late fees that increase the longer your registration remains expired. For example, California charges escalating penalties that can reach up to 160% of the original registration fee if payment is over 12 months late, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Liability Concerns
Even if your vehicle hasn’t been on the road, operating an unregistered vehicle is not permitted under state regulations in all 50 states. Driving without a valid registration may result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or court appearances, according to AAA’s Digest of Motor Laws.
Insurance Trouble
Many insurers will cancel or refuse to renew coverage for vehicles that aren’t registered. This creates a risk of driving uninsured, which is a separate violation in every state, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
License Suspension
In some states, letting your registration lapse can even impact your driver’s license. For example, New York may suspend both your vehicle registration and your license if you operate a vehicle with expired documents, according to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Can’t Sell or Transfer Ownership
Thinking of selling or gifting the vehicle? Most states require valid registration to process a title transfer. Without it, you may not be able to complete the transaction, according to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
Don’t Panic—Here’s How to Get Back on Track
The DMV process can feel overwhelming, especially if your vehicle has been off the road for a while. The good news is, you don’t need to handle it all at once. There’s a simple, short-term solution that helps you move your vehicle in compliance with state regulations while getting your paperwork in order: a temporary tag.
How to Obtain a Temporary Tag
A temporary tag—also known as a temporary operating permit or transit permit—serves as a way to operate a vehicle for a short period while you complete the formal registration process. It allows you to drive in compliance with state law if your registration is pending, you’re awaiting title documentation, or your vehicle requires inspections or emissions testing.
Most U.S. states issue temporary tags through their Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or licensed vehicle dealers, depending on the scenario. The specifics—like duration and eligibility—vary by state.
According to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) and state DMV resources, temporary tags are commonly issued for:
- Recently purchased vehicles that haven’t yet been titled or registered in your name
- Out-of-state vehicle transfers requiring emissions or safety inspections before full registration
- Vehicles coming out of long-term storage where registration lapsed but the car is now being put back on the road
- Pending title resolution (such as bonded title applications, VIN inspections, or court-ordered titles
In most states, these tags are valid for 15 to 90 days, depending on the situation and state guidelines, according to individual state DMV portals, such as the Texas DMV, California DMV, and Vermont DMV.
What Paperwork Do I Need to Get a Temporary Tag?
To get a temporary tag, you’ll need to bring or submit a few essentials:
- Proof of ownership (like a title or bill of sale)
- Proof of identity (a valid driver’s license)
- Proof of insurance
- VIN inspection (only in some states)
- A completed temporary tag application
- Payment for applicable fees
In Texas, for example, you can get a 30-Day Permit for $25 if you have the required ID and insurance, according to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
How Do I Get a Temp Tag After My Car’s Been Sitting for Years?
If your car hasn’t seen daylight—or a valid registration sticker—in a while, don’t worry. Here’s how to move forward:
- Reach out to your local DMV or use a service like Dirt Legal to check your options.
- Apply for a temporary tag, either online or in person, depending on your state.
- Gather your documents, like the title and proof of insurance.
- Use the temp tag to drive your vehicle with state authorization while sorting out the rest—like full registration or inspections.
Most temporary tags are valid for 15 to 90 days, which gives you enough breathing room to get everything else in place, according to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
FAQ: What Drivers Ask Most About Long-Term Lapsed Registration
Can I be fined if I didn’t drive the car?
Yes. In many states, registration fees and penalties continue to accumulate—even if the car was off the road.
Is it allowed to operate a vehicle with a temporary tag?
A temp tag allows authorized use for a limited time while you’re working on full registration.
How long is a temp tag valid?
Usually between 15 to 90 days, depending on your state and the reason for issuance.
What if my insurance lapsed too?
You’ll need to reinstate your policy before applying for a temp tag or registration. No insurance = no tag.
Can Dirt Legal help with this process?
Yes! We help customers in all 50 states get back on the road ready—without waiting in line at the DMV.
Get Road-Ready Without the Runaround
At Dirt Legal, we make registration and title recovery fast, digital, and frustration-free. Whether your vehicle has been sitting for a few months—or a few years—we can help you:
- Get your Montana plate registered and shipped in as little as 3 days
- Apply for a bonded title
- Secure a temporary tag
- Avoid the DMV altogether
Ready to get back on the road the smart way?
Delaying registration might seem like a small thing—but it can come with big consequences. Luckily, a temporary tag gives you the time and permission to drive while you work on getting fully registered.
And with Dirt Legal, the process is easier than ever.
Let’s get your car registered—without wasting time. Reach out today and we’ll walk you through every step.
Dirt Legal specializes in Montana car registration LLC solutions, including full-service title and plate processing for out-of-state clients. From luxury cars to commercial trailers, we help you secure Montana plates quickly, and affordably.
Get started with your Montana registration today and experience the Dirt Legal advantage.
