[smdubovsky]

Buying a new(er) porsche in IL and was wondering how to get it back to MD. Was going to fly out, exchange the papers & signatures, and drive back.

1) Can you get temp tags in MD? I searched the mva website and they say you need all the normal title stuff. Im pretty sure that means I have to have the title in hand, which obviously wont be happening until I get back. Any other option other than 'borrowing' tags off one of my other vehicles for a few days? Anyone know a small dealer that will issue 60-days tags?

2) The owner never re-titled the car. He has the blank signed over title from the 1st owner. I get the very distinct impression he drove it (sparringly) for ~2yrs by just 'borrowing' the plates of one of his mercedes. (sounds like he has lots of money, several mercs, lives downtown, has boat in annapolis, etc.) Will this be a problem? (I don't think so, but always good to ask.)

More details & pics once I get it back

Edit: I swear I remember some of this stuff being covered but couldn't find it in a search.

[pjalexandre]

First off Congrats!!!. Surprised MD doesn't. I know that VA has a temp tag you can print out from their website after you pay some nominal fee. Good for 48 hours or something.

[HoodPin]

Originally Posted by smdubovsky

Buying a new(er) porsche in IL and was wondering how to get it back to MD. Was going to fly out, exchange the papers & signatures, and drive back.

1) Can you get temp tags in MD? I searched the mva website and they say you need all the normal title stuff. Im pretty sure that means I have to have the title in hand, which obviously wont be happening until I get back. Any other option other than 'borrowing' tags off one of my other vehicles for a few days? Anyone know a small dealer that will issue 60-days tags?

2) The owner never re-titled the car. He has the blank signed over title from the 1st owner. I get the very distinct impression he drove it (sparringly) for ~2yrs by just 'borrowing' the plates of one of his mercedes. (sounds like he has lots of money, several mercs, lives downtown, has boat in annapolis, etc.) Will this be a problem? (I don't think so, but always good to ask.)

More details & pics once I get it back

Edit: I swear I remember some of this stuff being covered but couldn't find it in a search.

The signed-over-only title may be a problem. MD MVA is very strict about title documentation, and unless there's a bonafide place on that title for your name as a buyer, you will have problems. I went thru this with a car purchase. One reason for the PO's practice is/was to avoid paying taxes on the purchase. Unless the PO is bonafide dealer/wholesaler, who can hold title without paying taxes & has entered their name in the proper block of the title, MD will probably not accept the title.

With respect to the tags, I purchased a car once where the buyer and I worked out an written agreement in the bill of sale, where he "loaned" me his tags for a discreet period of time. I was obligated to provide insurance (my insurance was ok to do this because I had a valid bill of sale and the properly signed over title). When I got it home, I mailed the tags back to him. MD doesn't seem to want to provide "transporter" tags to ordinary citizens. However, if you have any connections with a dealer/wholesaler/etc., maybe you can borrow their transporter tag.

[tbernard]

There used to be temp tag in md, it was 7 or 9 days. But from the looks of things now, you need to do your title work first, then you can get a 30 day temp tag.

"If you purchase a used vehicle and cannot transport it to an inspection station to have the vehicle safety inspected, you may request a 30-day temporary registration when you title your vehicle. To apply for the temporary registration plate, you must complete a temporary inspection waiver (form # VR-129). There is a fee for the temporary registration."

[SpeedBump]

last one I bought I used one of my tags from another porsche. One before that I taped a piece of paper in the back window that looked like something from one of those states who don't do temp tags. Both times I drove home at a rather slow speed.

[John Clay]

As I recall, I got my temp transit tags from the state I bought the car in (PA).

[tadel001]

No temp tags without a title in Maryland. Tony has it nailed! If the titled was filled out between the PO and the person he bought it from, then it gets a lot more complicated. The PO would have to title it and then sign the new title over to you. Maryland can be a complete pain in the @ss about title stuff.

What did you get?

[markwemple]

Can you temp tag it in Il?

[OldTee]

Put insurance on it. After you get a clean title, take that to MD DMV and get temp plates. Or, consider closing your eyes and take a set of plates with you and drive home on those. The fine for using plates can't be too much as long as there is insurance on it. But, get the title fixed before you buy it or all you will own is a lump sitting in your driveway. He doesn't want to title it becasue he will have to pay the Il taxes. If you don't get either MD or IL temps take a title application from MD with you and fill it out. This is not a clean sale, go slow and don't get too far ahead of the process.

[smdubovsky]

Thanks guys.

1) After more internet searching: IL does issue a "7 day permit" ($10) for out of state residents to transport a vehicle. Now I just need to figure out where/what time to get it and make sure my the travel plans put me there during business hours. Im sure I'll have to stand in line somewhere... (I'll take my plates as a backup)

2) Im pretty sure its a blank buyer field on the title but will make SURE. I've had a friend w/ that problem and it was a PITA. Im just wondering what MD will think of the sale date possibly being ~2yrs ago (if they notice?) Technically, I'll bet its not illegal to buy a vehicle and never title or drive it. So if they notice I might get guff over it from the mva but Im *HOPING* they don't give me too much trouble.

FWIW, driving w/ tags on the wrong vehicle in MD is a sum 'donation' of ~$350 IIRC. Been there, done that. Oh, and it also helps while you're doing it that your buddy riding shotgun doesn't yell 'COP!' and plainly point at him though the window. That doesn't get the cops attention at all