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Getting Started with Electronic Temporary Tags: A Guide for New Dealers

· 4 min read
Jose Betancourt
Managing Partner @ My Dealer Jacket

As a new car dealer, one of your first challenges is managing the various documents and forms needed for each sale, including temporary tags. This guide will walk you through the basics of electronic temporary registration (ETR) system and help you build confidence in managing this essential part of your business.

When you sell a car, there's a lot of documentation involved. Your customer needs their temporary tag to drive home legally, but they also need a proper bill of sale, registration documents, and various other forms. Getting all of this right is crucial for your business.

How Modern Systems Help Your Business​

Modern electronic systems transform how you handle documentation. They guide you through each step, automatically fill in forms, generate professional documents, process payments, and validate your work for accuracy. This means you can focus on what matters most: serving your customers and growing your business.

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A good electronic system will:

  • Guide you through each step
  • Auto-fill information across forms
  • Check for errors automatically
  • Generate professional documents
  • Process payments smoothly

Starting Out: The Basics​

As a dealer, you must ensure all documentation is complete and accurate. Missing or incorrect information can cause serious problems for your customers and your business.

What You're Responsible For​

  • Temporary tags
  • Bills of sale
  • Registration documents
  • Customer invoices
  • License plate agency instructions

When to Issue Documents​

  • Selling a vehicle
  • Processing a license plate transfer
  • Handling registration renewals
  • Managing customer payments
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Before you start, make sure you have:

  • Your dealer license information
  • A reliable computer with internet access
  • A quality printer for documents
  • Basic customer and vehicle information

Learning the Process​

1. Gathering Initial Information​

Start by collecting these details from your customer:

  • Driver's license or ID
  • Insurance information
  • Current address
  • Payment details

The system will guide you through collecting additional information as needed for each specific document. Follow the prompts to ensure nothing is missed.

2. Following the Guided Process​

Your electronic system walks you through each step:

  • Collecting required information
  • Auto-filling details across forms
  • Validating important information like VINs
  • Alerting you about missing fields
  • Generating professional documents

3. Common Situations You'll Handle​

You'll regularly deal with:

  • First-time car buyers needing complete documentation
  • Customers transferring plates from old vehicles
  • Various payment methods and invoicing needs
  • Registration document preparation
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Watch out for these common mistakes:

  • Skipping verification steps
  • Missing required customer information
  • Incorrect VIN entries
  • Incomplete documentation
  • Delayed payment processing

Getting Help When You Need It​

Everyone needs help sometimes, especially when learning something new. If you run into problems:

  1. Follow the system's guided prompts
  2. Use built-in help resources
  3. Contact support for assistance

Many dealers find that using My Dealer Jacket helps streamline their operations.

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Our system provides:

  • Step-by-step guidance for all documentation
  • Auto-filled, accurate forms ready for printing
  • Built-in payment processing
  • Custom forms like bills of sale and invoices
  • License plate agency instruction sheets
  • Professional document generation

Moving Forward with Confidence​

Starting a dealership comes with many challenges, but managing documentation doesn't have to be one of them. By using the right electronic system, you can:

  • Generate accurate, professional documents
  • Process payments efficiently
  • Maintain complete transaction records
  • Focus on growing your business
  • Keep your customers satisfied

Remember, every successful dealer started exactly where you are. Using modern tools that guide you through each step will help you build a professional, compliant dealership from day one.