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Your First Temporary Tag: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Florida Dealers

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

Just starting out as a car dealer in Florida? One of your first tasks will be issuing temporary tags for your customers. Don't worry - we'll walk through this process together, step by step. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly what to do when your first customer is ready to drive home in their new car.

Before you begin, gather what you'll need:

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Essential items:

  • Your ETR system login credentials
  • A printer with temporary tag paper
  • Your customer's information ready

The Process Overview​

Issuing a temporary tag involves seven main steps:

  1. Log into the system
  2. Choose the tag type
  3. Enter vehicle details
  4. Add customer information
  5. Verify insurance
  6. Create the tag
  7. Complete final paperwork

Let's walk through each step in detail.

Step-by-Step Process​

Step 1: Getting Into the System​

  1. Log into your ETR system
  2. Look for the main dashboard
  3. Find the "New Registration" or similar button

Step 2: Choosing What to Do​

You'll have two main options:

  • Issue a new temporary tag
  • Transfer an existing plate to the new vehicle

Not sure which to pick? Just ask your customer if they want to keep their current plate or get a new one.

Step 3: Vehicle Details​

Now you'll enter information about the car:

  • VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
  • Make and model
  • Year
  • Vehicle type
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Double-check the VIN! Even one wrong digit can cause serious problems. Always verify against the physical VIN plate or scan the barcode if possible.

Step 4: Customer Information​

You'll need:

  • Full legal name (exactly as shown on ID)
  • Driver's license number
  • Current address
  • Phone number
  • Email address
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Common mistakes to avoid:

  • Using nicknames instead of legal names
  • Not verifying the current address
  • Forgetting to update old customer information

Step 5: Insurance Details​

You'll need to enter:

  • Insurance company name
  • Policy number
  • Effective dates
tip

Take a photo or scan of the insurance card - it's easier than typing everything by hand and helps prevent errors.

Step 6: Creating the Tag​

  1. Review all information one last time
  2. Generate the temporary tag
  3. Print it on your special tag paper
  4. Check that the printing is clear and readable

If the printing isn't perfect, it's better to print again than give out a hard-to-read tag.

Step 7: Finishing Up​

Before your customer drives away:

  1. Give them their temporary registration paperwork
  2. Explain when it expires (30 days from issue)
  3. Let them know when to expect their permanent registration
  4. Make sure they have your contact information for questions

Making Life Easier​

Many dealers find that using a modern dealer management system helps streamline this process.

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My Dealer Jacket helps you:

  • Get guided through each step
  • Avoid common mistakes
  • Save customer information securely
  • Print perfect tags every time

Quick Troubleshooting Guide​

When things don't go as planned, try these quick fixes:

If the system isn't responding:

  • Log out and back in
  • Clear your browser cache
  • Check your internet connection

For printer problems:

  • Verify paper orientation
  • Check printer connections
  • Make sure you have tag paper loaded

When information isn't saving:

  • Look for red error messages
  • Check required fields
  • Try refreshing the page

Remember​

Take your time - accuracy is more important than speed. Your first few temporary tags might take a little longer as you learn the process - that's completely normal! Soon it'll become second nature.

Every successful dealer started right where you are. Using the right tools and following these steps will help you build a professional, reliable dealership from day one.