Without involving the Dealer/Finance company (BMW FS)?
One of my plates was stolen so I need to get new plate numbers, but I’m unsure if I need the title or some other piece of documentation to do this. It’s impossible to get anyone at DMV on the phone so I wasn’t able to find out from them.
BMW FS is the name on the registration, so no.
Yes. I think you can do it online in most states as a replacement. I done it in NC many times from regular plates to custom
You don’t need to get them involved to change plates, because the registered owner doesn’t change nor does anything title related.
Awesome, thank you. I have an appointment at DMV and the police station on Thursday so I’ll post back my results.
My BMW lease reg in NJ has their name. I promise.
So does mine but they don’t need to know if you changed plates. Only if you go out of state they do so they can get updated title
Correct, the lease trust goes on NJ reg.
But BMWFS should be able to help you take the necessary documentation.
Do you have personal experience registering leases in NJ?
Noted. Calling BMWFS first thing in the morning.
For NJ the bank is on the registration.
So weird, last one I saw I would have sworn it was the same as NY, I stand corrected!
Even in NC, we get two different cards. One with my name and other with banks name.
I just switched one of my cars from NJ to NC. Had no issues and didn’t tell the bank. I just let insurance know. That’s all
You are going to see a change in your lease payment if NC taxes lease payments. Just changed from DE to MD and lease payment dropped by $15 a month because MD does not tax payments.
Plate number is on the reg. You can’t change plates without their involvement/knowledge.
Right. I said “no” to OP’s question if it could be done without their involvement. They definitely need to be, and may even need to do it entirely. I’d be curious to read about the resolution.
Some new info. Firstly, my name is kind of on the registration. The car is registered to Financial Serv Veh Trust but I am listed as the LESSEE.
So, I made a few calls today and here is what I was told:
BMWFS said that they did not think I would need anything more than the registration I already have in order to change plate numbers. They are mailing me a power of attorney just in case, and also said they can fax it directly to the MVC when I’m at my appointment (if need be).
I was able to get NJ MVC on the phone and they agreed that I would not need anything more than the current registration, insurance, and driver’s license to perform the license plate number change/replacement. They said I would only need more documentation if I was doing a title change or coming from another state.
I would not be shocked if I am told something completely different when I show up to my MVC appointment tomorrow.
In the meantime I am driving around in the nearly 30 year old M3 in the snow on summer tires. Wish me luck!
I will post back my findings tomorrow.
Power of Attorney is most definitely needed
Driving with one plate (on the rear obv) is way safer.
First of all the chance of getting pulled over before getting new plates is pretty small. Even if you did get pulled over, you have the MVC appointment and other paperwork to show that you’re proactively taking care of it.
Update!
I was able to do it without needing the PoA letter. All I needed was the existing registration that showed me as the lessee. I got new plates with new numbers and a new registration card.
