69 days, still no tags. What next?

[Tom_C]

I bought the ranger on Saturday, March 27. As of today I still have not received the tags. I called the dealer after a month to ask what was up and they hadn't processed the paperwork. I had to get emissions tested, which I did that day, provided all the info they asked and said I'd received the tags in the mail.

2 weeks ago I emailed them, no reply. My temp tags expired May 26. 2 days ago I emailed again. They've ghosted me. Now my credit union is starting to bug me that they haven't received whatever documentation that the title has been registered.

I will probably receive the tags today, as soon as I start researching my next steps. I bought the truck 2+ hours away, so the dealer may think they will never see me again so why bother with all that customer service crap.

What do I do next?

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[Nevada_Bob]

This isn't a customer service issue, it's a legal issue. Title needs to be conveyed, lien-holder needs to be secure and taxes / fees need to be paid.

Quit posting on the interwebz and get on the phone with the dealer business office. Don't hang-up until the issue is resolved.

 

[AzScorpion]

I don't know if it'll help but try calling Ford corporate. Tell them you're getting nowhere with the dealer and your tags are expired. They might be able to at least contact the dealer and light a fire under them.

 

[Rocketeer61]

Call your state's DMV. They'll be very interested to hear about this. I'm also betting that the dealership has done this more than once.

 

[RedlandRanger]

Wow - that is a whole other level of poor customer service...... I'd agree - get on the phone with the business office of the dealer.

I know here in Oregon they've been pretty lax about enforcing expired tags, licenses, etc due to covid and the DMV shutdowns and/or requiring an appointment to get anything. My wife drove her car with expired tags for a couple months since DMV was shutdown for a while last year.

Good luck - hope you get it resolved.

 

[JeffWoodall]

Is this some rinky dink lot somewhere? If it's not, it's nuts that this has happened with you.
If you get stopped, just show the paperwork from the sale, and I'd have the emails sent, etc. and I can't think of any officer that would cite you, as this is not your fault. Second, I'd drive down to that lot, record every word said (of course maintaining your composure), get another temp tag (which they can do), and advise DMV of what these jacklegs are doing. If this is a big dealership, I'd call Ford corporate and tell them that this dealership can't even do registration paperwork correctly. When I purchased my Ranger, they took my specialty tag from my F150, and I had my new registration with my ranger on it within 5 days. After all of this is over, I'd write a review they will never forget. These Dealerships and their bosses really look at the reviews.

 

[eds21]

Call the DMV. They can look up your truck by the VIN. They can tell you what has been done so far and, like someone else said, they will be very interested to hear what is going on. I had to do the same with mine after two months and no plates or registration. Made a call to the DMV and then the dealer and I had everything from the dealer in about 7 days.

 

[Tom_C]

Thanks all. I’m on my phone so this will be short, but I’ll update later.

Short version, called the dealer, calmly explained my displeasure, got general manager to send me a tag overnight. Still waiting on permanent tags but they said they’re waiting on them from the Virginia DMV

and not rinkydink lot, but 2-3 hours away.

 

[Hickesy]

I bought the ranger on Saturday, March 27. As of today I still have not received the tags. I called the dealer after a month to ask what was up and they hadn't processed the paperwork. I had to get emissions tested, which I did that day, provided all the info they asked and said I'd received the tags in the mail.

2 weeks ago I emailed them, no reply. My temp tags expired May 26. 2 days ago I emailed again. They've ghosted me. Now my credit union is starting to bug me that they haven't received whatever documentation that the title has been registered.

I will probably receive the tags today, as soon as I start researching my next steps. I bought the truck 2+ hours away, so the dealer may think they will never see me again so why bother with all that customer service crap.

What do I do next?

Just had a letter from dealership saying it may be 6-7 months before I get plates? (Oregon). Is this fine or should I do something?

 

[RedlandRanger]

Just had a letter from dealership saying it may be 6-7 months before I get plates? (Oregon). Is this fine or should I do something?

I would say it depends on where the delay is - if it is the dealer then it is a problem but if it is because the DMV is backed up (meaning all the paperwork has been filed), you should be fine.

We renewed the tags for one of our vehicles last year - all via mail and it was pretty quick - like a week or so. I'm surprised they are saying that long - I thought things had gotten better recently. Maybe they are just giving you worst case scenario.

 

[slowmachine]

I have seen dealers sell cars for which they don’t yet have a title. If you are not the first owner, this could take a while.

 

[Hickesy]

I would say it depends on where the delay is - if it is the dealer then it is a problem but if it is because the DMV is backed up (meaning all the paperwork has been filed), you should be fine.

We renewed the tags for one of our vehicles last year - all via mail and it was pretty quick - like a week or so. I'm surprised they are saying that long - I thought things had gotten better recently. Maybe they are just giving you worst case scenario.

Thanks.

 

[LoneRNGR]

I bought the ranger on Saturday, March 27. As of today I still have not received the tags.

Is this a new Ranger or preowned?
If this is new, then there is a big problem. Are you waiting to make you first payment? If so, then you need to send a payment by certified mail to the dealership.

If this is preowned, then it’s an issue that needs to be cleared up soon, but laws vary a lot in different States.

 

[Megawatt]

In Nevada the DMV was practicing the 6’ distance. Not just for customers but for the DMV workers. That meant half of the work space disappeared. And they only allowed appointment made online. And every DMV office in Las Vegas was booked solid for every time slot for 3 months. Three months is all the online system would let you see.

I paid a DMV specialist ( the guys who handle all the paperwork for you and get your plates.). Cost me $70 and they provide a document that proves a state recognized DMV expediter is actively working on obtaining DMV regeristration. If pulled over for expired temp plates all I had to do is show the paper from the DMV service guys. Cops here know DMV is backed up, and there hasn’t been a ticket given to any of the customers showing proof of work in progress.

I got my US Army veteran plates 72 days after my 2021 Ranger purchase. I live in Nevada and bought the truck in Texas for additional paperwork and hassle. Now I see temp tags 4 months old running the streets. Look around and I bet you notice long overdue temp tags.

Short version is get something from someone that says regeristration in progress if it makes you feel better.

 

[wetidlerjr]

Thanks all. I’m on my phone so this will be short, but I’ll update later.
Short version, called the dealer, calmly explained my displeasure, got general manager to send me a tag overnight. Still waiting on permanent tags but they said they’re waiting on them from the Virginia DMV
and not rinkydink lot, but 2-3 hours away.

My dealer (in Indiana) was as quick as could be expected and even sent info, etc. to the IN BMV that I would have had to do myself in the past. All in all, it was quick and painless.
It sounds like you will have another temp plate soon but I would stay on top of this from now on. These days you have to be proactive.
Good luck!

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