What it means
The baja de placas cancels the vehicle’s registration in one state and produces a receipt used to register it in another. It is a common step when buying out-of-state cars.
Why it matters
Without the previous state’s deregistration, several states will not issue new plates. And while the plates remain in the seller’s name, fines and liability still point at them.
What to check
- If the car is from another state, ask who will handle the deregistration and with which documents.
- Verify that plates and registration card match the state of record.
- Keep the deregistration receipt: you will need it for registration and re-plating.
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