In reply to Japanspec :
Naw, you can get REAL tags from a PA notary. They are issued stacks of numerical-order plates from the state, so they put a real aluminum plate in your hands in 15 minutes. The only time you would get temp tags is if they ran out of plates.
You walk in with title, ID, insurance card, and money, and 15 minutes later, the entire process is done electronically and you're finished. Title shows up in the mail 3 weeks later.
Edit: You may encounter the very occasional hiccup where the link between the notary's computer and PennDOT's is down, but that won't stop them. They'll get out an old fashioned pink slip and fill it out by hand. You walk out with a real tag and a temp registration card. Real reg card comes in the mail in a couple weeks.
The bottom line is, it's a one-stop shop and everything is done. Even if their computer is on fire and the fire truck is on its way, they can do it all with a candle and a quill if they need to. Call insurance within 30 days to add it to your policy.
