Where to get your license plate and what you need to bring
You get your license plate from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. You cannot buy one from a dealer or online retailer. The DMV issues the plate itself and assigns the number to your vehicle.
Before you go, gather these documents: your vehicle's title (or proof of ownership), proof of insurance, a completed registration form (usually form MV-14 or similar, depending on your state), and a valid ID. Some states also require a bill of sale or the dealer's paperwork showing the vehicle identification number (VIN). Call your local DMV office or check the state website to confirm what your state requires — requirements differ.
You will also need to pay registration fees. These vary widely by state, vehicle type, and weight. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on the vehicle's age or value. Budget between $50 and $300 for a standard passenger vehicle, though some states charge more. Ask the DMV what the total will be before you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You must register your vehicle with your state's DMV or equivalent agency to receive a license plate; dealers cannot issue one.
- Bring your vehicle title, proof of insurance, a completed registration form, and a valid ID to the DMV office.
- Registration fees vary by state and vehicle type, typically ranging from $50 to $300 for a standard car.
- You can register in person at a DMV office, by mail in some states, or online through your state's DMV website if that option is available.
- Temporary plates from the dealer are valid for a limited time — usually 30 to 60 days — so register before they expire.
Registering in person at the DMV office
Walk into your local DMV office with your documents and fee payment. You will likely need to take a number and wait. The process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. The staff member will verify your documents, confirm the VIN matches your vehicle, and process your registration.
You will receive a registration certificate and temporary plates on the spot, or the DMV will mail your permanent plates to your address within one to three weeks. Some states give you the permanent plate when ready if you are present. Ask the DMV staff what to expect for your state before you leave.
If you cannot visit in person, check whether your state allows mail-in registration. Some states do; others require you to appear at an office. A few states now offer online registration for certain vehicle types, though you may still need to visit once to verify the VIN in person.
Using temporary plates while you wait for permanent ones
The dealer gives you temporary plates (also called dealer plates or transit plates) when you buy the vehicle. These are valid for 30 to 60 days, depending on your state. They allow you to drive legally while the DMV processes your registration and mails your permanent plate.
Temporary plates are usually paper and go in the rear window. Do not lose them or let them get wet — you need them to prove the vehicle is registered. If your temporary plates expire before your permanent plate arrives, contact the DMV when ready. Some states will issue an extension; others will not. Register early to avoid this problem.
Once your permanent plate arrives in the mail, remove the temporary plate and install the permanent one on the front and rear of your vehicle (or rear only, depending on your state). Keep the registration certificate in your vehicle at all times.
What happens if you miss the temporary plate important date
If your temporary plates expire and your permanent plate has not arrived, you are driving without valid registration. This can result in a traffic stop, a fine, or both. Contact your DMV office when ready and explain the delay. Some states will issue a replacement temporary plate or an extension.
If the delay is the DMV's fault — for example, if they lost your paperwork — they may waive the fine or issue a courtesy extension. If the delay is yours — you did not register on time — you may still face a citation. The best protection is to register within the first two weeks after purchase, which gives the DMV time to mail your plate before the temporary one expires.
Specialty plates and vanity plates
Standard license plates are issued automatically when you register. If you want a vanity plate (a custom number or letter combination) or a specialty plate (supporting a cause, military service, or state park), you order these separately through the DMV, usually for an additional fee between $25 and $100.
Vanity plates take longer to process — typically four to eight weeks — because the DMV must check that your requested combination is not already taken. Order a vanity plate only if you do not need to drive when ready after purchase. You can register with a standard plate first and request a vanity plate later.
Specialty plates (such as those supporting wildlife conservation or veterans) are available in most states and often cost the same as a standard plate or slightly more. The extra fee usually goes to the organization the plate supports. You can choose a specialty plate when you register, and it will be processed at the same time as your standard registration.
Renewing your license plate each year
License plates do not expire, but your vehicle registration does. In most states, registration must be renewed every one or two years. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice before your registration expires, usually 30 to 60 days in advance.
You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your state. Renewal by mail or online is faster and requires only your registration certificate, proof of insurance, and payment. You do not need a new plate unless yours is damaged, lost, or stolen. If you renew online or by mail, the DMV will send you a new registration certificate and a sticker to place on your current plate, showing the new expiration date.
If your plate is damaged or unreadable, request a replacement plate from the DMV. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail, or you can pick it up in person the same day.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate
If your plate is lost or stolen, report it to the police and then contact the DMV. You will need to provide a police report number or file a theft report with the DMV. The DMV will issue a replacement plate, usually within one to two weeks by mail or same-day if you pick it up in person.
Replacement plates cost between $10 and $30, depending on your state. If your plate is damaged but still readable, you can continue using it until your next registration renewal. If it is unreadable or missing pieces, request a replacement when ready — driving with an unreadable plate can result in a traffic citation.
If you move to a different state, you will need new plates from your new state's DMV. Register your vehicle in the new state within the timeframe required by that state (usually 30 to 90 days after moving). You will receive new plates with your new state's format and design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license plate before I register?
No. The dealer provides temporary plates specifically so you can drive legally while waiting for permanent registration. Driving without temporary or permanent plates is illegal and can result in a fine or vehicle impound. Register when ready after purchase.
What if the DMV sends the wrong plate?
Contact the DMV office that processed your registration and report the error. Provide your registration number and VIN. The DMV will issue a corrected plate at no charge and may ask you to return the incorrect one. This usually takes one to two weeks.
Do I need to visit the DMV in person to register?
Not always. Many states allow mail-in or online registration for standard vehicles. Check your state's DMV website to see which methods are available. Some states require an in-person visit only if you are registering a vehicle for the first time in that state or if you are a new resident.
Can I transfer my old plate to a new vehicle?
Some states allow plate transfers; others do not. If your state allows it, you can usually transfer a standard plate to a new vehicle by registering the new vehicle and requesting the transfer. Vanity plates can often be transferred, but specialty plates may not be. Check your state's DMV website or call to ask.
What if I buy a vehicle out of state?
You must register the vehicle in your home state within 30 to 90 days of purchase (the timeframe varies by state). Bring your out-of-state title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a completed registration form to your local DMV. You will receive new plates with your home state's design.