What Louisiana license plates cost and where to get them
Louisiana license plates cost between $28 and $198 per year depending on the plate type you choose, with standard plates at the lower end and specialty plates higher. You buy them through your parish tax assessor's office, not through the DMV — Louisiana doesn't have a traditional DMV. The tax assessor handles vehicle registration, title transfers, and plate issuance for your parish.
When you register a vehicle in Louisiana, you must do it in the parish where you live or where the vehicle is garaged. You'll need your vehicle's title, proof of insurance, and a completed Form VEH 343 (process for Louisiana Motor Vehicle Registration). If you're buying a used car from a dealer, they often handle the initial paperwork, but you still go to the tax assessor to finalize registration and get your plates.
Plates are issued for a calendar year (January through December) and must be renewed annually. You can renew by mail, online through your parish tax assessor's website, or in person. Most parishes allow online renewal if you have no changes to your vehicle information and your insurance is current.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Louisiana plates cost $28 per year; specialty plates range from $35 to $198 depending on the design and cause.
- You register vehicles and buy plates through your parish tax assessor's office, not a state DMV office.
- New registrations require your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and a completed VEH 343 form submitted to your parish assessor.
- Plates expire on December 31 each year and can be renewed online, by mail, or in person through your parish assessor.
- Specialty plates support causes like wildlife conservation, military service, or universities, but cost more than standard plates.
Standard plates versus specialty plates in Louisiana
Louisiana offers a standard white plate with blue lettering and the state name, which costs $28 per year. This is the baseline option and the most common plate on the road.
Specialty plates are available for a higher annual fee and support specific causes or organizations. Examples include the Coastal Restoration plate, Military Veteran plate, Louisiana State University plate, and Wildlife Refuge plate. Specialty plate fees typically range from $35 to $198 per year, with the extra cost going to the organization or cause the plate supports. You choose your specialty plate type when you register or renew, and you can switch between specialty plates or back to standard at any renewal.
Some specialty plates have additional requirements. For example, the Military Veteran plate requires proof of military service. The Collegiate plates require proof of enrollment or alumni status. Check with your parish tax assessor about which specialty plates are currently available and what documentation each one needs.
How to register a new vehicle in Louisiana
When you buy a new or used vehicle in Louisiana, you have 30 days to register it. Start by going to your parish tax assessor's office with your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and a completed VEH 343 form. If you bought from a dealer, ask whether they've already started the paperwork — many dealers submit the title process on your behalf, but you still need to complete registration and pay fees at the assessor's office.
Bring a photo ID and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). If the vehicle title is held by a lender, bring documentation showing the lien. The tax assessor will verify your information, collect the registration fee and plate fee, and issue your plates on the spot or mail them to you within a few days, depending on your parish's process.
If you're registering a vehicle from out of state, you'll need the out-of-state title and a bill of sale or purchase agreement. Louisiana will issue you a new title and plates. Some parishes allow you to start this process online, but you'll still need to visit in person to sign documents and pay fees.
Renewing your Louisiana plates each year
Your plates expire on December 31 each year. You can renew starting November 1 of the year before expiration. Most parishes allow online renewal through their tax assessor website if your vehicle information hasn't changed and your insurance is current. Online renewal typically takes a few minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal.
If you prefer to renew by mail, contact your parish tax assessor for a renewal form. Mail it back with your payment, and your new plates or renewal sticker will be mailed to you. Processing by mail usually takes one to two weeks.
You can also renew in person at your parish tax assessor's office. Bring your current registration card and proof of insurance. If you're switching plate types (from standard to specialty, or between specialty plates), you'll need to renew in person or online, not by mail.
What happens if your plates expire or are lost
Driving with expired plates is illegal in Louisiana and can result in a traffic citation. If your plates expire, renew them as soon as possible. If you're past the December 31 important date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee depending on your parish's policy.
If your plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your parish tax assessor to request replacement plates. You'll pay a replacement fee (typically $5 to $10) and receive new plates with the same number. If your plates were stolen, you may want to file a police report, though it's not required to get replacements.
If you move to a different parish within Louisiana, you don't need new plates, but you should update your address with your new parish tax assessor. If you move out of state, you'll need to register your vehicle in your new state and return your Louisiana plates to your parish assessor.
Vanity plates and personalized plates in Louisiana
Louisiana allows personalized plates with custom letter and number combinations. You can request a vanity plate when you register or renew. The cost is $28 for the standard plate plus an additional $25 per year for the personalization. You submit your desired combination to your parish tax assessor, and they check availability. If your choice is already taken or violates content rules, you'll be asked to choose another.
Vanity plates must be between 2 and 7 characters and cannot contain profanity, slurs, or content that promotes illegal activity. The tax assessor's office will reject requests that violate these rules. Processing a vanity plate request typically takes one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register my vehicle online in Louisiana?
Some parishes allow you to start registration online, but you must visit the tax assessor's office in person to sign documents, verify your identity, and pay fees. You cannot complete the entire process online. Check your parish tax assessor's website to see what services they offer online.
What if I buy a vehicle from a private seller instead of a dealer?
Get a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller, and bring it to your parish tax assessor along with the title, proof of insurance, and your ID. The assessor will process the title transfer and issue new registration and plates. You have 30 days from the purchase date to complete this.
Do I need to get new plates if I move within Louisiana?
No, your plates remain valid if you move to a different parish. However, you should update your address with your new parish tax assessor's office. When you renew your registration, you can do it through your new parish.
How long do Louisiana license plates last?
Plates are issued for one calendar year and expire on December 31. You renew annually. The physical plate itself can last many years, but you get a new registration sticker each year that goes on the plate.
What's the difference between a registration and a license plate?
Your registration is the official record that your vehicle is legally registered in Louisiana. Your license plate is the physical metal plate on your vehicle that displays your registration number. Both are issued by your parish tax assessor and both expire on December 31 each year.