What California's new plates look like and when you'll see them

California introduced a redesigned license plate in 2023 called the Legacy plate, which features the state flag and bear on the left side with a modernized font and layout. The plate is optional — you can keep your current plate or switch to the new design when you renew your registration. Most drivers won't be forced to change unless their current plate is damaged or their registration expires and they choose the new design at renewal.

The state also continues to issue digital license plates through a company called Reviver, which display your registration information on an electronic screen instead of a static metal plate. These are available but not required, and they cost extra — typically several hundred dollars upfront plus an annual subscription fee.

If you have a vanity plate, a commercial plate, or a specialty plate (like those for veterans or environmental vehicles), your options for the new design depend on the specific plate type. Some specialty plates have their own redesigned versions; others don't yet.

Key Takeaways

  • California's new Legacy plate is optional and only becomes your plate if you choose it during registration renewal or if you request it at the DMV.
  • Your current plate remains valid and legal; you do not have to switch to the new design unless you want to.
  • Digital plates from Reviver are a separate option that requires a subscription and is not required by the state.
  • Vanity and specialty plates may have limited availability in the new design, so check with the DMV about your specific plate type.
  • The new plate design does not change your registration cost or renewal timeline — it is purely a visual choice at renewal.

How to get the new Legacy plate when you renew

When your vehicle registration comes due, you will receive a renewal notice from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. On that notice or when you renew online at dmv.ca.gov, you will see an option to select your plate design. Choose the Legacy plate if you want the new look, or keep your current design if you prefer it.

If you want to switch to the new plate before your registration expires, you can request it at any DMV office or through the online renewal system. There is no additional fee to switch designs — you only pay your normal registration renewal cost. The DMV will mail your new plate to the address on file, which typically takes one to two weeks after approval.

If you have a vanity plate, check the DMV website or call your local office first. Not all vanity combinations are available in the new design yet, and you may need to wait or choose a different combination if yours is not yet supported.

Digital plates: how they work and what they cost

Reviver's digital plates display your registration number, expiration date, and other information on a small electronic screen mounted where a traditional plate would go. The screen updates automatically when your registration renews, and you can customize the display in some cases. The system uses GPS and cellular data to track your vehicle's location and send alerts if it is towed or stolen.

The upfront cost for a digital plate is typically $500 to $700, depending on the model. After that, you pay an annual subscription fee — usually $100 to $150 per year — to keep the service active. If you stop paying the subscription, the plate becomes inactive and you will need to switch back to a traditional metal plate.

Digital plates are legal in California but are not required. They are most useful if you move frequently between states, want real-time theft alerts, or prefer the novelty of the technology. For most drivers, a traditional plate — whether the old design or the new Legacy design — is simpler and costs nothing extra.

Specialty and vanity plates in the new design

California offers dozens of specialty plate designs for veterans, environmental advocates, college alumni, and other groups. The state has been rolling out Legacy versions of these plates gradually. Some specialty plates already have new designs available; others are still being developed or may not get a new version.

If you hold a vanity plate, the new design may not be available for your specific combination yet. The DMV maintains a list of available vanity combinations on its website. If your vanity plate is not yet available in the Legacy design, you have two choices: wait for it to become available and request it at a future renewal, or keep your current plate.

To find out whether your specialty or vanity plate has a Legacy version, visit dmv.ca.gov or call your local DMV office with your plate number or vanity combination. They can tell you whether the design is available now or expected in the future.

Why California redesigned the plates

The state updated the plate design to modernize the look of California's vehicle registration and to make the plates easier to read, especially for automated license plate readers used by law enforcement and parking systems. The new design also incorporates the California flag and bear more prominently, reflecting the state's identity.

The redesign was not driven by a change in registration law or a security requirement — it is primarily a visual refresh. The new plates work with all existing vehicle systems and do not affect your insurance, registration status, or any other aspect of vehicle ownership.

What happens to your old plate

If you switch to the new Legacy plate, your old plate becomes inactive. You do not need to return it to the DMV — you can keep it as a souvenir, recycle it, or dispose of it. Some people frame their old plates or keep them for sentimental reasons.

If you sell your vehicle, the new owner will need to register it in their name and can choose their own plate design at that time. The plate does not transfer with the car; it is tied to your registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get the new plate?

No. The new Legacy plate is optional. Your current plate remains valid and legal indefinitely. You only get the new design if you choose it during a registration renewal or request it at the DMV.

Will the new plate cost me more at renewal?

No. Switching to the new Legacy plate does not change your registration renewal fee. You pay the same amount whether you keep your old design or choose the new one. Digital plates from Reviver are a separate product with their own cost.

Can I get the new plate before my registration expires?

Yes. You can request the new plate at any DMV office or through online renewal at dmv.ca.gov, even if your registration is not yet due. There is no extra fee, and the DMV will mail your new plate within one to two weeks.

What if I have a vanity plate?

Not all vanity combinations are available in the new design yet. Check the DMV website or call your local office to see if your specific vanity plate has a Legacy version. If it does not, you can keep your current plate or choose a different vanity combination that is available in the new design.

Are digital plates required?

No. Digital plates from Reviver are optional and cost several hundred dollars upfront plus an annual subscription. Traditional metal plates — old or new design — are all that California requires.