Documents and information you'll need before you go
To get license plates, you need proof of ownership, proof of identity, and proof that your vehicle passes inspection in your state. The exact documents vary by state, but the three categories stay the same. Most states require you to bring these in person to your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State office, or equivalent agency — you cannot mail in the full process for a new registration.
Start by checking your state's DMV website for the specific list. Search "[your state] DMV license plate requirements" or "[your state] vehicle registration documents needed". The site will tell you which documents they accept and whether you need originals, certified copies, or photocopies. Some states accept digital copies on your phone; others do not.
Key Takeaways
- You need proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), a valid government-issued ID, and proof your vehicle passed inspection — the exact documents depend on your state.
- Most states require you to appear in person at the DMV or equivalent office; mailing in an process alone will not work.
- If you are financing the vehicle, the lender's name appears on the title, and you may need a letter from them or their signature on the process.
- Bring proof of address (utility bill, lease, or insurance declaration) because most states verify where you live before issuing plates.
- Processing times range from same-day to several weeks depending on your state and whether the office is busy; check your state's website for current wait times.
Proof of ownership: title, bill of sale, or both
Your proof of ownership is usually the vehicle title — the legal document showing who owns the car. If you bought the vehicle new from a dealer, the dealer gives you the title process or a temporary registration; you then take that to the DMV to get the permanent title and plates. If you bought used from a private seller, the seller signs the back of their title and gives it to you, and you bring that signed title to the DMV.
If you do not have the title yet (for example, the seller lost it or the lender has it), most states accept a bill of sale — a written record of the sale signed by both buyer and seller — as temporary proof while you request a replacement title. The DMV will tell you the form to use; many states have an official bill of sale form on their website, but a handwritten agreement with the date, vehicle details, price, and both signatures usually works.
If you are financing the vehicle, the lender's name is listed on the title as a lienholder. You do not need the lender's signature to register the vehicle, but some states require a letter from the lender confirming they hold the lien. Check your state's requirements before you go.
Government-issued ID and proof of address
Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The ID must not be expired, though some states accept IDs that expired within the last year. If your name on the ID does not match the name on the title (for example, you changed your name after buying the vehicle), bring a document proving the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Most states also require proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, insurance declaration, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. If you recently moved and do not have a document yet, some states accept a temporary address affidavit that you sign at the DMV. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what they accept.
Vehicle inspection and safety certificate
Most states require your vehicle to pass a safety inspection before you can register it. The inspection checks that your lights, brakes, windshield wipers, and emissions systems work. You take the vehicle to an authorized inspection station (often a mechanic, auto parts store, or state facility), pay a fee that ranges from $10 to $50 depending on your state, and receive a certificate or sticker showing the vehicle passed.
Some states do not require an inspection for new vehicles in their first year of registration. A few states have no inspection requirement at all. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you need one and where to get it done. If you do need an inspection, get it done before you go to the DMV — you will need the certificate or sticker number when you register.
Fees and payment method
Registration and plate fees vary widely by state, vehicle type, and vehicle weight. A typical passenger car registration costs between $50 and $200 per year, but some states charge more. Specialty plates (vanity plates, environmental plates, or plates supporting a cause) cost extra — usually $25 to $100 more per year. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee for your vehicle.
Most DMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some accept only certain payment methods, so call ahead or check the website. If you are mailing in a renewal (which you can do in most states after your first registration), send a check or money order — do not send cash.
What to bring if someone else is on the title
If two people own the vehicle and both names are on the title, both owners usually need to be present at the DMV to register it. Some states allow one owner to sign a power of attorney form giving the other owner permission to register on their behalf, but this varies. Call your local DMV office to ask whether both owners must appear or whether a signed form is enough.
If you are registering a vehicle you inherited, bring the title plus a copy of the death certificate and the will or court order showing you inherited it. The process is the same as a regular registration, but the DMV needs proof of the ownership transfer.
Timing and what happens next
Processing times depend on your state and how busy the office is. Some DMV offices issue plates the same day; others take two to four weeks. Check your state's website or call your local office for current wait times. If you need plates urgently, some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee.
When you register, you receive a registration certificate (also called a registration card or proof of registration) and license plates. Keep the registration certificate in your vehicle — you are required to show it if a police officer stops you. The plates go on the front and back of your vehicle (or just the back in some states). Your registration is valid for one to three years depending on your state; your registration certificate shows the expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a vehicle if I do not have a driver's license?
Yes. You need a government-issued ID, but it does not have to be a driver's license. A state ID card, passport, or military ID works. You do not need to be licensed to drive in order to own and register a vehicle.
What if the seller will not sign the title?
If you bought the vehicle but the seller refuses to sign the title, you cannot legally register it. Contact your state's DMV or Attorney General's office — they can tell you what steps to take. In some cases, you may be able to file a complaint or request a replacement title if you have proof of purchase.
Do I need insurance before I register the vehicle?
Most states require you to have insurance before you register. Some DMV offices check your insurance status during registration. Even if your state does not check at registration, you must have insurance before you drive the vehicle on public roads. Get a quote and purchase a policy before you go to the DMV.
Can I get temporary plates while I wait for permanent ones?
Many states issue temporary registration or temporary plates that are valid for 30 to 90 days while you wait for permanent plates to arrive. Ask at the DMV whether this is available in your state. Temporary plates let you drive legally while the permanent plates are being made.
What if I move to a different state?
You must register your vehicle in your new state within a set time — usually 30 to 90 days after you move. Bring your current registration, title, proof of address in the new state, and a safety inspection certificate if required. Your old plates are no longer valid once you register in the new state.