Where temporary plates come from
Temporary license plates come from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the same place that issues permanent plates. In most states, you get them at a DMV office in person, though some states now allow you to request them online or by mail. A few states let car dealers issue temporary plates on the lot when you buy a vehicle.
The source depends on your situation. If you're buying a car from a dealer, the dealer often handles the temporary plates as part of the sale. If you're buying from a private seller, registering a vehicle you already own, or waiting for permanent plates to arrive by mail, you go directly to the DMV.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV office is the primary source for temporary plates, though some dealers can issue them at the point of sale.
- You typically need proof of purchase or ownership, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to get temporary plates in person.
- Processing time ranges from same-day to a few days, depending on whether you go in person or request them by mail or online.
- Temporary plates are valid for a set period — usually 30 to 90 days — and you must display them exactly as your state requires.
- If you buy from a dealer, ask whether they issue temporary plates or whether you need to visit the DMV yourself.
Getting temporary plates at a DMV office
Walk into your local DMV office with your proof of purchase (bill of sale or purchase agreement), proof of insurance, and a valid ID. Hand these to the clerk and tell them you need temporary plates. They will run your information, collect any required fees, and issue you a temporary registration document and plates on the spot — usually within an hour.
Bring the original documents, not copies, unless the DMV website for your state says otherwise. Some states require the vehicle's title or a completed registration form; check your state DMV website before you go so you don't make a wasted trip. The fee for temporary plates varies by state but is typically between $10 and $50.
Getting temporary plates by mail or online
Some states let you request temporary plates online through the DMV website. You upload photos of your documents, pay the fee by credit card, and the DMV mails the temporary registration and plates to you. This route takes longer — usually five to ten business days — so it only works if you don't need to drive the vehicle when ready.
A few states allow you to print a temporary registration document online and display it in your window while you wait for physical plates to arrive. Check your state DMV website to see whether this option exists where you live. If your state doesn't offer online requests, you can mail in the same documents you'd bring in person, though this is slower than going to an office.
Getting temporary plates from a car dealer
When you buy a car from a licensed dealer, the dealer often issues temporary plates as part of the sale paperwork. This happens at the dealership before you leave the lot. The dealer sends your registration information to the DMV and gives you a temporary registration document and plates valid for 30 to 60 days while the DMV processes your permanent registration.
Not all dealers issue temporary plates — some require you to visit the DMV yourself. Ask the dealer directly before you finalize the purchase. If the dealer does issue them, confirm the expiration date and whether you need to do anything else at the DMV. If the dealer doesn't, you'll need to go to the DMV before you can legally drive the vehicle off the lot.
What documents you need
| Situation | Documents to bring |
|---|---|
| Buying from a private seller | Bill of sale, proof of insurance, valid ID, completed registration form (if required by your state) |
| Buying from a dealer | Driver's license, proof of insurance; dealer handles the rest |
| Registering a vehicle you already own | Title or proof of ownership, proof of insurance, valid ID, completed registration form (if required) |
| Requesting by mail | Copies of all documents listed above, plus a check or money order for the fee |
How long temporary plates last
Temporary plates are valid for a set number of days, not months. Most states issue them for 30, 60, or 90 days — your state DMV will tell you the exact period when you receive them. The expiration date is printed on the temporary registration document or the plate itself.
You must have your permanent plates before the temporary ones expire. If your permanent plates haven't arrived by the expiration date, return to the DMV and request an extension. Some states allow one extension; others allow multiple. Do not drive with expired temporary plates — you can be cited for it.
What happens if you don't get temporary plates
Driving without valid plates — temporary or permanent — is illegal in every state. If you're stopped, you can be cited for operating an unregistered vehicle, which carries fines and may result in your vehicle being impounded. Some states also suspend your registration or driver's license if you drive unregistered.
If you buy a vehicle and the dealer doesn't issue temporary plates, you cannot legally drive it home. You must either have the dealer issue them, go to the DMV before leaving the lot, or arrange for the vehicle to be transported. Do not assume you have a grace period — you don't.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary registration document instead of physical plates?
In some states, yes. A few states allow you to display a printed temporary registration in your window while waiting for physical plates. Other states require physical plates. Check your state DMV website or call the office to confirm what's required where you live.
What if my temporary plates expire before my permanent plates arrive?
Go back to the DMV and request an extension. Most states allow at least one extension, and some allow multiple. Bring your temporary registration document and proof that you've ordered permanent plates. Do not drive with expired temporary plates.
Do I need temporary plates if I'm towing a vehicle home?
No. If the vehicle is being towed or transported on a trailer, it does not need to be registered or plated. Once you own it and plan to drive it on public roads, you need temporary plates before you can legally operate it.
Can I get temporary plates the same day I buy a car?
Yes, if you go to the DMV in person or if the dealer issues them. Same-day service is standard at most DMV offices. Online and mail requests take longer — usually five to ten business days.
What if I lose my temporary plates before they expire?
Contact your state DMV when ready and report them lost. You may be able to get replacement temporary plates the same day at an office, or you may need to request them by mail. Do not drive without valid plates while waiting for replacements.