What happens to your plates when you buy a new car
When you buy a new vehicle, you have a choice: keep your current license plates and transfer them to the new car, or get new plates issued. Most states allow plate transfer, but the process, timing, and fees vary. Some states make it straightforward — a form and a fee at the DMV counter. Others require the old vehicle to be removed from registration first, or charge more to transfer personalized plates than standard ones.
The key difference is whether you're transferring standard plates or vanity plates (personalized plates with a custom number or letter combination). Vanity plates almost always transfer, but may have additional requirements or fees. Standard plates transfer in most states, though a few states issue new plates with each vehicle registration instead.
You'll need the title or ownership document for both vehicles — the one you're keeping the plates from and the one you're putting them on. You'll also need proof that the old vehicle is no longer registered, or that you've surrendered the plates, depending on your state's rules.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow you to transfer plates to a new vehicle, but you must remove the old vehicle from registration or surrender the plates first.
- Vanity plates transfer in nearly all states, though some charge a separate transfer fee or require you to renew the vanity plate registration at the same time.
- You will need the title or ownership document for both vehicles and proof that the old vehicle is no longer registered.
- Processing time ranges from same-day at the counter to several weeks by mail, depending on your state and whether you're transferring standard or personalized plates.
- Some states charge no transfer fee, while others charge $5 to $25; vanity plate transfers often cost more than standard plate transfers.
Standard plates versus vanity plates
A standard plate is the regular license plate your state issues — usually with a combination of numbers and letters assigned by the DMV. These plates are tied to the vehicle registration, not to you personally. When you transfer a standard plate, you're moving that specific plate number from one vehicle to another, and the registration follows it.
A vanity plate (or personalized plate) is one you've paid extra for and chosen yourself — like a custom message or your initials. Vanity plates are registered in your name, not just to a vehicle. Because you own the plate itself, transfer is usually simpler: you keep the plate, register it to your new vehicle, and pay any renewal or transfer fee your state charges.
Standard plates transfer in most states, but a handful — including Missouri and South Carolina — issue new plates with each vehicle registration, so transfer isn't an option. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether standard plate transfer is available where you live.
Steps to transfer plates at the DMV
The exact order of steps depends on your state, but the general process is:
- Remove the old vehicle from registration. Visit your DMV in person or online, or mail in the required form. You'll need the old vehicle's title or registration. Some states call this "surrendering" the registration; others call it "removing" or "canceling" it. This step must happen before or at the same time as the plate transfer.
- Physically remove the plates from the old vehicle. Take the plates off the car. Some states require you to turn them in to the DMV; others let you keep them or destroy them. Check your state's rules before you remove them.
- Bring both vehicle titles and the plates to the DMV. If you're doing this in person, bring the title or ownership document for both the old and new vehicle, proof of insurance for the new vehicle, and the plates themselves (if your state requires you to turn them in). Bring your ID and any forms your state requires.
- Pay the transfer fee. This ranges from $0 to $25 depending on your state. Vanity plate transfers often cost more — sometimes $10 to $50 — and may require you to renew the vanity plate registration at the same time, which adds another fee.
- Receive confirmation and new registration. The DMV will issue a new registration document for the new vehicle with the transferred plate number. If you're transferring vanity plates, you'll receive a new vanity plate registration as well.
Some states allow you to start this process online or by mail, but most require at least one in-person visit to the DMV to physically transfer the plates or verify ownership of both vehicles.
What you need to bring to the DMV
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted. Here's what you'll typically need:
- Title or ownership document for the old vehicle (the one you're removing from registration)
- Title or ownership document for the new vehicle (the one receiving the plates)
- Current registration for the old vehicle
- Proof of insurance for the new vehicle
- The license plates themselves (if your state requires you to turn them in)
- Your driver's license or state ID
- Any forms your state's DMV requires — check the website before you go
- Payment for the transfer fee (cash, check, or card, depending on the DMV location)
If the old vehicle has a lien (meaning a bank or lender owns it until you pay off the loan), bring proof that the lien has been satisfied or that the lender has authorized the transfer. If the title is in someone else's name, bring a signed power of attorney or written authorization from that person.
Timing and processing
If you transfer plates in person at a DMV office, you may receive your new registration the same day. However, if you mail in the request or if your state processes transfers through a central office, expect 2 to 4 weeks.
Vanity plate transfers sometimes take longer — up to 6 weeks — because they require additional verification that the personalized plate is still available and that you're the registered owner. Some states process vanity transfers separately from standard registration.
During the processing period, you can usually drive the new vehicle with a temporary registration or a copy of your transfer request. Check your state's rules on temporary registration before you leave the DMV, and ask for written confirmation of what you've submitted so you have proof if you're stopped by police.
States that don't allow plate transfer
A small number of states issue new plates with every vehicle registration, so transferring your old plates to a new car is not an option. These states include Missouri and South Carolina. In these places, you'll surrender your old plates when you register the new vehicle, and you'll receive a new plate number.
If you have a vanity plate in one of these states, you may still be able to keep the personalized number or message by re-registering it on the new vehicle — but you'll receive a new physical plate with that personalization. The process and fees vary, so contact your state DMV directly.
If you're moving to a state that doesn't allow transfer and you have a vanity plate you want to keep, ask your current DMV whether you can place the plate on hold or renew it for future use, or whether you must surrender it.
Transferring plates when selling or trading in a vehicle
If you're selling your old vehicle to someone else, you must remove your plates before the sale is complete. The buyer will need to register the vehicle in their name and receive new plates (or transfer their own plates if your state allows it).
If you're trading in your vehicle at a dealership, the dealership will handle the registration and plate removal. You don't need to remove the plates yourself — the dealer will do it as part of the trade-in process. However, confirm this with the dealer before you leave, and ask for written confirmation that the old registration has been canceled.
In both cases, once the old vehicle is no longer registered to you, you can transfer your plates to your new vehicle using the standard process described above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my new car before the plate transfer is complete?
Yes, in most states. You'll receive a temporary registration or a copy of your transfer request that allows you to drive legally while the DMV processes the transfer. Ask the DMV clerk for written proof of your transfer request before you leave, and keep it in your vehicle. Some states issue temporary plates; others issue a paper registration slip.
What if I want to keep my old plates but sell the vehicle?
You must remove the plates before the sale. Once you remove them, you can transfer them to your new vehicle. The buyer will either use their own plates or receive new ones from the DMV, depending on your state's rules.
Do I have to transfer my plates, or can I get new ones?
In most states, transfer is optional — you can choose to get new plates instead. However, if you have a vanity plate, you'll want to transfer it to keep the personalized number or message. Standard plate transfer is usually cheaper than getting new plates, so check your state's fees before you decide.
What happens if I move to a different state?
You cannot transfer plates between states. When you move, you must register your vehicle in your new state and receive new plates. Surrender your old plates to your previous state's DMV or follow their instructions for out-of-state moves. If you have a vanity plate, you may be able to reserve the same personalized message in your new state, but you'll receive a new physical plate.
Can I transfer plates if the old vehicle still has a loan on it?
Yes, but you'll need written permission from the lender or proof that the lien has been satisfied. Bring this documentation to the DMV along with your other paperwork. The lender's name will appear on the title, and the DMV will verify that the lender has authorized the transfer before processing it.