License plates and tags are two separate things on your vehicle

Your license plate is the metal or plastic rectangle bolted to the front and back of your car. It displays a unique combination of letters and numbers assigned to your vehicle. Your tags — also called registration stickers or decals — are the small colored rectangles you stick to the plate itself, usually in the upper right corner. The tag shows the year your registration expires and proves you have paid your registration fee to the state.

The plate stays with the vehicle for years, sometimes for its entire life. The tag changes every year when you renew your registration. When you renew, you receive a new tag in the mail; you peel off the old one and stick the new one on top of it. Some states now issue digital registration instead of physical tags, but most still use the sticker system.

Police officers check both when they pull you over. An expired tag is a traffic violation in every state, even if your registration is technically current. A missing or obscured plate is also a violation. You need both the plate and the current year's tag to be legal on the road.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license plate is the permanent metal rectangle on your vehicle; your tag is the annual sticker that proves you paid registration fees that year.
  • Tags expire on a specific date each year, and driving with an expired tag is illegal even if your registration paperwork is current.
  • When you renew registration, the new tag arrives in the mail; you remove the old sticker and explore the new one to the same spot on your plate.
  • Some states now issue digital registration that appears in a database instead of a physical sticker, but you still need to renew annually.
  • Police can stop you for an expired tag alone, and you can receive a ticket even if you have already paid your renewal fee but have not yet received the new sticker.

How to read what your tag tells you

The tag displays the month and year your registration expires. If your tag shows "06 25," your registration expires in June 2025. The color of the tag changes each year so officers can spot expired tags at a glance without reading the numbers. Your state's DMV publishes the color schedule — for example, one state might use blue tags in 2024 and green tags in 2025.

The plate itself contains your vehicle's registration number, which is unique to that specific car. It does not change unless you move to a different state, request a vanity plate, or replace a damaged plate. Some states print the county name on the plate; others print the state motto or a design. The format varies by state — some use three letters and three numbers, others use different combinations.

Your plate also shows your state abbreviation and sometimes a validation sticker that proves you passed inspection (in states that require it). Do not confuse the inspection sticker with the registration tag; they are separate and serve different purposes.

What happens if your tag is expired or missing

An expired tag is a primary offense in most states, meaning a police officer can stop you solely because your tag is out of date. You do not have to be speeding or breaking any other law. The officer will likely issue you a citation, and the fine varies by state — typically between $25 and $200, though some states charge more.

If you have already paid your registration renewal but have not yet received the new tag in the mail, you are technically in violation during that gap. Some states allow a grace period of a few days after the expiration date, but most do not. If you know your tag is about to expire, renew early so the new tag arrives before the important date. If you are stopped during the waiting period, bring proof that you have already paid the renewal fee — your confirmation email or receipt — and explain that the tag is in the mail. The officer may issue a warning instead of a ticket, but this is not may provide.

A missing or obscured tag is also illegal. If your tag falls off or becomes unreadable, you should not drive the vehicle. Replace it when ready by contacting your state's DMV or the office that issued it. If your plate itself is damaged, bent, or faded to the point that the numbers are hard to read, you can request a replacement plate from your DMV.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate

If your plate is stolen or damaged, contact your state's DMV office in person or online. You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), proof of ownership, and your driver's license. Some states charge a replacement fee, usually $10 to $30. The DMV will issue you a new plate with the same registration number as the old one.

If you move to a different state, you will need new plates that display your new state's abbreviation. You cannot straightforward move your old plates to a vehicle registered in a new state. You must register your vehicle in the new state and receive new plates from that state's DMV. The process varies by state, but generally you will need your vehicle title, proof of residency in the new state, and proof of insurance.

If you want a vanity plate — a custom combination of letters and numbers instead of the standard random assignment — you can request one through your DMV. Vanity plates cost more than standard plates and may have a waiting period if the combination you want is popular. The plate itself still displays your state and registration number; it just uses your chosen letters and numbers instead of the default assignment.

Digital registration and paperless tags

Several states now offer digital registration, which means your registration information is stored in a state database instead of on a physical sticker. You do not receive a tag to put on your plate. Instead, law enforcement can look up your registration status by scanning your plate with their mobile device. If your state offers this, you still renew annually, but the process is entirely online and you do not receive anything in the mail.

Digital registration is optional in some states and mandatory in others. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your state uses it. If your state still requires physical tags, you cannot opt out — you must display the current year's sticker on your plate.

Even with digital registration, you still need a valid license plate on your vehicle. The plate itself does not expire; only your registration does. If your plate is damaged or stolen, you still need to replace it through your DMV.

Temporary tags and dealer plates

When you buy a new car from a dealer, you receive a temporary tag or dealer plate instead of permanent plates. This temporary tag is usually valid for 30 to 60 days, depending on your state. It allows you to drive the vehicle legally while you wait for your permanent plates to arrive in the mail. The temporary tag displays an expiration date, and you must not drive after that date expires.

Temporary tags are printed on paper and usually displayed in the rear window. They are easier to forge than permanent plates, so some states have tightened security features. If you lose your temporary tag before your permanent plates arrive, contact the dealer or your state's DMV when ready for a replacement.

Some states issue temporary metal plates instead of paper tags. These work the same way — they are valid for a set period and must be replaced with permanent plates once those arrive. Do not assume your temporary tag is still valid just because you have not received your permanent plates yet. Check the expiration date and renew if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired tag if I have already paid my registration renewal?

No. The tag itself is what proves your registration is current. Until you receive and display the new tag, you are technically driving with expired registration, even if you have paid the fee. Renew early so the new tag arrives before your current one expires.

What do I do if my tag falls off or gets damaged?

Contact your state's DMV and request a replacement tag. You will need your vehicle registration number and driver's license. Some states charge a small fee. Do not drive without a tag; it is a violation. In the meantime, you can often request a temporary tag or extension from the DMV to cover the gap.

Do I need a new plate if I move to a different state?

Yes. You must register your vehicle in your new state and receive new plates that display your new state's abbreviation. You cannot transfer plates between states. Register your vehicle with your new state's DMV within the timeframe required by that state, usually 30 to 90 days after moving.

What is the difference between a registration sticker and an inspection sticker?

A registration sticker (tag) proves you paid your annual registration fee. An inspection sticker proves your vehicle passed a safety or emissions inspection. They are separate and both may be required, depending on your state. The inspection sticker usually goes on the windshield, not the plate.

Can I get a vanity plate with any combination of letters and numbers I want?

Most combinations are available, but some are reserved or already taken. You can request a specific combination through your state's DMV, and they will tell you if it is available. Vanity plates cost more than standard plates and may take longer to arrive. Some states have waiting lists for popular combinations.