What temporary license plates do
Temporary license plates are short-term registration documents that let you drive a vehicle legally while you wait for permanent plates to arrive by mail. They're issued by your state's DMV or equivalent agency and typically last 30 to 90 days, depending on your state. You get them when you buy a new or used car, transfer ownership, or renew registration but haven't received your permanent plates yet.
Temporary plates serve the same legal purpose as permanent ones—they prove your vehicle is registered and insured. A police officer who stops you will accept a temporary plate as valid registration. The main difference is that temporary plates are paper or cardboard rather than metal, and they're meant to be used only until your permanent plates arrive.
You cannot drive without either temporary or permanent plates. Operating a vehicle with expired or missing registration is a traffic violation in every state and can result in a fine, a citation, or both.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary plates are issued by your DMV when you buy a vehicle or renew registration, and they remain valid until your permanent metal plates arrive in the mail.
- Most states issue temporary plates that last 30 to 90 days; check your state's DMV website to confirm the exact duration for your situation.
- You display temporary plates in your rear window or on the back of your vehicle according to your state's rules, and they must be visible to law enforcement.
- If your temporary plates expire before your permanent plates arrive, contact your DMV when ready to request an extension or replacement temporary plates.
- Temporary plates are tied to your vehicle's VIN and registration, so they cannot be transferred to another vehicle or used by someone else.
When you receive temporary plates
You receive temporary plates at the moment you complete your registration transaction with the DMV. If you register in person at a DMV office, you walk out with temporary plates the same day. If you register online or by mail, the DMV mails temporary plates to you along with your registration documents.
The timing depends on how you bought the vehicle. When you purchase from a dealership, the dealer often handles the registration paperwork on your behalf and gives you temporary plates before you leave the lot. When you buy from a private seller, you must register the vehicle yourself at your DMV before you can legally drive it home; you'll receive temporary plates as part of that process.
Your permanent metal plates are produced separately and mailed to your address. This process typically takes two to eight weeks, though delays can occur. Your temporary plates bridge that gap so you can use your vehicle when ready.
How to display and use temporary plates
Temporary plates are usually printed on paper or cardboard and come with instructions for display. Most states require you to place the temporary plate in your rear window, centered and clearly visible from outside the vehicle. Some states allow you to tape it to the back bumper instead. Read the instructions that come with your temporary plates, because placement rules vary by state.
Keep your temporary plates attached and visible at all times while driving. Do not remove them, cover them, or transfer them to another vehicle. Temporary plates are registered to your specific vehicle's VIN and cannot be used on any other car. If you sell the vehicle before your permanent plates arrive, the new owner must register it separately and receive their own temporary plates.
Treat temporary plates with the same care as permanent ones. Protect them from rain and sun damage so they remain legible. If your temporary plate becomes damaged, faded, or illegible, contact your DMV to request a replacement before you drive again.
What happens if your temporary plates expire
Your temporary plates have an expiration date printed on them. Once that date passes, you cannot legally drive the vehicle unless you have received your permanent plates. If your permanent plates have not arrived by the expiration date, you must contact your DMV before that date to request an extension.
Most states allow one extension of temporary plates, usually for another 30 to 60 days. You typically request an extension online, by phone, or in person at a DMV office. Have your registration documents and vehicle information ready when you contact them. Some states charge a small fee for an extension; others do not.
If you drive with expired temporary plates, you are operating an unregistered vehicle, which is a traffic violation. A police officer can cite you and impound the vehicle in some cases. Do not wait until the expiration date to check on your permanent plates. If you have not received them within a week of the expiration date, call your DMV when ready.
Temporary plates for different situations
The process for receiving temporary plates is slightly different depending on why you need them. When you purchase a new vehicle from a dealership, the dealer's paperwork system usually generates temporary plates automatically, and you receive them before leaving the lot. When you buy a used vehicle from a private seller, you must complete the registration yourself at your DMV office or online, and temporary plates are issued as part of that transaction.
If you are renewing your registration and your permanent plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, you will also receive temporary plates while replacements are made. The process is the same: you report the issue to your DMV, pay any required fee, and receive temporary plates valid until your new permanent plates arrive.
Some states issue temporary plates for vehicles that have passed inspection but are waiting for final registration approval. This is less common but does occur in states with multi-step registration processes. Your DMV will explain the specific rules for your situation when you register.
Differences between temporary and permanent plates
| Feature | Temporary Plates | Permanent Plates |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Paper or cardboard | Metal or reflective aluminum |
| Duration | 30 to 90 days (varies by state) | Indefinite until renewal or replacement |
| Display location | Rear window or back bumper | Front and rear of vehicle |
| Transferability | Cannot be transferred to another vehicle | Transferred with vehicle ownership in some states |
| Durability | Susceptible to weather damage | Designed to last years |
Temporary plates are a legal necessity, not a convenience. They carry the same weight as permanent plates in the eyes of law enforcement and insurance companies. Your vehicle is not fully registered without them, and driving without valid registration—temporary or permanent—is illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state with temporary plates?
Yes, temporary plates are valid throughout the United States as long as they are current and your vehicle is insured. However, some states have reciprocal agreements about registration, so if you plan to stay in another state for an extended period, check that state's DMV rules. For a short trip, temporary plates are sufficient.
What if I never receive my permanent plates?
Contact your DMV when ready. Plates can be lost in the mail, though this is rare. Your DMV can track the status of your plates and reissue them if necessary. You may be charged a replacement fee. In the meantime, request an extension of your temporary plates so you can continue driving legally.
Do I need insurance before I get temporary plates?
Yes. You must have active insurance coverage before you register your vehicle or receive temporary plates. Your insurance company will provide proof of insurance, which you present to the DMV as part of registration. Without proof of insurance, the DMV will not issue temporary plates.
Can someone else drive my car if I have temporary plates?
Yes, as long as they are a licensed driver and the vehicle is insured. Temporary plates are tied to the vehicle, not to the person who registered it. However, if the vehicle is financed, the lender's name will appear on the registration, and the lender may restrict who can drive it. Check your loan agreement.
What happens to temporary plates if I sell the car?
Temporary plates are void once you transfer ownership. The new owner must register the vehicle separately and receive their own temporary plates. Do not give your temporary plates to the new owner; they are tied to your registration and cannot be used by anyone else.