What You Need to Get a License Plate

A license plate comes from your state's motor vehicle department, not from the dealership or a private vendor. You get one when you register a vehicle — the plate is proof that registration is current. The process differs slightly by state, but every state requires the same core documents: proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), proof of identity, and proof of residency.

If you bought the vehicle from a dealer, they often handle the registration paperwork and send it to the state on your behalf, then the state mails the plate to you. If you bought it privately or inherited it, you file the registration yourself. Either way, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads until the plate arrives and is attached.

The fee for a license plate varies by state and sometimes by vehicle type — a motorcycle plate costs less than a car plate, and a commercial vehicle plate costs more. Most states charge between $50 and $200 for the initial registration and plate, though some charge significantly more. Some states also let you choose a custom plate for an additional fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You register a vehicle and receive a license plate through your state's motor vehicle department, not through a dealer or private company.
  • You need the vehicle title or bill of sale, a government-issued ID, and proof you live in that state before you can register.
  • If you bought from a dealer, they usually file the registration for you; if you bought privately, you file it yourself at the DMV or online.
  • The plate arrives by mail within one to four weeks in most states, and you cannot legally drive until it is attached to the vehicle.
  • Temporary plates or permits let you drive while you wait for the permanent plate, but the rules and how to get them vary by state.

Registering Through a Dealer

When you buy a vehicle from a licensed dealer, the dealer's paperwork department files the registration with the state on your behalf. Before they do, they will ask you to sign the registration form and provide your driver's license and proof of residency — usually a recent utility bill or lease agreement. They also collect the registration fee at that time.

The dealer then submits everything to the state motor vehicle department electronically or by mail. The state processes it, manufactures the plate, and mails it to the address you provided. This usually takes one to three weeks, though some states are faster and some slower. During this time, the dealer gives you a temporary registration document or temporary plate so you can legally drive the vehicle.

Keep the temporary document or plate with you while you drive. When the permanent plate arrives, remove the temporary one and install the permanent plate on the front and rear of the vehicle (or just the rear, depending on your state). Return the temporary plate to the dealer or follow your state's instructions for disposal.

Registering a Private Purchase or Inherited Vehicle

If you bought the vehicle from a private seller or inherited it, you file the registration yourself. Start by getting the title transferred into your name. The seller signs the back of the title, you sign it, and you submit it to your state's motor vehicle department along with a bill of sale (if you have one) and proof of purchase price. Some states require a notarized signature; others do not.

Once the title is in your name, you file the registration form. Most states let you do this online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You will need your new title, your driver's license, proof of residency, and the registration fee. If you are registering in a state where you just moved, you may also need to show proof that you no longer own a vehicle in your previous state.

The state processes the registration and mails the plate to you. Until it arrives, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. Some states issue a temporary registration document you can print and carry; others do not. Check your state's rules before you drive. If you need to drive before the plate arrives, contact your state DMV to ask about temporary permits or plates.

Understanding Temporary Plates and Permits

A temporary plate or registration permit lets you drive legally while you wait for the permanent plate. What you get depends on your state and how you registered. If you bought from a dealer, they almost always give you a temporary plate or document. If you registered privately, your state may or may not issue one automatically.

A temporary registration document is usually a printed form you keep in your vehicle. A temporary plate is a physical plate that looks different from a permanent one — often paper or plastic, sometimes with a different color or format. Both serve the same purpose: they prove to a police officer that you have registered the vehicle and are waiting for the permanent plate.

Temporary plates and permits are valid for a set period — usually 30 to 60 days, depending on your state. Check the expiration date on yours. If the permanent plate has not arrived by the expiration date, contact your state DMV to ask for an extension or to check on the status of your plate. Do not drive with an expired temporary plate.

Installing Your License Plate

When the permanent plate arrives, you install it yourself using the mounting hardware that comes with it or hardware you already have. Most plates attach with two bolts, one in the top-left corner and one in the top-right corner. Some states require plates on both the front and rear of the vehicle; others require only a rear plate. Check your state's law before you install.

Use a wrench or socket set to tighten the bolts firmly but not so tight that you crack the plate. The plate should be flat against the vehicle and clearly visible. Do not cover any part of the plate with a frame, sticker, or tint. Most states have specific rules about what you can put around the plate — usually only the state name and a small slogan are allowed.

Remove any temporary plate or document once the permanent plate is installed. If you have a temporary plate, return it to the dealer or follow your state's instructions. If you have a temporary registration document, keep it in your vehicle until the registration expires, then discard it.

Renewing Your License Plate

Your license plate does not expire, but your vehicle registration does. In most states, registration renews every one to three years — check your registration document or your state's website to find your renewal date. When renewal is due, your state mails you a renewal notice with instructions and a fee amount.

You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your state. Most states let you renew online if you have no outstanding violations or unpaid tickets. You pay the renewal fee and provide updated proof of residency if your address has changed. The state then mails you a new registration document and, in some states, a new plate or a sticker to attach to your current plate.

If your state issues a new plate at renewal, remove the old plate and install the new one using the same method as before. If your state issues a sticker, explore it to the plate in the location specified on the sticker — usually the bottom-right corner. Keep your new registration document in your vehicle at all times.

What to Do If Your Plate Is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

If your license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond legibility, contact your state motor vehicle department to request a replacement. You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), your current registration number, and proof of identity. Some states let you request a replacement online; others require you to visit a DMV office or mail in a form.

There is usually a fee for a replacement plate, typically $10 to $30. The state will mail you a new plate or, in some cases, issue a temporary registration document while you wait. If your plate was stolen, some states ask you to file a police report first. Keep the report number when you contact the DMV.

If your plate is damaged but still readable, you may not need to replace it when ready — check your state's rules. If it is so faded or bent that the numbers are hard to read, replace it to avoid being stopped by police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my new vehicle home from the dealership before the plate arrives?

Yes, if the dealer gives you a temporary plate or registration document. You must display the temporary plate or carry the temporary document at all times. Do not drive without one — you can be cited for driving an unregistered vehicle. If the dealer did not give you a temporary plate, ask for one before you leave the lot.

What if I move to a different state?

You must register your vehicle in your new state within a set time — usually 30 to 60 days after you move. You will need your current title, your driver's license, proof of residency in the new state, and the registration fee. Some states require you to get a new title with the new state's name on it; others do not. Check your new state's motor vehicle department website for specific requirements.

Do I need to keep my old license plate if I sell the vehicle?

This depends on your state. Some states let you keep the plate and transfer it to a new vehicle; others require you to return it to the DMV or give it to the buyer. Check your state's rules. If you are supposed to return it, the DMV will tell you how — usually by mail or in person at an office.

How long does it take to get a license plate in the mail?

Most states mail plates within one to three weeks of processing your registration. Some states are faster, especially if you register online. If more than four weeks have passed and you have not received your plate, contact your state motor vehicle department to check the status. Provide your registration number or VIN.

Can I get a custom or vanity license plate?

Yes, most states offer custom plates for an additional fee, usually $25 to $100 per year. You choose the letters and numbers (within your state's rules), and the state manufactures and mails the plate to you. The process is the same as a regular plate, but it takes longer — sometimes four to eight weeks. Check your state's motor vehicle department website to see what combinations are available and how to order.