Where to Get License Plates and What You Need

You get license plates from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State, or equivalent motor vehicle agency — the name and process vary by state. You cannot buy them from a private vendor or online retailer, though some states let you order them through the DMV website and pick them up in person or have them mailed. The agency issues the plate, assigns the registration number, and ties it to your vehicle identification number (VIN) and your ownership proof.

Before you go to the DMV office or submit an online order, gather your proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), proof of identity (driver's license or passport), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you financed the vehicle, bring the lien holder's information. Some states also require a safety inspection or emissions test completed before registration, so check your state's requirements first — doing this out of order costs you a second trip.

The cost of license plates varies widely by state, from roughly $50 to $200 for a standard plate, plus registration fees that depend on the vehicle's age, weight, and type. Specialty plates (vanity plates, environmental plates, or plates supporting a cause) cost more. Your state's DMV website lists the exact fee schedule for your vehicle class.

Key Takeaways

  • License plates come only from your state's motor vehicle agency, and you must provide proof of ownership, identity, and residency before you receive them.
  • Some states require a safety or emissions inspection before the DMV will issue plates, so verify this requirement before you schedule your visit.
  • Costs range by state but typically run $50 to $200 for the plate plus registration fees based on your vehicle type and age.
  • Many states now offer online ordering with in-person pickup or mail delivery, which can be faster than waiting at an office.
  • If someone else holds a lien on your vehicle, bring their information — the registration will show them as the lienholder.

The Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Plates

When you buy a new or used car from a dealer, they often issue you a temporary registration and temporary plate (usually a paper tag or a short-term metal plate) that lasts 30 to 90 days, depending on your state. This temporary plate lets you drive legally while the DMV processes your permanent registration. The dealer handles the paperwork with the DMV on your behalf, but you are responsible for following up if the permanent plates do not arrive within the stated timeframe.

If you buy a car from a private seller, you do not get a temporary plate. You must complete the title transfer and register the vehicle before you drive it, or you risk a ticket for driving an unregistered vehicle. Some states let you register online and print a temporary registration document to carry while you wait for the physical plate to arrive by mail.

Permanent plates are metal plates issued by the state and are yours to keep as long as you own the vehicle and renew the registration each year. When you sell the car, you typically remove the plates and either return them to the DMV or transfer them to your next vehicle, depending on your state's rules.

How to Register a Vehicle You Bought Privately

When you buy a car from an individual rather than a dealer, you handle the registration yourself. First, get the title signed over to you by the seller — this is the legal proof of ownership. Then visit your state's DMV office or website with the signed title, your proof of identity, proof of residency, and the vehicle's VIN (found on the title and on the car itself, usually on the dashboard or driver's side door jamb).

Some states require a bill of sale (a straightforward written record of the sale price and date) in addition to the title. A few states also require a safety inspection or emissions test before registration. Check your state's DMV website for the complete list of documents and any inspections needed, because missing even one item means another trip.

Once you submit everything, the DMV issues your registration and plates. If you register online, you can often print a temporary registration to use when ready while the physical plates are mailed to you, which typically takes one to three weeks. If you register in person, you may receive the plates the same day or within a few days.

Vanity Plates and Specialty Plates

Most states let you request a custom plate with letters and numbers of your choice — called a vanity plate or personalized plate — for an additional fee, usually $25 to $100 per year on top of standard registration costs. You can request a vanity plate when you first register your vehicle or renew your registration. The DMV checks your requested combination against a list of rejected words and phrases (which varies by state and is often humorous), and if it is approved, you pay the extra fee and receive the custom plate.

Specialty plates support specific causes or organizations — military service, environmental conservation, university alumni associations, or state parks, for example. These plates typically cost $15 to $50 more per year than a standard plate, and part of the fee goes to the organization or cause. You choose a specialty plate at registration or renewal, and the DMV issues it in place of your standard plate.

Both vanity and specialty plates must still be renewed annually along with your vehicle registration. If you do not renew, your plates expire and you cannot legally drive the vehicle.

What Happens If Your Plates Are Lost, Stolen, or Damaged

If a plate is stolen or damaged beyond legibility, contact your state's DMV to report it and request a replacement. You will need to provide your vehicle registration number, proof of identity, and sometimes a police report (if the plate was stolen). The DMV will issue a replacement plate, usually for a small fee of $5 to $25, and mail it to you or let you pick it up in person.

If you lose a plate, the process is the same: report it to the DMV and request a replacement. Do not drive the vehicle with a missing plate — you risk a ticket for an unregistered vehicle. If you are waiting for a replacement to arrive by mail, some states let you print a temporary registration document to carry in your vehicle.

If your plate is damaged but still readable, you can usually wait until your registration renewal to request a new one at no extra cost. If the damage makes the plate unreadable (faded numbers, bent corners that obscure the number), report it to the DMV and request a replacement sooner.

Transferring Plates When You Sell or Trade Your Vehicle

When you sell or trade in your car, what happens to the plates depends on your state. Some states let you keep the plates and transfer them to your next vehicle; others require you to return them to the DMV. Check your state's rules before you hand over the car.

If your state allows plate transfer, you keep the plates when you sell the vehicle and use them on your next car after you register it. You will need to notify the DMV of the transfer and pay a small transfer fee, usually $5 to $15. If your state requires you to return the plates, remove them from the car before you hand it over to the buyer or dealer, and return them to the DMV in person or by mail.

In either case, notify the DMV that you no longer own the vehicle. This removes your name from the registration and protects you if the new owner gets a ticket or is involved in an accident — the liability stays with them, not with you. Some states do this automatically when the new owner registers the vehicle; others require you to file a notice of sale or transfer.

Renewing Your Registration and Plates

Vehicle registration and license plates expire on a set date each year, usually on your birthday, the anniversary of your purchase, or a date assigned by the DMV. Before your registration expires, the DMV mails you a renewal notice with the amount due and instructions for renewing. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, depending on your state.

When you renew, you pay the registration fee for another year. In most states, your plates do not change — you keep the same plate number and straightforward renew the registration. Some states issue new plates every few years as part of the renewal process, and they will notify you if this applies to you.

If you renew online or by mail, the DMV mails you a new registration document and, if applicable, new plates. If you renew in person, you may receive the new registration when ready and pick up new plates on the spot or have them mailed. Do not drive after your registration expires — you risk a ticket and possible vehicle impoundment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car before I get the permanent plates?

If you bought from a dealer, yes — they issue a temporary plate or registration that is valid for 30 to 90 days. If you bought privately, no — you must complete registration before driving, or you can print a temporary registration document if your state offers it online. Check your state's DMV website for the exact rules.

What if I move to a different state?

You must re-register your vehicle in your new state and get new plates within a set timeframe, usually 30 to 60 days after you move. Bring your current title, proof of residency in the new state, and proof of identity to the new state's DMV. Your old plates are no longer valid once you register in the new state.

Do I need to inspect my car before I register it?

It depends on your state. Some states require a safety inspection or emissions test before the DMV will issue plates; others do not. Check your state's DMV website or call the office before you go — if an inspection is required and you skip it, the DMV will reject your registration and you will have to start over.

How long does it take to get plates in the mail?

Most states mail plates within one to three weeks of registration. If you register in person, some offices issue plates the same day. If you are in a hurry, ask whether your DMV offers expedited mailing or in-person pickup — some do for an extra fee.

What if my registration renewal notice does not arrive?

Contact your state's DMV directly to confirm your address on file and request a new notice. You can also check your registration expiration date on your current registration document or on the DMV website. Do not wait for the notice to arrive — renew before the expiration date to avoid driving with expired registration.