Temporary License Plate Costs Vary by State and Situation

Temporary license plates cost between $0 and $50 in most states, depending on where you live and why you need one. Some states issue them free when you buy a car from a dealer; others charge a flat fee. A few states charge by the day. The cost is separate from your permanent registration fee and is usually paid at the time you get the temporary plate, either at the dealership, the DMV, or online.

The reason you need a temporary plate affects the price. Dealer-issued temporary plates (the paper ones you get when you buy a new car) are often free because the dealer absorbs the cost. Temporary plates issued by the DMV for other reasons — such as when you're waiting for permanent plates to arrive by mail — typically cost money. Some states charge a single fee regardless of how long you keep the temporary plate; others charge per day or per week.

Key Takeaways

  • Most temporary plates cost between $0 and $50, with dealer-issued temporary plates often free and DMV-issued ones usually carrying a fee.
  • The cost depends on your state and the reason you need the temporary plate, not on how long you use it (in most states).
  • Temporary plates issued at purchase are typically valid for 30 to 90 days, and you must replace them with permanent plates before that window closes.
  • If you lose or damage a temporary plate, most states charge a replacement fee, usually $5 to $15.
  • Some states allow you to renew a temporary plate online or by mail if your permanent plates haven't arrived; others require an in-person visit.

How Temporary Plates Work When You Buy a Vehicle

When you buy a car from a dealer, the dealership prints a temporary plate on paper or cardstock and gives it to you on the spot. This plate is valid when ready and lets you drive the car home and to the DMV. The dealer does not charge you for this temporary plate — it is part of the sale process and the dealer's cost of doing business. You tape or clip this plate to your rear window.

The temporary plate is valid for a set period, usually 30 to 90 days depending on your state. During that time, you must complete your permanent registration with the DMV. If you register online or by mail, your permanent plates will arrive by mail within that window. If you register in person at the DMV, you may receive your permanent plates when ready or have them mailed to you. Once your permanent plates arrive, you remove the temporary plate and install the permanent one.

If you do not register the vehicle before the temporary plate expires, you cannot legally drive it. Some states allow you to request an extension of the temporary plate if your permanent plates have not arrived; others do not. Contact your state DMV to learn whether extensions are available and whether they cost extra.

Temporary Plates Issued by the DMV and Their Fees

If you need a temporary plate from the DMV — for example, because you bought a used car from a private seller, or because your permanent plates were lost or stolen — you will pay a fee. This fee is set by your state and typically ranges from $5 to $50. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge by the day or by the week. A few states charge based on the weight or class of your vehicle.

To get a DMV-issued temporary plate, you usually visit the DMV in person with your proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and identification. Some states now allow you to order a temporary plate online and pick it up at the DMV or have it mailed to you. The temporary plate is valid for a shorter period than a dealer-issued plate — often 10 to 30 days — and you must obtain your permanent registration before it expires.

If you need to extend a DMV-issued temporary plate because your permanent plates have not arrived, you may be charged an extension fee, which is usually $5 to $15. Not all states allow extensions, so check with your DMV before your temporary plate is about to expire.

State-by-State Variation in Temporary Plate Costs

Temporary plate fees differ significantly across states. California charges $0 for dealer-issued temporary plates but $25 for DMV-issued ones. Texas charges $0 for both. New York charges $10 for a temporary plate issued by the DMV. Florida charges $5. Illinois charges $15. These fees can change, and some states adjust them annually, so the amount you pay may differ from what you see online.

A few states charge by the day rather than a flat fee. These per-day charges are usually $1 to $3 per day, which means a 30-day temporary plate could cost $30 to $90. Other states include the temporary plate fee in the registration fee, so you do not pay separately. Before you buy a vehicle or need a temporary plate, contact your state DMV or check its website to learn the exact fee for your situation.

Some states waive the temporary plate fee if you register online or by mail, but charge a fee if you register in person. Others do the opposite. A few states charge a fee only if you request a physical temporary plate; if you use a digital temporary plate (a code you display on your phone), the fee may be lower or waived.

What Happens If You Lose or Damage Your Temporary Plate

If you lose your temporary plate or it becomes damaged or unreadable, you must get a replacement. Most states charge a replacement fee of $5 to $15, which is usually less than the original temporary plate fee. You obtain a replacement by visiting the DMV in person or, in some states, by ordering one online.

If you lose the temporary plate and cannot find it, report it to the DMV before you request a replacement. Some states require a police report or a signed statement that the plate was lost. This step protects you if someone uses your lost plate illegally. Once you have reported it, you can request a new temporary plate with a different number.

If your temporary plate is damaged — for example, if the ink faded or the cardstock tore — you can usually get a replacement without a police report. Bring the damaged plate to the DMV or submit a photo of it online, depending on your state's process. The replacement fee is the same as for a lost plate.

Renewing or Extending a Temporary Plate

If your permanent plates have not arrived before your temporary plate expires, you may be able to renew or extend the temporary plate. Not all states allow this, and the process and cost vary. Some states allow one free extension; others charge a fee each time. Some states allow you to renew online or by mail; others require an in-person visit to the DMV.

To renew a temporary plate, contact your state DMV at least a week before the current plate expires. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN), registration number, and proof of insurance ready. The DMV will tell you whether an extension is available, how long it will last, and whether there is a fee. If an extension is not available, you may need to register the vehicle with a permanent plate even if it has not arrived yet, or you may need to stop driving the vehicle until the permanent plate arrives.

Some states now issue temporary digital plates — a code or image you display on your phone or print at home — instead of physical paper plates. These digital plates can sometimes be renewed or extended more easily than paper plates, and some states charge lower fees for them. Check your state DMV's website to see whether digital temporary plates are available in your area.

Temporary Plates vs. Permanent Plates: Key Differences

A temporary plate is a short-term solution that lets you drive a vehicle while you wait for permanent registration. A permanent plate is the metal or plastic plate issued by your state after you complete full registration. Temporary plates are paper or cardstock and are meant to be removed and discarded once permanent plates arrive. Permanent plates are durable and remain on your vehicle for several years until they need to be renewed.

Temporary plates cost less than permanent plates because they are issued quickly and are valid for only a short time. Permanent plates are included in your vehicle registration fee, which varies by state and vehicle type but is typically $50 to $300 per year. Once you have permanent plates, you do not need to pay for temporary plates again unless you buy another vehicle or your permanent plates are lost or stolen.

Some states allow you to keep a temporary plate longer than others. A few states issue temporary plates that are valid for up to a year, though this is rare. Most temporary plates expire within 30 to 90 days. If you need to drive a vehicle for longer than your temporary plate is valid, you must complete your permanent registration and install permanent plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for a temporary plate if I buy a car from a dealer?

No. Dealer-issued temporary plates are free. The dealer prints them and gives them to you as part of the sale. You do not pay a separate fee for them. However, you will pay registration and title fees to the DMV when you complete your permanent registration.

Can I drive with an expired temporary plate?

No. Driving with an expired temporary plate is illegal and can result in a traffic citation. If your permanent plates have not arrived before your temporary plate expires, contact your DMV when ready to request an extension or to learn your options. Some states allow extensions; others do not.

What if I buy a used car from a private seller — do I need a temporary plate?

It depends on your state. Some states allow you to drive a used car home from a private sale with just the seller's old plates or a bill of sale. Others require you to obtain a temporary plate from the DMV before you drive it. Check your state DMV's website or call to learn the rules for your situation.

How long does a temporary plate last?

Most temporary plates are valid for 30 to 90 days. The exact length depends on your state and the type of temporary plate. Dealer-issued plates are often valid for 60 to 90 days. DMV-issued plates are often valid for 10 to 30 days. Check the expiration date printed on your temporary plate or contact your DMV to confirm.

Can I get a temporary plate online?

Some states allow you to order a temporary plate online and pick it up at the DMV or have it mailed to you. Others require you to visit the DMV in person. Check your state DMV's website to see whether online ordering is available and what the process is.