What you need to do to change license plates

Changing your license plates means getting new plate numbers and sending the old ones back to your state's motor vehicle department. You do this at the same office where you renew your registration — usually your local DMV, Secretary of State office, or equivalent agency. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes in person, though some states let you handle it by mail or online.

You'll need your current registration, proof of ownership (like your title or bill of sale), and a form specific to your state — often called a "plate replacement" or "duplicate plate" request. The cost varies by state, typically between $5 and $25 per plate. Most people change plates because theirs are damaged, lost, or stolen; some do it to get a vanity plate or a different design.

Key Takeaways

  • You change plates at your state's motor vehicle office using a form that varies by state, along with your registration and proof of ownership.
  • The process costs between $5 and $25 per plate and takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, though some states offer mail or online options.
  • Damaged or unreadable plates usually may have access to for free or reduced-cost replacement in most states.
  • If your plates were stolen, you'll need to report the theft to police and bring documentation of that report to your motor vehicle office.
  • New plates arrive by mail within one to three weeks in most states; you can usually drive legally with your old plates until the new ones arrive.

When you need to change your plates

The most common reason to change plates is damage — rust, fading, missing numbers, or cracks that make the plate hard to read. Most states replace damaged plates for free or at a reduced cost because unreadable plates create safety and law enforcement problems.

If your plates were stolen or lost, you'll need a police report. Call your local police non-emergency line, file a report (you can often do this online), and bring the report number or a copy to the motor vehicle office. Theft and loss are treated the same way — you get new plates and the old ones are deactivated in the system.

You might also change plates to get a vanity plate with custom letters or numbers, to switch to a specialty plate design (like one supporting a cause or featuring your state's scenic areas), or because you moved to a new state and need plates with your new state's format.

How to request new plates by mail or online

Many states now let you request replacement plates without visiting an office. Check your state's motor vehicle website — look for "replace plates," "duplicate plates," or "plate replacement" in the FAQ or services section. Some states have a dedicated online form; others let you mail in a request with payment.

If you go the mail route, you'll typically need to send your current registration, a completed form (read from the state website or request by phone), and a check or money order. Include a note explaining why you need new plates — damage, theft, or a design change. Mail everything to the address listed on the form, usually a central processing office rather than your local branch.

Online requests are faster. You'll enter your vehicle information, registration number, and reason for replacement, then pay by credit or debit card. The state mails new plates to your address on file within one to three weeks. Keep your receipt or confirmation number in case you need to follow up.

What to bring if you go in person

Bring your current vehicle registration, your driver's license or state ID, and proof of ownership. Proof of ownership is usually your title, a bill of sale, or a registration card — whatever document shows you own the vehicle. If you're replacing stolen plates, bring your police report number or a copy of the report itself.

Bring the damaged plates with you if you have them, though this isn't always required. Some offices want to see them to confirm the damage; others just need you to describe the problem. Call ahead to ask what your local office prefers.

If someone else is picking up the plates on your behalf, bring a signed letter authorizing them and include their ID. Some offices require the vehicle owner to be present, so check your state's rules before sending someone else.

How long new plates take to arrive

If you request plates by mail or online, expect them within one to three weeks. Processing times vary by state and by how busy the office is. During peak seasons (spring and early summer), processing can take longer.

If you go in person and the office has plates in stock, you might leave with temporary plates the same day and receive permanent plates by mail within a week or two. Some offices issue permanent plates on the spot if you're replacing damaged ones — ask when you arrive.

You can legally drive with your old plates until the new ones arrive, even if they're damaged or you've reported them stolen. Once new plates arrive, remove the old ones and return them to your motor vehicle office. Some states include a prepaid envelope; others ask you to drop them off at a local branch.

Vanity plates and specialty designs

If you want custom letters or numbers on your plates, you'll request a vanity plate through the same motor vehicle office. The process is similar — fill out a form, pay a fee (usually $25 to $50 more than standard plates), and wait for them to arrive by mail.

Vanity plates have restrictions. You can't use offensive language, impersonate law enforcement, or copy existing plates. The state checks your request against a list of banned combinations before approving it. If your first choice is taken, you'll get a rejection and can submit another request.

Specialty plates — designs featuring your state's wildlife, military service, environmental causes, or universities — are also available in most states. These cost the same or slightly more than standard plates and support specific organizations or causes. You choose the design when you request the plates.

What happens to your old plates

When you get new plates, your old ones are deactivated in your state's system. If they were stolen, the state marks them as invalid so they can't be used on another vehicle. If they were damaged or you're upgrading to a vanity plate, the state straightforward retires them.

You're responsible for returning old plates to your motor vehicle office. Some states include a prepaid return envelope with your new plates; others ask you to drop them off at a local branch during business hours. A few states don't require return at all — check your state's rules.

Don't throw old plates in the trash or keep them as souvenirs without permission. Keeping plates that aren't registered to your vehicle can create legal confusion if the plates are ever found or used improperly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with damaged plates while I wait for new ones?

Yes. You can legally drive with damaged plates until your new plates arrive. However, a police officer can stop you if the damage makes the plate unreadable, so it's worth replacing them sooner rather than later. Most states process replacements within one to three weeks.

Do I have to pay for replacement plates if they're damaged?

Most states replace damaged plates for free or charge a small fee ($5 to $10). You'll need to show the damaged plates or explain the damage when you request replacements. Bring the plates with you if you go in person, or describe the damage clearly if you request by mail or online.

What if I lost my plates and don't have a police report?

File a police report first — you can do this online in most jurisdictions. Bring the report number or a copy to your motor vehicle office when you request new plates. If you can't file a report, call your motor vehicle office and ask what documentation they'll accept instead.

Can I keep my old plate number when I get new plates?

If you're replacing damaged plates, your new plates will have the same number. If you're switching to a vanity plate or specialty design, you'll get a new number. Some states let you transfer a vanity plate number to a new vehicle, but standard plates are tied to the vehicle, not the owner.

How much does it cost to change license plates?

Standard replacement plates cost $5 to $25 depending on your state. Vanity plates cost $25 to $50 more. Specialty plates cost the same as standard or slightly more. Damaged plates are often free or reduced-cost. Check your state's motor vehicle website for exact pricing.