Where to get new license plates
You get new license plates from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though the exact name varies by state — it may be called the Secretary of State, Registry of Motor Vehicles, or Department of Transportation. Most states let you order plates by mail, in person at a DMV office, or through an online portal on the state's official website. A few states require you to appear in person.
The fastest route is usually your state's DMV website. You can check there whether your state allows mail-in or online ordering, what documents you need, and what the current wait time is. If your state does not have online ordering, you will need to visit a DMV office or use mail-in forms — both take longer, typically two to four weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Most states let you order new plates online or by mail, but some require an in-person visit to a DMV office.
- You will need proof of vehicle ownership (your title or registration), proof of identity, and proof of residency to get new plates.
- The cost of new plates varies by state and by plate type, ranging from around $20 to $100 or more for specialty plates.
- Standard replacement plates usually arrive within two to four weeks; expedited options are available in some states for an extra fee.
- If your plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, you can report this to the DMV and request replacements without re-registering your vehicle.
Why you might need new plates
You need new plates if your current ones are damaged, faded, or missing — many states require plates to be legible and in good condition. You also need new plates if you move to a different state, since plates are tied to your state of residence. If your plates are stolen, you should report the theft to your local police and then contact the DMV to request replacements.
Some people order new plates straightforward because they want a different design or a specialty plate (such as a vanity plate with custom characters, or a plate that supports a particular cause). These requests follow the same basic process but may have additional steps, such as checking whether your desired characters are available.
Documents you will need
Have these documents ready before you contact the DMV or visit an office. You will need proof of vehicle ownership, which is your vehicle title or current registration card. You will also need proof of identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Most states also require proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address.
If you are ordering by mail or online, you may need to upload images of these documents or provide the information from them. If you are visiting in person, bring the originals or certified copies. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list, since requirements vary slightly.
The cost of new plates
The cost depends on your state and the type of plate you want. Standard replacement plates typically cost between $20 and $50. Specialty plates — vanity plates with custom characters, environmental plates, or plates supporting a specific organization — usually cost more, often $50 to $100 or higher, with some of the extra fee going to the organization the plate supports.
Some states charge a one-time fee for new plates, while others charge an annual renewal fee. A few states include plate replacement in your vehicle registration renewal, so you may not pay separately. Check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line to confirm the exact cost before you order.
How to order online or by mail
If your state offers online ordering, go to the official DMV website and look for "order license plates" or "replace license plates." You will enter your vehicle information (usually your vehicle identification number, or VIN, which is on your registration), your personal information, and the type of plate you want. You will upload or enter the information from your proof of ownership, identity, and residency. Then you will pay the fee — most states accept credit cards or debit cards online.
For mail-in ordering, read the form from your state's DMV website or call to request one. Fill it out completely, include copies of your documents, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Mail-in orders typically take three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope, so factor in postal delivery time on both ends.
Ordering in person at a DMV office
If your state requires an in-person visit or you prefer to handle it face-to-face, bring your documents and go to your local DMV office. Bring the originals or certified copies of your proof of ownership, identity, and residency. You will fill out a form at the office (or the staff may fill it out for you), pay the fee, and receive a receipt.
Most DMV offices are busy, so plan to wait. Many states now let you reserve a time slot online before you visit, which can cut your wait time significantly. Check your state's website to see whether appointments are available in your area. If you go without an appointment, arrive early in the day or mid-week, when offices are typically less crowded.
How long new plates take to arrive
Standard plates usually arrive within two to four weeks of the DMV processing your order. The timeline depends on whether you ordered online, by mail, or in person, and on how busy your state's DMV is. If you ordered in person, the DMV may give you temporary plates to use while you wait for your permanent ones to arrive in the mail.
Some states offer expedited plates for an extra fee — you might receive them within one to two weeks instead. A few states also offer rush processing if you need plates urgently, though this is usually only available in person at a DMV office. Check your state's website or ask at the DMV office whether expedited options are available and what they cost.
What to do if your plates are lost or stolen
If your plates are lost or stolen, report the theft to your local police department first — you will need a police report number. Then contact your state's DMV and explain what happened. You can usually report this online, by phone, or in person. The DMV will issue you replacement plates without requiring you to re-register your vehicle or pay a full registration fee; you will typically pay only the cost of the new plates themselves.
Until your new plates arrive, some states allow you to drive with a temporary plate or registration document. Ask the DMV what you are allowed to use in the meantime. If you are concerned about the theft — for example, if you think someone might use your plates illegally — ask the DMV whether they can flag your account or issue a police hold on the old plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old license plate number if I move to a new state?
No. License plates are issued by the state where you live, and each state has its own numbering system. When you move, you must register your vehicle in your new state and receive new plates with that state's format. Some states let you transfer a vanity plate message to a new plate if you stay in the same state, but you cannot keep the same plate number across state lines.
Do I need new plates if I buy a used car?
Not necessarily. If the previous owner transferred the registration to you, the plates stay with the car. You only need new plates if the current ones are damaged, expired, or registered to a different state. If you are moving to a new state, you will need new plates as part of registering the vehicle in that state.
What if I want a vanity plate with specific characters?
Check your state's DMV website for a vanity plate search tool. You can type in the characters you want and see whether they are available. If they are taken, the tool usually suggests similar alternatives. Once you find an available combination, you can order it online, by mail, or in person. Vanity plates cost more than standard plates and may take longer to produce.
Can I get temporary plates while I wait for my new ones?
It depends on your state and your situation. If you ordered in person at a DMV office, they may issue you a temporary registration document or temporary plate to use while your permanent plates are being made. If you ordered online or by mail, temporary plates are less common. Ask the DMV what you are allowed to display on your vehicle while you wait.
What if the plates arrive damaged or with a mistake?
Contact your state's DMV when ready and explain the problem. Most states will issue replacement plates at no extra charge if there is a manufacturing defect or error. You may be able to request replacements online, by phone, or in person, depending on your state. Keep the damaged plates until the DMV tells you what to do with them.