License plates expire on a schedule set by your state, not when your vehicle registration does

Your license plate has its own expiration date, separate from your vehicle registration and driver's license. Most states renew plates every four to eight years, though some do it annually or on a longer cycle. The expiration date is printed on the plate itself — usually in the bottom right corner — and also appears on your vehicle registration card, which you keep in your car.

When your plate expires, you cannot legally drive the vehicle, even if your registration and insurance are current. An expired plate is visible to police officers, and driving with one can result in a traffic citation. The good news is that renewal is straightforward and often happens automatically through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency.

Key Takeaways

  • License plates expire on a schedule your state sets — check the bottom right corner of your plate or your registration card to find your expiration date.
  • Most states send you a renewal notice in the mail 30 to 60 days before your plate expires, with instructions and a fee amount.
  • You can renew by mail, online, or in person at your DMV, depending on what your state offers and whether you need a new physical plate.
  • Some states issue new plates every time you renew; others let you keep the same plate and just update the registration sticker.
  • Renewing late can result in a traffic citation, so renew as soon as you receive the notice rather than waiting until the expiration date.

How to find your plate's expiration date

The expiration date is printed directly on your license plate in the bottom right corner. It appears as a month and year — for example, "06/2027" means June 2027. If the numbers are hard to read because the plate is old or weathered, you can also find the date on your vehicle registration card, which the DMV mailed to you when you first registered the vehicle.

Keep your registration card in your vehicle at all times. Police officers ask to see it during traffic stops, and it proves that your plate is current. If you have lost your registration card, you can request a replacement from your state DMV — usually for a small fee — or print a temporary one online if your state offers that option.

When your state sends renewal notices

Your state DMV mails a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before your plate expires. This notice includes your vehicle information, the renewal fee, and instructions for how to renew. The fee varies by state and sometimes by vehicle type — a motorcycle plate costs less than a car plate, for example, and commercial vehicles may have different rates.

If you do not receive a notice, contact your DMV directly. This can happen if you moved and did not update your address with the DMV, or if the notice was lost in the mail. Do not assume you do not need to renew just because you did not get a notice — the expiration date on your plate is what matters legally.

Renewing by mail, online, or in person

Most states offer at least two of these three methods. Mail renewal is the simplest: you send in the renewal notice, a check or money order, and your current registration card. The DMV processes it and mails back your new registration card and, if your state requires it, a new physical plate.

Online renewal is available in many states through the DMV website. You log in with your driver's license number and vehicle identification number (VIN), pay the fee by credit or debit card, and receive your new registration card by mail. Some states let you print a temporary registration when ready after paying online.

In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary only if your state requires a new physical plate or if you need to make changes to your registration — for example, if you changed your address or vehicle ownership. Walk-in service varies by location; some offices take walk-ins, while others require an appointment. Check your state DMV website to see what your location offers.

Whether you get a new plate or just a sticker

Some states issue a completely new license plate every time you renew. Others let you keep the same plate and send you a small sticker to place over the old expiration date. A few states do both — they issue new plates every few years and stickers in between.

Your state DMV website or renewal notice will tell you what to expect. If you are getting a new plate, the DMV will mail it to you, and you install it yourself by removing the old one and fastening the new one with the bolts or screws provided. If you are getting a sticker, peel it off the card and place it over the old expiration date on your plate. Make sure the sticker is straight and fully adhered so it does not fall off or become unreadable.

What happens if your plate expires before you renew

Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation. Police officers can pull you over for it, and you can receive a citation with a fine. The amount varies by state — some charge $50 to $100, while others charge more. You may also be required to show proof of renewal before the citation is dismissed.

If you realize your plate has expired, stop driving the vehicle and renew when ready. If you are pulled over before you renew, explain that you sent in your renewal or are in the process of renewing. Bring your renewal notice or proof of online payment if you have it. Some officers will issue a warning instead of a citation if renewal is clearly in progress, but this is not may provide.

Renewing a plate for a vehicle you no longer own

If you sold or traded in your vehicle, you do not need to renew the plate. Contact your state DMV to report the sale or transfer. You can usually do this online or by mail. The DMV will cancel the registration, and you will not receive a renewal notice.

If you kept the plate because your state allows plate retention — some states let you transfer a plate to a new vehicle — you will renew it as normal when the expiration date arrives. The renewal process is the same, but you will provide your new vehicle's information instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my plate before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail as soon as you know your expiration date, even if you have not received the notice yet. You will need your vehicle registration card and the renewal fee. Renewing early does not hurt — your new expiration date straightforward starts from when the DMV processes your renewal.

What if I move to a different state?

You must register your vehicle in your new state and get new plates within the timeframe that state requires — usually 30 to 90 days after moving. You cannot keep plates from your old state. Contact your new state's DMV for registration and plate information.

Do I need to renew my plate if my registration sticker is current?

Yes. The plate expiration and registration expiration are separate. Even if your registration sticker is current, an expired plate is illegal to drive on. Check the expiration date printed on the plate itself, not just the sticker on your windshield.

Can I get a temporary plate while I wait for my renewal?

Some states offer temporary registration that you can print online when ready after paying your renewal fee. Others mail a temporary document with your renewal notice. Check your state DMV website or your renewal notice to see what is available. If your state does not offer temporary registration, you cannot legally drive until your new plate or registration arrives.

What if my plate is damaged or hard to read?

Contact your state DMV to request a replacement plate. You will pay a replacement fee, which is usually less than a full renewal fee. The DMV will mail you a new plate, and you install it the same way you would a renewed plate.