You get license plates from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, usually when you register a new vehicle or renew an existing registration

License plates come from the same place you handle vehicle registration — your state DMV office, an authorized third-party agent, or increasingly, online through your state's portal. The plates themselves are produced by your state and shipped to you or held for pickup, depending on which method you choose. You cannot buy plates from a private vendor or online retailer; they must come through your state's official registration system.

The timing and method depend on whether you are registering a new vehicle, renewing an existing registration, or replacing lost or damaged plates. Each path has different requirements and takes different amounts of time. Understanding which path applies to you will tell you where to go and what documents to bring.

Key Takeaways

  • License plates are issued only by your state DMV or authorized agents when you register or renew a vehicle registration.
  • New vehicle registrations typically include new plates, while renewals may reuse your existing plates depending on your state's rules.
  • You can often complete registration and plate requests online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
  • Replacement plates for lost, stolen, or damaged plates cost a fee that varies by state, usually between $5 and $30.
  • Processing time ranges from same-day (in-person) to two to four weeks (by mail), depending on your state and method.

Getting plates when you register a new vehicle

When you buy a new or used vehicle and register it for the first time in your state, the registration process automatically includes license plates. You will need to bring your proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and a valid ID to your DMV office or authorized agent. Some states require an inspection before registration; others do not. The DMV will assign you a plate number during registration.

You then choose how to receive the plates: pick them up in person at the DMV office (usually same-day or within a few days), have them mailed to your address (typically two to four weeks), or in some states, pick them up at an authorized third-party location like a tax collector's office or auto tag agency. If you need the plates when ready for temporary driving, some states issue temporary paper plates or registration stickers while you wait for the permanent metal plates to arrive.

Renewing registration and keeping or replacing your plates

When your vehicle registration expires and you renew it, your existing license plates usually stay with the vehicle — you do not need new ones. Your state sends you a renewal notice (by mail or email, depending on your state) with instructions to renew online, by mail, or in person. You pay the renewal fee, provide proof of insurance, and your registration is updated. No new plates are issued unless you request them.

Some states allow you to request new plates during renewal for an additional fee, usually $15 to $50. This is optional. If your plates are damaged, faded, or unreadable, you can request replacement plates at any time by contacting your DMV. Replacement plates cost less than new registration plates — typically $5 to $30 depending on your state — and take one to three weeks to arrive by mail, or can sometimes be picked up in person.

Online registration and plate ordering

Most states now allow you to renew vehicle registration and order replacement plates through their DMV website without visiting an office. You log in with your driver's license number and vehicle information, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and choose your delivery method. Some states mail the plates automatically; others let you choose between mail delivery and in-person pickup at a DMV office or authorized agent.

Online renewal typically takes five to ten business days to process, then plates ship separately and arrive in one to three weeks. If you need plates faster, in-person pickup at a DMV office is usually your only same-day option. Check your state's DMV website to see whether online ordering is available in your state and what documents you need to upload (usually a photo of your insurance card and ID).

Using authorized third-party agents

Many states contract with private businesses — tax collector offices, auto tag agencies, or authorized dealers — to issue license plates and handle registration on behalf of the DMV. These agents can often process new registrations, renewals, and replacement plates faster than the DMV office itself, sometimes while you wait. You bring the same documents you would bring to the DMV: proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and ID.

Not all services are available at all agents. Some agents handle only renewals; others handle new registrations and replacements. Call ahead or check your state's DMV website to find authorized agents near you and confirm what services they offer. Fees are the same as at the DMV office, and processing time is usually the same or faster. Some agents charge a small convenience fee (typically $5 to $15) on top of the state registration fee.

What to do if your plates are lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license plates are lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, contact your state DMV to report it and request replacement plates. You can usually do this online, by phone, or in person. You will need your vehicle registration number and driver's license. The DMV will issue you a new plate number (or in some states, the same number with new metal plates) and mail them to you or let you pick them up.

Replacement plates cost a fee — usually $5 to $30 — and take one to three weeks to arrive by mail. If your plates were stolen, some states require you to file a police report first; others do not. If your plates are damaged but still readable, you may be able to keep the same number and straightforward order new metal plates. Check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line to find out what proof they need and whether a police report is required.

Temporary plates and registration stickers

When you register a new vehicle and the permanent metal plates have not yet arrived, most states issue temporary paper plates or a temporary registration sticker. These are valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on your state, and allow you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent plates. Temporary plates are usually included in your registration fee at no extra cost.

Temporary plates are printed on paper and displayed in your rear window, or they are stickers applied to your existing plates. They are not transferable to another vehicle and expire on the date printed on them. When your permanent plates arrive, remove the temporary plates and install the permanent ones. Some states allow you to extend temporary plates if your permanent plates are delayed; contact your DMV if you need an extension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my license plate number?

Most states offer vanity plates (custom plates with letters or numbers you choose) for an additional fee, usually $25 to $100 per year. You request a vanity plate through your state's DMV website or in person, and the DMV checks whether your chosen combination is available. Standard plates are assigned by the state and cannot be customized.

What happens to my old plates when I get new ones?

When you receive new plates, remove the old ones from your vehicle and return them to your DMV office or an authorized agent. Some states allow you to keep them as a souvenir if they are no longer valid; others require you to turn them in. Check your state's rules before keeping old plates.

Do I need new plates if I move to a different state?

Yes. When you move to a new state, you must register your vehicle in that state within a set time (usually 30 to 90 days) and obtain new license plates from that state's DMV. You will need to bring your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and ID to the new state's DMV office or authorized agent.

How much do license plates cost?

License plate fees vary by state and vehicle type. Standard registration plates are included in your vehicle registration fee, which ranges from $50 to $300 per year depending on your state and vehicle. Replacement plates cost $5 to $30. Vanity plates cost an additional $25 to $100 per year on top of your registration fee.

Can I get plates the same day I register my vehicle?

Yes, if you register in person at a DMV office or authorized agent and choose in-person pickup. Many offices can print and issue plates while you wait, though some states mail all plates and do not offer same-day pickup. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm whether same-day plates are available.