Front license plate requirements vary by state, and some states don't require them at all

Nineteen states do not require a front license plate. These states are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. In all other states, you must display a front plate in addition to your rear plate, and police can stop you or issue a citation if you don't.

The reason this matters: if you move to a state with a front plate requirement and your car only has a rear plate, you'll need to get a front plate and mount it before you register your vehicle there. Some states will not complete your registration until you show proof you have both plates. If you're buying a used car from a state that doesn't require front plates, check your new state's rules before you drive it home.

Key Takeaways

  • Nineteen states have no front license plate requirement; all other states require both a front and rear plate.
  • If you move to a state that requires a front plate, you must obtain one before or during registration.
  • Your vehicle registration document or your state's DMV website will confirm the requirement for your state.
  • Mounting a front plate typically costs between $10 and $50 depending on your vehicle type and where you have it installed.

How to learn about your state requires a front plate

The fastest way is to check your state's DMV website directly. Search "[your state] DMV front license plate requirement" and you'll find the official rule. Most state DMV sites have a section on vehicle registration requirements that lists this clearly.

You can also call your state's DMV customer service line — the number is on your registration document or on the DMV website. A representative can confirm the requirement and tell you where to get a front plate if you need one. If you're registering a vehicle for the first time in your state, the registration office will tell you whether a front plate is required as part of the process.

Getting a front license plate in states that require one

You order a front plate through your state's DMV, usually at the same time you register your vehicle or renew your registration. Some states include the front plate automatically when you register; others charge a separate fee, which typically ranges from $5 to $20. A few states allow you to order a front plate online through their DMV website, while others require you to order in person or by mail.

Once you receive the plate, you'll need to mount it on the front of your vehicle. Most cars have pre-drilled holes or a bracket on the front bumper designed for this. You can install it yourself with basic tools — usually just a drill and bolts — or take it to a mechanic or car dealership, which typically charges $10 to $50 for installation. Some dealerships will install a front plate for free if you purchased the car from them.

What happens if you don't display a front plate when required

In states that require a front plate, driving without one is a traffic violation. Police can stop you for it, and you may receive a citation. The fine varies by state but typically ranges from $25 to $100. In some states, the violation is considered a minor infraction; in others, it can affect your insurance rates or be counted against your driving record.

If you're stopped and don't have a front plate, the officer may give you a warning if you can show proof that you've ordered one or that you're in the process of registering your vehicle. However, you should not count on this — it's safer to get the plate before you drive. If you've just moved to a state with a front plate requirement, complete your vehicle registration as soon as possible so you can obtain the plate legally.

Moving to a state with different front plate rules

If you're relocating from a state without a front plate requirement to one that has one, you'll need to get a front plate before you can legally drive there. Most states give you a grace period — usually 10 to 30 days — to register your vehicle after you move, but the front plate requirement kicks in as soon as you're a resident. Check your new state's DMV website for the exact timeline and what documents you'll need to bring when you register.

If you're moving from a state that requires a front plate to one that doesn't, you don't need to remove your front plate, but you also don't need to keep it. Some people choose to keep it for aesthetic reasons or because they plan to move again. Your new state's registration will not require it, and you won't be cited for having it.

States with special front plate rules

A few states have exceptions or special cases. Some states allow you to request a vanity or personalized front plate, which may have different rules than standard plates. A small number of states exempt certain vehicle types — such as motorcycles, trailers, or commercial vehicles — from the front plate requirement even though regular passenger cars need one. Check your state's DMV website or call their customer service line if your vehicle is unusual or if you're considering a vanity plate.

Some states also allow you to display a front plate from a different state if you're a resident of that state but own a vehicle registered elsewhere — for example, if you're a college student with a car registered in your home state. However, this is rare and usually requires documentation. If your situation is not straightforward, contact your state's DMV directly rather than guessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a ticket for not having a front plate if I just moved?

Most states give you a grace period of 10 to 30 days to register your vehicle after you move, and you should not be cited during that time if you're in the process of registering. However, once that period ends, you can be stopped and cited. Register your vehicle and get your front plate as soon as you arrive in your new state to avoid this risk.

Do I need a front plate if I only drive my car occasionally?

Yes. If your state requires a front plate, the requirement applies every time you drive on public roads, regardless of how often you use the car. The only exception is if your vehicle is not registered or is registered as off-road only, but that has other legal restrictions.

What if my car doesn't have a place to mount a front plate?

Most vehicles have pre-drilled holes or a bracket designed for a front plate. If yours doesn't, a mechanic can install a bracket for you, usually for $20 to $50. Some states allow you to request an exemption if your vehicle's design makes a front plate impossible to install safely, but this is uncommon and requires documentation from the manufacturer.

Can I use a temporary front plate while I wait for my permanent one?

Some states issue temporary plates when you register a vehicle, and these may satisfy the front plate requirement while you wait for your permanent plate to arrive. Check your registration documents or contact your state's DMV to confirm whether your temporary plate covers the front plate requirement.