A will run plate lets you drive a vehicle before its registration is officially complete
A will run plate (sometimes called a temporary plate or transit plate) is a paper or plastic plate that lets you legally drive a vehicle when ready after you buy it, even though the permanent registration hasn't arrived yet. The dealership or seller usually gives it to you at the point of sale. It's valid for a set number of days — typically 30 to 90 days depending on your state — and covers you while your permanent plates are being made and mailed.
You need a will run plate because registration paperwork takes time to process. Your state's motor vehicle department has to verify the vehicle information, check that you've paid sales tax, confirm insurance, and then manufacture and mail your permanent plates. Without a will run plate, you couldn't legally drive the vehicle home from the dealership or use it at all until those plates arrived.
Key Takeaways
- A will run plate is issued by the dealership or seller at the time of purchase and is valid for 30 to 90 days depending on your state.
- The plate covers you while your permanent registration is being processed and your permanent plates are being manufactured and mailed.
- You must have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance to receive a will run plate.
- If your permanent plates don't arrive before the will run plate expires, you can request an extension from your state's motor vehicle department.
- Driving without a valid plate — either a will run plate or permanent plates — after the will run plate expires is illegal and can result in a fine.
How a will run plate is issued at the dealership
When you buy a vehicle from a dealership, the sales staff handles the will run plate as part of the paperwork process. They print or issue the temporary plate and give it to you before you leave the lot. The dealership also files your registration paperwork with your state's motor vehicle department on your behalf. This paperwork includes the vehicle's title, your driver's license information, proof of insurance, and sales tax documentation.
The dealership keeps a copy of everything for their records. You receive a copy of the registration paperwork, which you should keep in your vehicle along with the will run plate. If you buy from a private seller rather than a dealership, the process is different — you typically have to go to your state's motor vehicle office yourself to get a temporary plate before you can legally drive the vehicle.
What information appears on a will run plate
A will run plate displays your state's name, an expiration date, and a registration number. The format varies by state — some states use a paper plate that you tape to your rear window, while others issue a plastic plate that attaches like a permanent plate. The expiration date is the most important piece of information on the plate, because that's when your authority to drive the vehicle legally ends.
You should check the expiration date as soon as you receive the plate and note it on your calendar. If you're unsure about the date format or what the plate says, ask the dealership staff to explain it before you drive away. Misreading the expiration date is one of the most common reasons people accidentally drive with an expired will run plate.
How long a will run plate is valid
The validity period depends on your state. Most states allow 30, 45, or 90 days from the date of issue. Some states set the expiration date based on when the dealership files the paperwork, while others base it on the date printed on the plate itself. Check your state's motor vehicle department website or ask the dealership which rule applies where you live.
The permanent plates usually arrive within this window, but mail delays or processing backlogs can happen. If your permanent plates haven't arrived by the time your will run plate is about to expire, contact your state's motor vehicle department before the expiration date. Many states allow you to request a one-time extension, which typically adds another 30 days. Some states issue a second temporary plate instead of an extension.
What to do if your will run plate expires before permanent plates arrive
Contact your state's motor vehicle department as soon as you realize the permanent plates won't arrive in time. Have your registration number and vehicle identification number (VIN) ready. Explain that your will run plate is about to expire and ask what options are available. Most states can extend the temporary plate or issue a new one over the phone or online, though some require you to visit an office in person.
Do not drive the vehicle after the will run plate expires unless you have received an extension or a new temporary plate. Driving without a valid plate is illegal and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If you're concerned about delays, you can also contact the dealership — they sometimes have information about whether plates have been mailed or can help you request an extension.
Difference between a will run plate and permanent plates
A will run plate is temporary and valid for a limited time. Permanent plates are metal or plastic plates that are registered to your vehicle and remain valid as long as you own the vehicle and keep your registration current. Permanent plates are issued by your state's motor vehicle department and are mailed to your address after your registration is fully processed.
Once your permanent plates arrive, you remove the will run plate and install the permanent plates according to your state's requirements — usually one on the front and one on the back of the vehicle. Keep the will run plate as a record of your purchase, though you don't need to keep it in the vehicle. Your permanent plates will have a registration sticker or decal that shows the year your registration is current.
What happens if you lose or damage your will run plate
If your will run plate is damaged, faded, or illegible, contact the dealership or your state's motor vehicle department when ready. A damaged plate that can't be read by law enforcement is treated similarly to a missing plate and can result in a traffic stop. The dealership can usually issue a replacement will run plate quickly, or your state's motor vehicle office can issue one if you go in person.
If your will run plate is lost, the same applies — get a replacement as soon as possible. Don't drive the vehicle without a valid plate. If you're close to the expiration date of your original will run plate anyway, ask whether it makes sense to request an extension or a new temporary plate rather than replacing the lost one, since your permanent plates may arrive soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state with a will run plate?
Yes, a will run plate is valid in all states as long as it hasn't expired. However, if you're stopped by law enforcement in another state, be prepared to show your registration paperwork and proof of insurance. Some states have reciprocal agreements that recognize temporary plates from other states, but it's safest to carry all your documents with you.
What if I buy a vehicle from a private seller instead of a dealership?
Private sales don't come with a will run plate. You need to go to your state's motor vehicle office and explore for a temporary plate before you can legally drive the vehicle. Bring the bill of sale, your driver's license, proof of insurance, and any other documents your state requires. The office will issue a temporary plate on the spot or within a few days.
Do I need insurance before I get a will run plate?
Yes. Most states require proof of insurance before the dealership can issue a will run plate. You should arrange insurance before you go to the dealership to buy the vehicle, or do it while you're at the dealership before you leave the lot. Some dealerships can help you get a same-day insurance policy if you don't already have one.
Can I renew my will run plate if it's about to expire?
You can't renew a will run plate — it expires on the date printed on it. However, you can request an extension or a new temporary plate from your state's motor vehicle department if your permanent plates haven't arrived. Contact the department before the expiration date and explain the situation. Most states allow at least one extension.
What's the penalty for driving with an expired will run plate?
Driving with an expired will run plate is a traffic violation and can result in a fine, typically ranging from $50 to $200 depending on your state. You may also be required to show proof that you've obtained valid plates. If you're unsure whether your plate has expired, check the date when ready and contact your state's motor vehicle department if you need an extension.