Nineteen states require both front and rear license plates
Thirty-one states allow you to display a license plate on the rear of your vehicle only. Nineteen states — Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania — require a front plate as well.
The difference matters because a front plate costs extra money when you first register your vehicle, and some states charge renewal fees for front plates separately. It also affects what you can do with your vehicle's front end: a front plate mount may block part of your bumper or grille, and some people remove front plates in states where they are optional, which is legal in those states but illegal in the nineteen that require them.
If you move to a state that requires a front plate and you currently have only a rear plate, you will need to purchase a front plate and install it before you register your vehicle in that state. If you move from a front-plate state to one that does not require it, you can remove the front plate, though you may keep it on if you prefer.
Key Takeaways
- Nineteen states require both front and rear license plates; thirty-one states require rear plates only.
- Front plate requirements are set by individual states, not the federal government, so the rule changes if you move or register a vehicle in a different state.
- When you register a vehicle in a state that requires a front plate, you will pay an additional fee for that plate at the time of registration.
- Driving without a front plate in a state that requires one can result in a traffic citation, even if your rear plate is visible and current.
Why states have different front plate rules
Front plates exist primarily to help law enforcement identify vehicles from the front, which is useful in parking lots, on highways, and in situations where a rear plate is not visible. States that require front plates argue this improves public safety and makes it easier to track stolen vehicles or vehicles involved in crimes.
States that do not require front plates often cite cost to vehicle owners and the aesthetic preference of drivers who do not want a plate mounted on the front of their vehicle. Some states have moved away from front plate requirements over the past two decades, though no state has moved toward requiring them in recent years.
The requirement does not depend on the type of vehicle you own — cars, trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles all follow the same front plate rule in their state, with rare exceptions for certain motorcycle classes or historic vehicles.
What happens if you move to a front-plate state
When you register a vehicle in a state that requires a front plate, the Department of Motor Vehicles will issue you two plates: one for the front and one for the rear. You will pay for both plates as part of your registration fee. The front plate fee varies by state but typically ranges from $10 to $30 at the time of initial registration.
You are responsible for installing the front plate yourself or paying a mechanic to do so. Most auto parts stores sell mounting brackets for under $20, and installation takes less than an hour. Some dealerships will install a front plate for free or at a low cost when you purchase a new vehicle from them.
If you already own a vehicle registered in another state and you move to a front-plate state, you will need to transfer your registration to that state. At that time, you will receive a front plate and must install it before your new registration becomes active. Driving with only a rear plate in a front-plate state is a traffic violation, even if your registration is current.
What happens if you move away from a front-plate state
If you move from one of the nineteen front-plate states to a state that does not require a front plate, you can remove the front plate once your vehicle is registered in the new state. You do not have to remove it — many people keep front plates on their vehicles even when not required — but you are not required to have one.
When you register your vehicle in the new state, you will receive only a rear plate. You can keep the front plate as a spare, donate it, or discard it. Some people keep front plates as a backup in case the rear plate is damaged.
How to find out your state's front plate requirement
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists front plate requirements in the vehicle registration section. Search "[your state] DMV front license plate requirement" to find the official rule for your state.
If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in a new state, the registration form will show whether a front plate is required. The fee for the front plate, if required, will appear as a separate line item on your registration bill.
If you are unsure whether your state requires a front plate and you have already registered your vehicle, check your registration paperwork. If you received two plates, your state requires a front plate. If you received one plate, your state does not require one.
Penalties for not displaying a front plate where required
Driving without a front plate in a state that requires one is a traffic violation. The penalty varies by state but typically results in a citation with a fine ranging from $25 to $100. Some states treat it as a minor violation; others treat it more seriously.
A front plate violation is usually not a moving violation, so it typically does not add points to your driving record. However, it can still result in a fine, and if you accumulate multiple citations, it may affect your insurance rates or your ability to renew your registration.
If you receive a citation for a missing front plate, you can usually resolve it by obtaining and installing the plate, then showing proof to the court or paying the fine. Some jurisdictions will dismiss the citation if you show proof that you have since obtained the plate.
Front plates and vehicle registration renewal
When you renew your vehicle registration in a state that requires a front plate, you typically do not receive a new front plate — you keep the same one. However, some states issue new front plates every few years as part of a plate replacement program, and you will receive both a new front and rear plate at that time.
If your front plate becomes damaged, faded, or illegible, you can request a replacement from your state's DMV. The replacement fee varies by state but is usually $10 to $25. You do not have to wait until your registration renewal to replace a damaged plate.
If you move within your state, you do not need new plates. If you move to a different state, you will need to register your vehicle in that state and follow its front plate requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove my front plate if I live in a state that requires one?
No. In states that require a front plate, you must display it at all times while driving. Removing it is a traffic violation. If you do not want a front plate on your vehicle, you would need to move to a state that does not require one or not register the vehicle in your current state.
Do motorcycles need front plates?
Most states that require front plates for cars exempt motorcycles from this requirement. However, some states do require front plates on motorcycles, and the rule varies. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm the requirement for motorcycles in your state.
What if I buy a used vehicle that does not have a front plate?
If you buy a used vehicle in a state that requires a front plate and it does not have one, you must obtain and install a front plate before you register it in your name. You can purchase a replacement front plate from your state's DMV or an auto parts store that sells plates.
Do I have to pay for a front plate every time I renew my registration?
No. You pay for a front plate only when you first register a vehicle in a front-plate state or when you request a replacement plate because yours is damaged or illegible. Renewal of your registration does not include a separate front plate fee in most states.
What states recently changed their front plate requirements?
No states have recently added or removed front plate requirements. The nineteen states that require front plates have maintained this requirement for many years. If you are unsure about your state's current rule, check your state's DMV website, as policies can occasionally change.