What happens when your license plate expires

Your license plate has an expiration date printed on it — usually in the upper right corner. When that date passes, you are no longer legally permitted to drive the vehicle on public roads. Most states send you a renewal notice in the mail 30 to 60 days before expiration, but the notice can be delayed or lost, so checking your plate's date yourself is the safest approach.

Renewal is not the same as registration renewal, though they often happen together. Your vehicle registration (proof that you own the car and it meets safety standards) and your license plate (proof that you have paid the registration fee) are linked but separate. Some states renew both at once; others handle them separately. Your renewal notice will tell you which applies to you.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your license plate online, by mail, or in person at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and the method available depends on your state and whether your vehicle has any outstanding violations or safety issues.
  • Most states require you to renew every one to two years, and you will need your current registration documents and proof of insurance to complete the renewal.
  • The renewal fee varies by state and vehicle type, but typically ranges from $30 to $200 for standard passenger vehicles.
  • If you renew online or by mail, new plates usually arrive within two to four weeks, so plan ahead if your expiration date is approaching.
  • Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation that can result in a fine, and some states will also suspend your registration if you do not renew within a certain period after expiration.

Check your current plate expiration date

Look at the upper right corner of your license plate. You will see a sticker with a month and year printed on it. That is your expiration date. If today's date is past that month and year, your plate is expired and you should not drive the vehicle on public roads.

If you cannot locate the sticker or it is worn and unreadable, check your vehicle registration card (the paper document you keep in your car). The registration card lists the expiration date as well. You can also log into your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number to see the current status.

Gather the documents you will need

Before you start the renewal process, collect the following: your current vehicle registration card, proof of current auto insurance, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is a 17-character code found on your registration card, on the driver's side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield), or on the door jamb of the driver's side door.

Some states also require proof of a recent emissions test or safety inspection. Your renewal notice will specify what your state needs. If you have moved since your last registration, you may also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement usually works.

Renew online or by mail

Most states offer online renewal through their Department of Motor Vehicles website. Go to your state's DMV site, find the license plate or vehicle registration renewal section, and enter your license plate number or VIN. You will be asked to confirm your vehicle information, provide proof of insurance, and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you prefer to renew by mail, your renewal notice includes a form and instructions. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed. Include copies of your proof of insurance and any other documents your state requires. Mail renewal typically takes one to two weeks to process, plus two to four weeks for new plates to arrive.

Online renewal is faster and you will receive a confirmation number when ready. By mail is slower but requires no trip to an office. Both methods result in new plates being mailed to your address within two to four weeks.

Renew in person at the DMV

If you cannot renew online or by mail — for example, if your vehicle has an outstanding safety recall or unpaid parking tickets — you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles office in person. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, your VIN, and a valid photo ID. Bring cash or a card to pay the renewal fee.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely. Some states allow you to book an appointment online before you go, which can cut your wait from hours to minutes. Check your state's DMV website to see if appointments are available in your area. If not, arrive early in the morning on a weekday, as afternoons and weekends are typically busier.

If the DMV finds an issue during your visit — for example, your vehicle failed a safety inspection — they will tell you what needs to be fixed before renewal can be completed. You will then need to address the problem and return, or handle it through another process your state specifies.

Understand renewal fees and timing

Renewal fees vary by state and vehicle type. A standard passenger vehicle typically costs between $30 and $200 to renew. Some states charge more for larger vehicles or commercial plates. Your renewal notice will state the exact fee for your vehicle.

Most states renew plates every one to two years. Your renewal notice will tell you the new expiration date. If you renew online or by mail, new plates arrive within two to four weeks. During that time, you can legally drive with your old plate as long as you have your renewal confirmation. Keep that confirmation in your vehicle until the new plates arrive.

If you renew in person at the DMV, you may receive temporary plates when ready or be told that new plates will be mailed. Ask the DMV staff what to expect before you leave.

What to do if your plate has already expired

If you have already driven past your expiration date, do not delay further. Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which typically results in a fine of $50 to $200 depending on your state. Some states will also suspend your vehicle registration if you do not renew within 30 to 90 days after expiration.

Renew when ready using whichever method is fastest for you. If you are renewing online, you can usually complete it the same day. If you are renewing by mail, send it today. If you need to visit the DMV in person, book an appointment if possible and go as soon as you can. Once you have submitted your renewal, you are generally protected from additional penalties even if your plates have not yet arrived.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license plate while waiting for new ones to arrive?

Yes, if you have submitted your renewal online or by mail and have a confirmation number or receipt. Keep that confirmation in your vehicle. If you have not yet submitted your renewal, you cannot legally drive. If a police officer stops you, show them your confirmation to prove you have renewed.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the notice to renew. Go to your state's DMV website and look for the online renewal option, or call the DMV to request a new notice by mail. You can also visit a DMV office in person with your registration card and proof of insurance.

Do I need new plates every time I renew my registration?

Not always. Some states issue new plates every few years; others reuse the same plates and just update the expiration sticker. Your renewal notice will tell you whether new plates are being issued. If they are, they will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks.

What if my vehicle has a safety recall or unpaid tickets?

You will not be able to renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV will tell you what issue is blocking renewal and what you need to do to resolve it. This might mean getting the recall fixed at a dealership, paying outstanding tickets, or addressing another problem.

Can someone else renew my license plate for me?

Yes, in most states. If you authorize someone to handle it, they can renew online if they have your license plate number and vehicle information, or renew by mail if you sign the form and give them the documents. They cannot renew in person at the DMV without a power of attorney document, which varies by state. Check your state's DMV website for specific rules.