Front license plate requirements vary by state, and some states require both front and rear plates while others require only a rear plate

Nineteen states require you to display a license plate on both the front and rear of your vehicle. These states are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The remaining states allow you to display only a rear plate.

The reason this matters for your driver's license is that when you register your vehicle, the state's Department of Motor Vehicles issues plates based on that state's requirements. If you move to a state with different plate requirements, you will need to re-register your vehicle and obtain new plates that comply with your new state's law. Driving with only a rear plate in a state that requires both, or displaying plates that do not match your current state of residence, can result in a traffic citation.

Key Takeaways

  • Thirty-one states require front and rear license plates; nineteen states allow rear plates only.
  • When you register a vehicle in your state, the DMV issues the correct number of plates for that state's law.
  • If you move to a different state, you must re-register your vehicle and obtain new plates that meet your new state's requirements.
  • Displaying the wrong number of plates or plates from another state can result in a traffic stop and citation.
  • Some states allow vanity or personalized plates, but both front and rear plates (if required) must still be displayed.

States that require both front and rear plates

The following states legally require a license plate on both the front and rear of your vehicle: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

When you register your vehicle in one of these states, the DMV will issue you two plates. You are required by law to mount one on the front of your vehicle (usually centered or on the left side of the bumper) and one on the rear. Both plates must be clearly visible and unobstructed. If you purchase a vehicle that was previously registered in a state requiring only rear plates, you will need to obtain a front plate when you register it in your new state.

States that require rear plates only

Nineteen states allow you to display only a rear license plate: Alaska, California, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In these states, the DMV typically issues one plate per vehicle, though you may request a second plate for your records.

If you move from a rear-plate-only state to a state requiring both plates, you will need to purchase or obtain a front plate before you can legally drive. Conversely, if you move from a two-plate state to a one-plate state, you do not need to obtain a second plate, and displaying only the rear plate is legal and expected.

What happens when you register a vehicle in a new state

When you move to a new state and register your vehicle there, the DMV will issue plates that comply with that state's requirements. You cannot straightforward keep your old state's plates and drive legally in your new state. The registration process typically requires you to provide proof of ownership, your driver's license, proof of residency in the new state, and proof of insurance.

The new plates will have the new state's name and design. If your new state requires front plates and your old state did not, you will receive a front plate as part of your registration. The DMV will tell you how many plates to expect and where to mount them. Most states require plates to be mounted securely and at a readable angle, usually between 0 and 45 degrees from horizontal.

Penalties for not displaying the correct plates

Driving without the required number of plates, or displaying plates from a different state after you have moved, is a traffic violation in most states. A police officer can stop you for a missing front plate or for displaying out-of-state plates after your registration period has ended. The penalty varies by state but typically ranges from a warning to a fine of $50 to $200.

In some states, a missing front plate is considered a "fix-it" ticket, meaning you have a set period (usually 30 days) to correct the violation and show proof to the court or DMV. In other states, it is treated as a moving violation that may affect your driving record. The safest approach is to comply with your current state's plate requirements as soon as you register your vehicle there.

Personalized and vanity plates

Many states that require front and rear plates also allow you to order personalized or vanity plates with custom letters and numbers. However, both your front and rear plates must still comply with the state's display requirements. If you order a vanity plate, you will receive the correct number of plates for your state — one or two — and you must display all of them.

Some states charge an additional fee for vanity plates, usually $25 to $100 per year beyond your standard registration fee. The personalized plate must still be readable and unobstructed, and it must display your state's name and registration validation stickers in the correct locations. Check your state's DMV website for specific rules about vanity plate formatting and display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in a state that requires front plates if I only have a rear plate?

No. If you are driving in a state that requires both front and rear plates, you must display both. Driving with only a rear plate is a violation and can result in a traffic stop and citation. If you plan to move to or spend an extended time in a state with different plate requirements, you need to register your vehicle there and obtain the correct plates.

What if I move states but haven't registered my vehicle yet?

Most states give you a grace period, usually 10 to 30 days, to register your vehicle after you move. During that time, you can typically drive with your old state's plates. However, you should register your vehicle as soon as possible to avoid citations. Check your new state's DMV website for the exact important date and any temporary permits you may need.

Do I need a front plate if I have a vanity plate?

Yes, if your state requires front plates, you must display them even if they are vanity plates. You will order both a front and rear vanity plate (if your state requires both), and both must be displayed according to state law. Some states allow you to customize only the rear plate while the front plate remains standard, so check your state's rules.

What if my front plate gets damaged or stolen?

Contact your state's DMV to report the missing or damaged plate and request a replacement. Most states charge a small fee ($5 to $15) for a replacement plate. You may be able to order a replacement online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Some states issue temporary plates while you wait for the replacement to arrive.

Do motorcycle and trailer plates follow the same rules?

Motorcycle and trailer plate requirements vary by state and may differ from passenger vehicle rules. Some states require front plates on motorcycles; others do not. Trailers typically require only a rear plate. Check your state's DMV website or contact them directly to confirm the requirements for motorcycles and trailers in your state.