What digital license plates are and how they differ from standard plates

A digital license plate is a screen-based plate that displays your vehicle registration number electronically instead of using printed characters on metal or plastic. The display looks similar to a small tablet mounted on your front or rear bumper and shows the same information a traditional plate does — your registration number, state, and validation sticker — but it can change what it shows and communicate with law enforcement and parking systems.

The main difference from a standard plate is that digital plates can update in real time. If your registration lapses, the plate can display that status. If your vehicle is reported stolen, the plate can alert authorities. Some digital plate systems also let you customize the display with messages or images when the vehicle is parked, though the registration number always appears when you're driving.

Digital plates still require the same registration and inspection process as traditional plates. They are not a replacement for registration — they are a different way to display it. You still pay registration fees to your state, and the plate itself costs more upfront than a standard plate, though that cost varies by manufacturer and state.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital plates display your registration electronically and can update in real time, but they require the same state registration as traditional plates.
  • Only a few states currently allow digital plates, and each state has approved specific manufacturers and models you can purchase.
  • Digital plates cost between $500 and $1,500 depending on the manufacturer, plus your regular registration fees.
  • You must purchase a digital plate from an approved manufacturer in your state and then register it with your state's DMV or equivalent agency.
  • Digital plates need power and a cellular connection to function, so you must keep them charged and maintain an active data plan.

Which states currently allow digital license plates

As of now, only a handful of states have legalized digital plates for regular drivers. California was the first, followed by Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Utah. Some of these states allow digital plates only in certain counties or cities, not statewide. A few other states are in the process of approving them but have not yet opened them to the public.

Each state that allows digital plates has approved only specific manufacturers. In California, for example, the approved manufacturer is Reviver, which makes the RPlate. In Arizona and Texas, both Reviver and another company called Gadsden are approved. You cannot buy a digital plate from just any company — it must be from a manufacturer your state has officially approved.

Before you purchase a digital plate, check your state's DMV website or contact them directly to confirm whether digital plates are legal in your state and which manufacturers are approved. Rules change, and some states may have added or removed approval since this was written.

How much digital license plates cost

The upfront cost of a digital plate ranges from roughly $500 to $1,500, depending on which manufacturer you buy from and which model you choose. Reviver's RPlate, the most widely available option, typically costs around $800 to $1,200. Gadsden's plates are generally in a similar range. This is a one-time hardware cost.

Beyond the hardware, you will pay a monthly or annual subscription fee to keep the plate connected and functional. Most digital plate systems charge between $10 and $20 per month for the data connection and cloud services that allow the plate to update and communicate. Some manufacturers offer annual plans that cost less per month if you pay upfront.

You also pay your state's standard registration fees, just as you would for a traditional plate. Digital plates do not replace registration — they are an alternative way to display it. In some states, registration fees are the same whether you choose a digital or traditional plate. In others, there may be a small additional fee for the digital option, though this varies.

How to purchase and register a digital license plate

The process starts with buying the hardware from an approved manufacturer. Visit the manufacturer's website — Reviver or Gadsden, depending on which is approved in your state — and order the plate. You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration information, and proof of insurance. The manufacturer will ship the plate to your address.

Once you receive the plate, you will need to register it with your state's DMV or equivalent agency. This step varies by state. In some states, you submit paperwork to the DMV confirming that you own an approved digital plate and want to use it instead of a traditional plate. In others, the manufacturer handles some of this registration on your behalf. Check your state's DMV website for the exact process, or contact the manufacturer — they usually provide step-by-step instructions specific to your state.

After registration is approved, you install the plate on your vehicle following the manufacturer's instructions. You will also need to set up a data plan with the manufacturer so the plate can connect to cellular networks and receive updates. This is when you choose your subscription tier and set up payment for the monthly or annual fee.

The entire process typically takes two to four weeks from purchase to having a fully functional plate on your vehicle, depending on shipping time and how quickly your state processes the registration.

Power, connectivity, and maintenance requirements

Digital plates require two things to work: electrical power and a cellular data connection. The plate has a built-in battery that charges when you drive — the charging system is integrated into the plate's mounting hardware. However, if your vehicle sits unused for an extended period, the battery can drain. Most manufacturers recommend charging the plate every few weeks if the vehicle is not being driven regularly.

The plate also needs an active cellular data connection to receive registration updates, theft alerts, and other information from the manufacturer's servers. This connection is maintained through the subscription plan you pay for monthly or annually. If your subscription lapses or you cancel it, the plate will stop updating and may display an error message or revert to a static display.

You should also keep the plate clean and protected from extreme weather, just as you would a traditional plate. The screen can be damaged by prolonged exposure to water or very high temperatures. Most digital plates are designed to withstand normal driving conditions, but they are more delicate than metal plates and require more care.

What happens if your digital plate malfunctions or you want to switch back

If your digital plate stops working — whether due to a dead battery, a broken screen, or a connectivity issue — contact the manufacturer's customer service. Most manufacturers offer warranty coverage for hardware defects, typically for one to two years from purchase. If the plate is under warranty and the damage is not from misuse, the manufacturer will usually replace it at no cost.

If you decide you no longer want to use a digital plate and want to switch back to a traditional plate, you can do so. Contact your state's DMV and request a standard plate. You will need to pay any applicable fees for the new plate, but you can stop paying the digital plate subscription when ready. Some states may require you to surrender the digital plate or deactivate it before issuing a traditional plate.

If you sell your vehicle, the digital plate does not transfer to the new owner. You will need to remove it and either keep it for a future vehicle or return it to the manufacturer, depending on your state's rules. The new owner will need to obtain their own registration and plate, whether digital or traditional.

Privacy and security considerations

Because digital plates connect to cellular networks and communicate with manufacturer servers, they collect some data about your vehicle's location and registration status. The manufacturer stores information about when and where your plate was active, which could theoretically be accessed by law enforcement or, in some cases, by the manufacturer itself for service purposes.

Before purchasing a digital plate, review the manufacturer's privacy policy to understand what data they collect, how long they keep it, and who can access it. Most manufacturers state that they do not sell location data to third parties, but the policy may allow law enforcement to request information with a warrant or subpoena.

The digital plate also makes it easier for law enforcement to verify registration status when ready, which is a security feature but also means there is less room for error or dispute about whether your registration is current. If your registration lapses, the plate will display that status when ready, and you cannot hide it by keeping a traditional plate in your glove box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a digital plate if my state allows them?

No. Digital plates are optional in all states that allow them. You can continue to use a traditional plate if you prefer. Some states may eventually make digital plates mandatory for new registrations, but that has not happened yet in any state.

Can I use a digital plate from one state if I move to another?

No. Each state's digital plate system is separate, and the plates are registered with that state's DMV. If you move, you will need to obtain a new digital plate from a manufacturer approved in your new state, or switch to a traditional plate. You cannot transfer a digital plate across state lines.

What if my digital plate's battery dies while I'm driving?

The battery is designed to charge while you drive through the mounting hardware. If it dies completely, the plate will stop displaying and may show a blank or error screen. You should pull over safely and contact the manufacturer's roadside support. In the meantime, you may be stopped by law enforcement because your plate is not displaying, so have your registration documents ready.

Can I customize what my digital plate displays?

Yes, but only when the vehicle is parked. Most digital plate systems let you display custom messages, images, or animations on the screen when the car is stationary. When you drive, the plate automatically switches to displaying your registration number and state, which is required by law. The customization options vary by manufacturer.

Will a digital plate help me if my car is stolen?

Potentially. If your vehicle is reported stolen, the manufacturer can push an alert to your digital plate, which may display a message to law enforcement or the public. However, a thief could straightforward remove the plate or disable it. Digital plates are a tool that can help, but they are not a theft prevention system on their own. You should still use other security measures like steering wheel locks or GPS trackers.