What Florida license plates are and who issues them

Florida license plates are issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Every vehicle registered in Florida must display a current plate on the front and rear. The state issues different plate types depending on your vehicle class, ownership status, and whether you want a standard plate or a specialty design.

The DHSMV handles all plate issuance, renewal, and replacement. You obtain plates when you first register a vehicle in Florida, and you renew them every two years on your registration anniversary. The plate itself remains yours to keep if you move out of state or sell the vehicle — you straightforward return it to DHSMV or turn it in at your new state's motor vehicle office.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida plates are issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and must be renewed every two years on your registration anniversary date.
  • Standard plates cost between $28 and $35 depending on your vehicle type, while specialty plates range from $25 to $50 or more depending on the design.
  • You can order plates online through the DHSMV website, by mail, or in person at a county tax collector's office without visiting a DMV.
  • Personalized plates require a separate request and additional fee, and the state rejects requests containing offensive language or existing trademarked phrases.
  • If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can report it to the tax collector and order a replacement for a reduced fee.

Standard plates versus specialty plates

Florida offers two main categories of plates. Standard plates display the state name, your county name, and a random combination of letters and numbers. These are the default option and cost the least. A standard plate for a passenger vehicle costs around $28 to $35, depending on whether it is a new registration or a renewal.

Specialty plates feature designs supporting specific causes, organizations, or interests — examples include the Protect Our Reefs plate, the Autism Awareness plate, and the Florida Wildlife plate. Each specialty plate costs more than a standard plate, typically $25 to $50 or higher depending on the design. A portion of the fee goes to the organization or cause the plate supports. The DHSMV maintains a full list of available specialty plates on its website, organized by category.

You do not have to choose a specialty plate. If you prefer a standard plate or want to save money, the standard option is always available at renewal or registration.

How to order or renew your plates

You have three main routes to order or renew plates in Florida. The fastest is online through the DHSMV website at flhsmv.gov. You enter your vehicle information, current registration number (if renewing), and payment method. Plates arrive by mail within one to two weeks. This route works for renewals and for new registrations if your vehicle was previously registered in another state.

The second route is by mail. You complete the process form (Form HSMV 82101 for a new registration or the renewal notice the state sends you), include payment, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after DHSMV receives it.

The third route is in person at your county tax collector's office. This is not a DMV — Florida does not have DMV offices. Instead, the county tax collector handles vehicle registration and plate issuance. You bring your proof of ownership, proof of residency, proof of insurance, and payment. You walk out with temporary plates and receive permanent plates by mail within one to two weeks. Tax collector offices are usually faster than mail and do not require internet access.

Personalized plates and custom requests

Florida allows personalized plates with up to seven characters of your choice. You request a personalized plate when you register or renew, and you pay an additional fee on top of the standard or specialty plate cost — typically $10 to $15 extra. The state checks your requested combination against a list of reserved plates and rejected phrases before approving it.

The DHSMV rejects personalized plate requests that contain offensive language, profanity, or existing trademarked phrases. The state also reserves certain combinations for government use or historical significance. You can check whether your desired combination is available on the DHSMV website before you submit a formal request. If your first choice is taken, you can request an alternative.

Personalized plates renew on the same schedule as standard plates — every two years — and you pay the personalization fee again at each renewal.

Plate replacement and damage

If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can report it to your county tax collector and order a replacement. A replacement plate costs less than a new registration — typically $10 to $15 depending on your county. You do not need to wait until your renewal date to replace a damaged plate.

If your plate is stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the tax collector. This protects you if the stolen plate is used in a traffic violation or crime. The tax collector will issue you a new plate number and can flag your old number in the system.

If your plate is damaged but still readable, you can continue using it until your renewal date. If it is unreadable or missing, order a replacement when ready — driving without a visible plate is a violation in Florida.

Plate fees and what they cover

Florida plate fees vary by vehicle type and plate choice. A standard passenger vehicle plate costs around $28 to $35 for a new registration. A renewal of the same plate costs the same amount. Specialty plates cost $25 to $50 or more depending on the design. Personalized plates add $10 to $15 to any plate type.

These fees cover the cost of manufacturing and mailing the plate, the administrative processing by DHSMV, and the county tax collector's handling. For specialty plates, a portion of the fee is directed to the supporting organization or cause. Fees do not include vehicle registration itself — that is a separate cost based on your vehicle's value and age, and it varies by county.

If you renew online or by mail, you pay by credit card, debit card, or check. If you renew in person at the tax collector, you can also pay by cash. Some counties accept additional payment methods — check your local tax collector's website for details.

When your plates expire and how to renew

Florida plates expire every two years on your vehicle registration anniversary. Your registration anniversary is the date your vehicle was first registered in Florida, not your birthday. The state sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your plates expire, showing your current plate number, vehicle information, and the renewal fee.

You can renew up to six months before your plates expire without penalty. If you renew after they expire, you may face a late fee in addition to the renewal cost. If you are pulled over with expired plates, you can be cited, though the fine is usually small if your registration is current and you renew promptly.

If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can still renew online at flhsmv.gov or contact your county tax collector. Do not wait for the notice — renew as soon as you know your expiration date to avoid driving with expired plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old plate number if I move to a different county in Florida?

Yes. Your plate number stays with your vehicle regardless of which county you move to. You do not need to re-register or get a new plate unless your old plate is damaged or you choose to switch to a specialty or personalized plate.

What happens if I sell my vehicle before my plates expire?

You can transfer your plates to a new vehicle you own, or you can turn them in to the tax collector. If you transfer them, you pay a transfer fee (usually $10 to $15) and provide proof of the new vehicle's ownership. If you turn them in, you receive a refund of any unused registration time, though the refund is usually small.

Do I need to visit an office in person to register a vehicle for the first time in Florida?

Not necessarily. If you have the vehicle's title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency, you can register online or by mail. However, visiting your county tax collector in person is faster and you leave with temporary plates the same day. Online and mail registration take one to three weeks.

Can I order plates for a vehicle I do not own yet?

No. You must have proof of ownership (a title or bill of sale) before you can register a vehicle and order plates. Once you own the vehicle, you can register and order plates when ready.

What is the difference between a temporary plate and a permanent plate?

A temporary plate is issued in person at the tax collector and is valid for one to three weeks while your permanent plate is being manufactured and mailed. A permanent plate is the metal plate that arrives by mail and is valid for two years. You must display the temporary plate while you wait for the permanent one.