Where to get license plates and what you'll need
You get license plates from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state but the function is the same. The DMV issues plates when you register your vehicle, and registration happens after you buy the car. You cannot legally drive without plates, so this is the first step after purchase.
What you bring depends on whether you're registering a new car, a used car from a dealer, or a used car from a private seller. In all cases, you'll need proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), proof of identity (driver's license or passport), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Some states also require a safety inspection or emissions test before registration, which must be completed first.
The process takes different amounts of time depending on how you do it. Walk-in at the DMV typically takes several hours. Mail-in registration, where available, takes one to three weeks. Some states now allow online registration for renewals and certain transfers, which is faster but not available for all situations.
Key Takeaways
- License plates come from your state DMV when you register your vehicle, and you need them before you can legally drive.
- You'll need the vehicle title or bill of sale, a government ID, and proof you live in that state.
- Some states require a safety or emissions inspection before the DMV will issue plates, so check your state's rules first.
- The DMV charges a registration fee that varies by state and sometimes by vehicle weight or age.
- You can usually register in person, by mail, or online depending on your state and situation.
Registration fees and what they cover
The DMV charges a registration fee when you get your plates. This fee varies significantly by state — it might be $50 in one state and $300 in another. Some states base the fee on the vehicle's weight, age, or value, so two identical cars registered in different states will cost different amounts.
The registration fee covers the cost of issuing the plates and maintaining the registration system. It does not cover inspections, title transfers, or duplicate plates if you lose one. Those are separate fees. When you renew your registration each year, you pay a renewal fee, which is often lower than the initial registration fee.
If you're registering a vehicle with a loan or lease, the lender or leasing company may have specific requirements about how the title is held or what documents you need. Contact them before you go to the DMV so you have everything they require.
The difference between temporary and permanent plates
When you buy a car from a dealer, you usually get a temporary registration document and temporary plates (often paper plates) that let you drive legally for 30 to 90 days while your permanent plates are being made. This temporary period gives the DMV time to process your registration and print your plates.
Permanent plates are metal plates with your state's name and a unique number. They arrive by mail after the DMV processes your registration. You install them on the front and back of your vehicle. If you buy from a private seller, you may not get temporary plates at all — you'll need to complete registration before you drive the car home, or arrange for the seller to keep their plates on until you register it.
Some states now offer personalized plates (vanity plates) with custom letters and numbers instead of the standard format. These cost extra and take longer to produce, but they're optional.
Registering a new car versus a used car
A new car from a dealer comes with a manufacturer's certificate of origin instead of a title. The dealer handles the paperwork to transfer this to a title in your name, and you receive the title before you leave the lot. You then take that title to the DMV to register and get plates.
A used car from a dealer comes with a title already in the dealer's name. The dealer transfers it to you at the time of sale, and you take the new title to the DMV. The process is the same as with a new car — title first, then registration and plates.
A used car from a private seller requires you to get the title signed over to you by the seller. You then take that signed title to the DMV. Some states require both the buyer and seller to sign the title in front of a notary public before the DMV will process it. Check your state's rules before you hand over money, because if the seller won't cooperate with the title transfer, you cannot register the car.
Safety and emissions inspections before registration
Many states require a safety inspection or emissions test before the DMV will issue plates. These inspections check that your brakes, lights, windshield, and other safety equipment work. Emissions tests check that your vehicle's pollution output meets state standards. If your car fails, you must fix the problem and test again before you can register.
You get these inspections done at a certified inspection station, not at the DMV. The inspection station gives you a certificate or report that you bring to the DMV along with your other documents. Some states combine the safety and emissions test into one visit; others require separate visits.
New cars are usually exempt from safety and emissions inspections for the first year or two. Used cars always require them. If you're buying a used car, ask the seller whether it has passed inspection recently — if it has, you may be able to use that certificate. If not, budget time and money for the inspection before you register.
How to register online, by mail, or in person
Most states now offer online registration for vehicle renewals, and some allow you to renew online even if you need new plates. To renew online, you log into your state DMV's website, enter your vehicle information and current registration number, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and receive a temporary registration document. Your new plates arrive by mail.
Initial registration (for a car you just bought) usually requires an in-person visit or mail-in submission because the DMV needs to verify the title and inspect the vehicle's identification number (VIN). Some states now allow you to submit documents by mail and skip the in-person visit, but you'll need to check your state's specific rules.
In-person registration at the DMV takes one to four hours depending on how busy the office is. Bring all required documents, arrive early, and take a number if the DMV uses a queue system. Mail-in registration takes one to three weeks because documents must travel to the DMV, be processed, and plates must be printed and mailed back to you.
Replacing lost, stolen, or damaged plates
If your plates are stolen or damaged, you can get replacements from the DMV. You'll need to report the theft to local police and bring the police report to the DMV, or bring proof of damage if the plates are bent or faded. The DMV charges a replacement fee, which is usually less than the original registration fee.
Replacement plates typically arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before they arrive, the DMV may issue temporary plates. Some states allow you to request expedited replacement plates for an additional fee, which arrive in a few days.
If you move to a different state, you do not automatically get new plates. You must register your vehicle in the new state and get new plates with that state's format. The old plates should be returned to your previous state's DMV or disposed of according to their instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car home from the dealer without plates?
No, not legally. Dealers provide temporary plates or a temporary registration document that serves the same purpose. You must have one of these before you drive off the lot. If buying from a private seller, you need to complete registration first or arrange for the seller to keep their plates on the car until you register it.
What if I lose my title before I can register the car?
Contact your state DMV and request a duplicate title. You'll need to provide proof of ownership (bill of sale, purchase receipt, or loan documents) and pay a fee. The duplicate title usually arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Until you have it, you cannot register the vehicle.
Do I need to register my car in the state where I live or where I bought it?
You register in the state where you live, not where you bought it. If you buy a car in one state and move to another, you must register it in your new state within a set timeframe (usually 30 to 90 days). Your old plates become invalid once you register in the new state.
How long do license plates last before I need new ones?
License plates are permanent — you keep the same plates as long as you own the car and renew your registration each year. You only get new plates if yours are lost, stolen, damaged, or if you request personalized plates. Renewing your registration does not require new plates unless your state has changed its plate design.
What happens if I drive without plates or with expired registration?
Driving without valid plates or registration is illegal and can result in a traffic citation, fine, and in some cases impoundment of the vehicle. If your registration is about to expire, renew it before the expiration date. Most states allow online renewal, which takes minutes.