What a temporary tag is and when you need one
A temporary tag is a paper license plate that lets you drive a vehicle legally while you wait for permanent plates to arrive. You get one when you buy a car, trade in a vehicle, or transfer ownership — situations where you own the car but the state hasn't issued your official metal plates yet. The temporary tag shows your registration number and expiration date, and it goes in your rear window instead of a license plate frame.
Most states issue temporary tags through the dealership or the DMV at the time of sale or registration. If you bought the car at a dealership, they usually print one for you on the spot. If you registered the vehicle yourself at your state's DMV office or online, you may need to print the tag at home or pick one up in person, depending on your state's process.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary tags are issued by your state's DMV or by the dealership where you bought the car, and the method for obtaining one varies by state.
- If your state allows you to print a temporary tag at home, you will receive a document from the DMV by email or through your online account that you print on regular paper and tape to your rear window.
- The temporary tag is valid for a set number of days — usually 30 to 90 days depending on your state — and shows an expiration date you must watch.
- Driving with an expired temporary tag or one that is not clearly visible can result in a traffic stop and a fine, even though you own the vehicle.
How to print a temporary tag if your state offers it online
Not every state lets you print a temporary tag at home. States like Texas, Florida, and Georgia do offer this option, but others require you to pick up a physical tag from a dealership or DMV office. Before you try to print, check your state's DMV website to confirm whether printing at home is available in your state.
If your state does offer printing, the process usually works like this: after you register your vehicle online or at the DMV, you receive an email with a link to your registration documents. Log into your state's DMV portal using your driver's license number and the vehicle identification number (VIN). Look for a section labeled "temporary registration," "temporary tag," or "temporary permit" — the exact wording varies. read the document, which is usually a PDF, and print it on standard white paper using a regular printer. Do not print on cardstock or colored paper; the DMV specifies regular paper so the tag is straightforward to read and remove later.
Once printed, cut along the dotted lines if there are any, and tape the tag to the inside of your rear window using clear tape. Position it so the registration number and expiration date are clearly visible from outside the vehicle. The tag should be flat against the glass with no wrinkles or folds that would make it hard to read.
What information appears on a temporary tag
A temporary tag shows your vehicle's registration number (also called the registration sticker number), the issue date, and the expiration date. It may also display your name, the vehicle's VIN, and your state's name. The expiration date is the most important piece — this is the last day you can legally drive the vehicle with the temporary tag. After that date, you need either the permanent metal plates or a new temporary tag.
The registration number on the temporary tag is what a police officer will look up if they stop you. It connects to your vehicle's registration record in the state system, so the tag must match the VIN and registration on file. If there is a mismatch — for example, if you printed the tag before the registration was fully processed — the officer may issue a citation even though you own the car.
When your permanent plates arrive and what to do with the temporary tag
Permanent metal license plates usually arrive by mail within 2 to 8 weeks after registration, depending on your state and whether you ordered standard or personalized plates. Once they arrive, remove the temporary tag from your window and install the permanent plates on your vehicle according to your state's requirements — most states require one plate on the rear, and some require plates on both front and rear.
Keep the temporary tag in a safe place for your records, but do not leave it on the vehicle. Driving with both a temporary tag and permanent plates visible can confuse law enforcement and may result in a traffic stop. Once the permanent plates are installed, the temporary tag has no legal purpose.
What happens if your temporary tag expires before permanent plates arrive
If your permanent plates have not arrived by the expiration date on your temporary tag, contact your state's DMV when ready. Many states allow you to request an extension or print a second temporary tag if there is a delay in plate production. Some DMVs issue extensions automatically if they know plates are backordered, but you may need to call or visit the website to request one.
Driving with an expired temporary tag is illegal, even if you own the vehicle and are waiting for permanent plates. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The fine varies by state but can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. To avoid this, check your temporary tag's expiration date at least a week before it expires and contact the DMV if you need more time.
Temporary tags for vehicles bought from private sellers
If you bought a car from a private person rather than a dealership, the process is different. You do not receive a temporary tag at the point of sale. Instead, you must register the vehicle at your state's DMV office or online before you can drive it legally. Bring the bill of sale, the title, and proof of insurance. Once registration is complete, you will receive a temporary tag through the same process as a dealership purchase — either printed at home or picked up in person, depending on your state.
During the time between purchase and registration, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. Some states allow a short grace period (usually 24 to 48 hours) to drive directly to the DMV to register, but this varies. Check your state's rules before you leave the seller's location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state with a temporary tag?
Most temporary tags are valid only within the state that issued them. If you need to drive to another state before your permanent plates arrive, contact your DMV to ask about interstate temporary tags or extensions. Some states issue special temporary tags for out-of-state travel, but you must request this in advance.
What if I lose my printed temporary tag?
If the tag blows off or gets damaged, log back into your state's DMV portal and print a replacement. Most states allow you to print multiple copies of the same temporary tag document. If you cannot access the online portal, call your DMV or visit in person to request a replacement tag.
Do I need to display the temporary tag if I have permanent plates?
No. Once permanent plates are installed, remove the temporary tag completely. Displaying both at the same time can cause confusion during a traffic stop and may result in a citation.
What if my state does not allow printing temporary tags at home?
Contact the dealership where you bought the car or visit your state's DMV office in person. They will issue a physical temporary tag on the spot. If you registered online, you may be able to pick up the tag at any DMV location by showing your ID and registration confirmation.
How do I know if my temporary tag is still valid?
Check the expiration date printed on the tag. This is the last day you can legally drive with it. If the date has passed or is today, you need either permanent plates or a new temporary tag before driving.