Most states require a front license plate, but a handful do not
Thirty-one states and Washington, D.C. require you to display a license plate on both the front and rear of your vehicle. Nineteen states allow you to display a plate on the rear only. The states that do not require a front plate are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.
If you move to a different state or buy a vehicle registered in another state, you need to know your current state's requirement before you drive. Driving without the required front plate can result in a traffic citation and a fine, even if your home state does not require one. The fine amount varies by state but typically ranges from $25 to $100 for a first offense.
Key Takeaways
- Nineteen states do not require a front license plate, but the other thirty-one states and Washington, D.C. do require both front and rear plates.
- If you move or register a vehicle in a new state, you must follow that state's plate requirements, not your previous state's rules.
- Driving without a required front plate is a traffic violation that can result in a fine of $25 to $100 or more, depending on the state.
- Some states allow you to request a vanity plate or specialty plate, but both front and rear plates must still meet the state's display requirements.
Why states have different rules
States set their own vehicle registration and display rules, so there is no single federal requirement for front plates. Some states adopted front plate requirements decades ago for law enforcement purposes — a front plate makes it easier for traffic cameras and police to identify vehicles from the front. Other states never implemented the requirement and have not changed the rule since.
The cost of producing and replacing plates is also a factor. States that require two plates incur higher costs for the Department of Motor Vehicles, while states with one-plate rules save money on plate production. However, this cost difference is usually small compared to other state budget items, so it is rarely the main reason a state keeps or changes its rule.
What happens if you move to a state with different rules
When you register a vehicle in a new state, you must follow that state's plate requirements. If you move from a state that does not require a front plate to one that does, you will need to obtain a front plate from your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The process is usually part of your vehicle registration renewal or transfer, and the cost is included in your registration fee.
If you move from a state that requires a front plate to one that does not, you can remove the front plate and display only the rear plate. You do not need to return the front plate to your old state — you can keep it or discard it. However, you must update your vehicle registration in your new state within the timeframe required by that state, which is typically 30 to 60 days after you move.
States that require front plates: the complete list
The following thirty-one states and Washington, D.C. require both a front and rear license plate:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Washington, D.C.
How to check your state's current requirement
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists the plate display requirements for your state. You can search "[your state] DMV license plate requirements" to find the official page. The page will tell you whether you need a front plate, where the plate must be mounted, and what happens if you do not display it correctly.
If you are buying a used vehicle from out of state or registering a vehicle for the first time, ask the seller or the dealership whether the vehicle has the correct plates for your state. If it does not, you will need to obtain new plates from your state's DMV before you drive the vehicle on public roads.
Mounting and display rules
States that require a front plate also have rules about where and how the plate must be mounted. Most states require the plate to be mounted on the front bumper or the front of the vehicle frame, in a location that is clearly visible and not obscured by dirt, damage, or other objects. The plate must be mounted securely so it does not fall off or move around while you drive.
Some states allow you to mount the plate on the dashboard or behind the windshield if the vehicle does not have a front bumper or if mounting on the bumper would damage the vehicle. Check your state's DMV website for specific mounting rules, because violating them can result in a citation even if you have the correct plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a ticket for not having a front plate in a state that requires one?
Yes. If a state requires a front plate and you do not have one, a police officer can pull you over and issue a citation. The fine is typically $25 to $100 for a first offense, though some states impose higher fines for repeat violations. In some states, the officer may also require you to obtain the plate before you drive again.
Do I need to get new plates if I move to a state that requires a front plate?
Yes, you will need to obtain a front plate from your new state's DMV. This is usually done when you register your vehicle in the new state, which you must do within 30 to 60 days of moving. The cost of the front plate is included in your registration fee.
What if my vehicle does not have a front bumper?
Some states allow you to mount the plate on the dashboard, behind the windshield, or on the frame of the vehicle if there is no front bumper. Check your state's DMV website or contact your local DMV office to find out what mounting options are allowed for your vehicle type.
Can I remove my front plate if I move to a state that does not require one?
Yes. If you move to a state that does not require a front plate, you can remove the front plate and display only the rear plate. You do not need to return the front plate to your old state. However, you must update your vehicle registration in your new state within the required timeframe.