Where to get temporary plates right now
Temporary license plates come from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the exact name varies by state. You get them either at a physical DMV office, through an authorized dealer if you're buying a car, or increasingly through an online request that you print at home. Most states issue temporary plates valid for 30 to 90 days while you wait for permanent plates to arrive by mail.
The fastest route depends on your situation. If you just bought a car from a dealer, the dealer usually handles temporary plates on the spot as part of the sale. If you bought privately or need a replacement, you'll contact your DMV directly — either in person, by mail, or online if your state offers it. Some states let you print a temporary plate when ready after paying registration fees online; others require you to visit an office.
Key Takeaways
- Dealers typically issue temporary plates when you buy a car from them, so you can drive home the same day.
- If you bought a car privately or need a replacement temporary plate, contact your state DMV by phone, online, or in person to find out which method is fastest in your state.
- Temporary plates are usually valid for 30 to 90 days, depending on your state, and you must display them where a permanent plate would go.
- You'll need proof of purchase, proof of insurance, and your driver's license; some states also require a bill of sale for private purchases.
- Permanent plates arrive by mail separately, usually within two to four weeks, and temporary plates expire whether or not the permanent ones have arrived.
Getting temporary plates from a car dealer
If you're buying from a dealership, the dealer's paperwork department issues temporary plates before you leave the lot. This is part of the sale process and happens while you're signing documents. The dealer registers the vehicle with the DMV on your behalf and prints or issues a temporary plate that's valid when ready.
You'll need to bring your driver's license and proof of insurance. The dealer will ask for these before handing over the temporary plate. Make sure the plate is clearly visible on your vehicle — most states require it to be displayed in the rear window or taped to the bumper in a way that's readable from the road. Do not remove or alter the temporary plate while it's in use.
Getting temporary plates for a private purchase
When you buy a car from a private seller, the seller cannot issue temporary plates. You must contact your DMV yourself. Start by calling your state's DMV or visiting its website to find out whether you can request temporary plates online, by mail, or only in person. Many states now let you request them online and print them at home within minutes.
Bring or submit the bill of sale from the private seller, your driver's license, and proof of insurance. Some states also require the vehicle's title or a copy of it. If you're explore online, you'll upload these documents and pay a fee (usually $10 to $30); if you're going in person, bring originals or certified copies. Ask the DMV how long temporary plates remain valid in your state — this varies from 30 to 90 days.
What documents you need
The exact documents vary by state, but most DMVs require the same core set. You'll need your valid driver's license, proof of insurance (a declaration page or ID card from your insurance company), and proof of purchase — either a dealer invoice or a bill of sale from a private seller. Some states also want to see the vehicle's title or a copy of it.
If you're replacing a lost or damaged temporary plate, bring your driver's license and the registration paperwork for the vehicle. Call your DMV ahead of time to confirm what counts as proof of insurance in your state; some accept digital copies on your phone, while others require a printed document. Having everything ready before you visit or explore online saves time and prevents delays.
How long temporary plates last
Temporary plates are valid for a set period that your state determines — commonly 30, 60, or 90 days from the date of issue. The exact duration is printed on the plate itself. Your permanent plates will arrive by mail during this window, usually within two to four weeks, but temporary plates expire on their stated date regardless of whether the permanent ones have shown up.
If your permanent plates haven't arrived by the time your temporary plate expires, contact your DMV when ready. You may be able to request an extension or a replacement temporary plate. Do not drive with an expired temporary plate; it's treated the same as driving without a plate and can result in a traffic stop and fine. Check your DMV's website or call to find out the process for extensions in your state.
Online temporary plates and print-at-home options
A growing number of states now let you request temporary plates online and print them yourself. This is usually the fastest option if your state offers it. You'll visit your DMV's website, enter your vehicle information and proof of purchase, pay the fee, and receive a PDF that you print on regular paper and tape to your rear window or bumper.
The printed temporary plate is legally valid when ready, so you can drive as soon as you've taped it to your car. The downside is that paper plates are less durable than the plastic ones dealers issue — they can fade or tear in rain or sun. Keep a copy of your confirmation email in your car in case you're stopped by police; it serves as backup proof that your temporary plate is current. Check whether your state requires the plate to be in a specific location, such as the rear window only or both front and rear.
What to do if you lose or damage your temporary plate
If your temporary plate tears, fades, or goes missing, contact your DMV right away. You'll need to request a replacement, which usually takes one to three business days if you go in person or request it online. Bring or submit the same documents you used for the original temporary plate — your driver's license, proof of insurance, and proof of purchase.
Some states charge a small fee for replacement temporary plates; others don't. Do not drive without a plate while waiting for the replacement. If you're in a situation where you need to move the vehicle before the replacement arrives, ask your DMV whether you can get a temporary permit to drive to a specific location, such as a repair shop or your home. Not all states offer this, but it's worth asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state with a temporary plate?
Yes, temporary plates are valid in all states as long as they haven't expired. However, some states have specific rules about how the plate must be displayed or what information must be on it. Before crossing state lines, check your DMV's website or call to confirm your temporary plate meets the requirements of the states you'll be driving through.
What happens if my permanent plates arrive before my temporary plate expires?
Once your permanent plates arrive, remove the temporary plate and install the permanent ones. You can then discard the temporary plate. You don't need to return it to the DMV or do anything else with it. Start using the permanent plate when ready.
Do I need temporary plates if I'm towing a car home from a private sale?
If the car is being towed and not driven on public roads, you typically don't need a temporary plate. However, if you plan to drive it even a short distance, you need temporary plates or a dealer plate. Check your state's rules, as some states have specific exemptions for vehicles being transported directly to a repair facility or home.
How much do temporary plates cost?
Temporary plate fees vary by state, ranging from free to about $30. The fee is usually included in your registration or paid separately when you request the plate. Call your DMV or check its website for the exact cost in your state.
Can I get a temporary plate if I haven't finished paying for the car?
Yes. As long as you have proof of purchase and proof of insurance, you can get a temporary plate even if you're financing the vehicle. The lender's interest in the car doesn't prevent you from registering it or getting temporary plates.