How to get temporary license plates
Temporary license plates come from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), usually issued the same day you buy a car or transfer ownership. Most states print them on paper and tape them to your windshield or rear window; a few states issue plastic plates. You get them at the DMV office where you complete your vehicle registration, or sometimes at the dealership if the dealer handles registration on your behalf.
The process is straightforward: bring proof of purchase (the bill of sale or purchase agreement), proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The DMV staff will print your temporary plates while you wait, usually at no extra cost beyond your registration fee. Temporary plates are valid for 30 to 90 days depending on your state — check your paperwork for the expiration date, because driving past it can result in a fine.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary plates come from your state DMV office and are issued the same day you register a vehicle, not from dealerships or online services.
- You need a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to receive temporary plates at the DMV.
- Temporary plates are valid for 30 to 90 days depending on your state, and the expiration date is printed on the plate itself.
- If you buy a car from a dealership, ask whether the dealer will handle registration and temporary plates for you, which can save you a trip to the DMV.
- Driving with expired temporary plates is a violation; order your permanent plates before the temporary ones expire.
Getting temporary plates at the DMV
Walk into your local DMV office with your bill of sale, proof of insurance, and ID. Tell the staff member you need temporary plates. They will ask you to fill out a vehicle registration form — in most states this is the process for Vehicle Registration or a similar document with a state-specific name. The form asks for your name, address, the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and basic details about the car.
Once the form is complete, you pay the registration fee. This fee varies by state and sometimes by vehicle weight or type, so ask the DMV staff what to expect. The staff member will then print your temporary plates on the spot. They will either hand them to you to tape on yourself, or tape them on for you. Keep the receipt — it shows your registration is in progress and can protect you if you are stopped by police before your permanent plates arrive.
When a dealership issues temporary plates
Many dealerships offer to handle registration and temporary plates for you as part of the sale. This is a convenience, not a requirement. If the dealership does this, they submit your paperwork to the DMV on your behalf and mail temporary plates to you, or print them in-house if your state allows it. The dealership may charge a processing fee for this service — ask before you agree.
If you choose this route, ask the dealership when you can expect the plates to arrive and what to do if they do not show up within a week. Also ask for a receipt or letter stating that your registration is in progress, in case you are stopped by police before the plates arrive. Some states allow you to drive with just the bill of sale and proof of insurance during this waiting period; others do not. The dealership should tell you what your state requires.
How long temporary plates last
Temporary plates expire on a date printed directly on the plate. Most states issue temporary plates valid for 30, 45, 60, or 90 days — the length depends on your state and sometimes on how busy the DMV is. Check the expiration date as soon as you receive the plates so you know your important date.
Your permanent plates should arrive in the mail before the temporary ones expire. If they do not, contact your DMV office when ready. Driving with expired temporary plates is a traffic violation in every state, even if your permanent plates are on the way. If you are stopped, the officer can issue a citation. If your permanent plates are delayed, some DMV offices will issue a second set of temporary plates, but you have to ask.
What to do if you lose or damage temporary plates
If your temporary plates blow off, get damaged, or are stolen, go back to the DMV office where you received them and ask for a replacement. Bring your registration receipt and ID. The DMV will usually print new temporary plates for you on the spot, sometimes at no cost if the damage was not your fault. If you damaged them yourself, the DMV may charge a small fee.
Do not drive without plates while waiting for a replacement. If you cannot get to the DMV when ready, call ahead to confirm they have temporary plates in stock and ask how long the replacement takes. Some offices can print them in minutes; others may take longer if their printer is down.
Temporary plates and out-of-state purchases
If you buy a car in another state, you cannot use that state's temporary plates in your home state. You must register the vehicle in your home state and get temporary plates from your home state's DMV. Bring the bill of sale, proof of insurance, and your ID to your local DMV office. The process is the same as registering a car bought locally.
Some people worry about driving across state lines with an out-of-state bill of sale and no plates. Most states allow this for a short period — usually 10 to 30 days — if you have the bill of sale and proof of insurance visible in the car. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to confirm the rules before you drive home with a newly purchased out-of-state vehicle.
What happens if your permanent plates are delayed
Permanent plates usually arrive within two to four weeks of registration, but delays happen. If your temporary plates are about to expire and your permanent plates have not arrived, contact your DMV office. Explain the situation and ask for an extension or a second set of temporary plates. Many DMV offices will issue an extension if you can show that you submitted your registration on time.
Some states allow you to request expedited permanent plates for an extra fee, which can cut the wait time in half. Ask your DMV whether this option is available and what it costs. If you are still waiting after your temporary plates expire, keep your registration receipt and proof of your DMV contact in the car — these documents can protect you if you are stopped by police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without temporary plates while I wait for them to be printed?
No. You must have temporary plates or a registration receipt in your car before you drive. If you are buying from a dealership and they are mailing temporary plates to you, ask for a letter stating your registration is in progress. Some states allow you to drive with just this letter and proof of insurance; others do not. Call your DMV to confirm what your state requires.
What if I move before my permanent plates arrive?
Contact your DMV office and provide your new address. They will update your registration and mail your permanent plates to the new address. Bring your registration receipt and ID if you go in person. Do this as soon as you move — driving with an address mismatch between your registration and your ID can cause problems if you are stopped.
Do I need temporary plates if I am buying a used car from a private seller?
Yes. You need to register the vehicle in your name before you can drive it legally. Go to your DMV office with the bill of sale, proof of insurance, and ID to register and receive temporary plates. You cannot drive the car home without plates or a registration receipt, even if the previous owner's plates are still on it.
Can I order temporary plates online?
No. Temporary plates must be issued in person at a DMV office or through a dealership that handles registration. You cannot order them online or by mail. Some states offer online vehicle registration for renewals, but not for new registrations or temporary plates.
What if I get pulled over with expired temporary plates?
You can receive a citation. If your permanent plates are delayed, explain this to the officer and show your registration receipt. The officer may issue a warning instead of a ticket, but this is at their discretion. To avoid this situation, contact your DMV as soon as you realize your permanent plates will not arrive before your temporary plates expire.