Where to get new license plates

You get new license plates from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though the name varies by state — it may be called the Secretary of State, Registry of Motor Vehicles, or Department of Transportation. Most states let you order plates by mail, online, or in person at a local DMV office. Some states also allow you to order through third-party vendors or kiosks, but the DMV is always an option.

The fastest route depends on your state and what you need. If you need plates the same day, you must go in person to a DMV office that stocks them. If you can wait one to three weeks, mail or online ordering is usually cheaper and requires no trip. Check your state's DMV website to see which methods are available and what the current wait times are — these change seasonally.

Key Takeaways

  • You order new plates through your state's DMV, either online, by mail, or in person, depending on what your state offers.
  • Standard replacement plates cost between $20 and $50 in most states, but specialty or personalized plates cost more.
  • You will need your current vehicle registration, proof of ownership, and a valid ID to order plates.
  • In-person orders at a DMV office usually take one to two hours; mail and online orders take one to three weeks.
  • If your plates are damaged, stolen, or lost, most states let you report this to the DMV and order replacements at a reduced fee.

What documents you need to bring or submit

The exact documents vary by state, but most DMVs require your current vehicle registration, proof of vehicle ownership (the title or registration document), and a valid photo ID. If you are ordering by mail or online, you will upload or mail copies of these documents. If you are going in person, bring the originals or certified copies.

If your plates were stolen or lost, bring a police report or a statement describing what happened. Some states waive the replacement fee if you can prove theft; others charge a reduced fee. If your plates are damaged but you still have them, bring them with you — some states will accept the damaged plates as proof and may reduce the fee.

The cost of new license plates

Standard replacement plates cost between $20 and $50 in most states. The exact price depends on your state and whether you are replacing damaged plates, ordering a duplicate set, or getting plates for a newly registered vehicle. Some states charge less if you are replacing stolen or lost plates.

Specialty plates — personalized vanity plates, environmental plates, or plates supporting a cause — cost more, usually $50 to $100 or higher. The extra fee goes to the organization or program the plate supports. If you want a personalized plate with a specific combination of letters and numbers, you will pay the specialty plate fee plus a personalization fee, which ranges from $25 to $75 depending on your state.

How to order plates online or by mail

Most states now offer online ordering through their DMV website. Go to your state's DMV site, find the license plate section, and select "order new plates" or "replace plates." You will enter your vehicle information, current plate number, and the reason for replacement (damaged, lost, stolen, or routine renewal). Upload or attach copies of your registration, proof of ownership, and ID.

Pay the fee using a credit or debit card. Your state will mail the new plates to the address on your registration within one to three weeks. Some states send a tracking number so you can check the status. If you prefer to mail in your order instead of ordering online, read the form from your state's DMV website, print it, and mail it with copies of your documents and a check or money order to the address listed on the form.

Getting plates in person at a DMV office

If you need plates the same day, visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current registration, proof of ownership, valid ID, and the reason for replacement. If your plates were stolen or lost, bring a police report. If they are damaged, bring the plates themselves.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely — anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours depending on the time of day, day of the week, and how busy that office is. Many states now let you reserve a time slot online before you go, which can cut your wait time significantly. Check your state's DMV website to see if online reservations are available in your area. Some offices have plates in stock and can hand them to you the same day; others will order them and mail them to you, which takes one to two weeks even after your in-person visit.

What happens after you order your plates

If you ordered by mail or online, watch for the plates to arrive in a padded envelope within one to three weeks. When they arrive, remove them from the packaging and check that the plate number matches what you ordered. Attach them to your vehicle using the bolts or screws that came with them, or use your own fasteners if the plates did not include them.

Keep the old plates. Some states require you to return them to the DMV; others let you keep them or destroy them. Check your state's rules on the DMV website. If you ordered in person and the office had plates in stock, install them right away. If the office ordered them for you, you will receive them by mail and follow the same process.

Replacing damaged, lost, or stolen plates

If your plates are damaged — bent, faded, or cracked — you can order replacements through the same process as a routine replacement. Bring the damaged plates with you if you are ordering in person, or describe the damage when you order online or by mail. Some states charge a reduced fee for damaged plates, usually $10 to $20 instead of the full replacement price.

If your plates are lost or stolen, file a police report first. Bring the report number or a copy of the report when you order replacements in person, or include it with your online or mail order. Most states charge a reduced fee for lost or stolen plates, typically $15 to $30. Some states waive the fee entirely if you can prove theft with a police report. Order replacements as soon as possible — driving without plates is illegal in all states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old plate number when I order new plates?

Yes, in most states. When you order new plates, you can request to keep your current plate number. This is called a transfer or retention. There is usually no extra fee, though some states charge a small transfer fee of $5 to $10. Specify this when you order online, by mail, or in person.

How long do I have to drive without plates after I order them?

You cannot legally drive without plates. If your current plates are damaged, lost, or stolen, order replacements right away. If you are ordering in person and the office does not have plates in stock, ask if they can issue a temporary plate or permit that lets you drive while you wait for the permanent plates to arrive by mail.

What if my new plates arrive with the wrong information?

Contact your state's DMV when ready with the plate number and your order confirmation. Most states will send corrected plates at no extra charge. Keep the incorrect plates until the DMV tells you what to do with them — some states want them returned, others want them destroyed.

Do I need new plates if I move to a different state?

Yes. When you register your vehicle in a new state, you must obtain plates from that state's DMV. The process is the same as ordering new plates — you will need your vehicle title, proof of residency in the new state, and a valid ID. Your old plates become invalid once you register in the new state.

Can I order vanity plates at the same time as regular replacement plates?

Yes, but the process is usually separate. When you order new plates, you can select the option for a personalized or vanity plate and choose your desired letter and number combination, subject to availability. Vanity plates cost more and may take longer to arrive — sometimes four to six weeks instead of one to three weeks — because each one is custom-made.