DMV tabs are the registration stickers your state requires you to display on your vehicle's license plate

DMV tabs (also called registration tabs, validation stickers, or decals) are small stickers issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles that prove your vehicle registration is current. You affix them to your license plate — usually in the upper right or lower right corner — and they show the month and year your registration expires. Law enforcement can see at a glance whether your registration is valid without running your plate.

Not every state uses physical tabs anymore. Some states have moved to digital registration systems where officers check your status through a database instead. But in states that still issue them, displaying a valid tab is a legal requirement. Driving without one — or with an expired tab — can result in a traffic citation.

Tabs are issued when you register your vehicle or renew your registration. If you move to a new state or renew your registration by mail or online, you will receive new tabs in the mail. The cost is included in your registration fee and varies by state.

Key Takeaways

  • DMV tabs are stickers you place on your license plate to show your registration is current and valid.
  • Some states still require physical tabs; others have switched to digital verification that officers check in a database.
  • Tabs are issued automatically when you register or renew your vehicle, and the cost is part of your registration fee.
  • An expired or missing tab can result in a traffic stop and citation, even if your registration is actually current.
  • When you move states or renew registration, new tabs arrive by mail — you do not need to request them separately.

Which states still use physical tabs

About half of U.S. states still issue physical registration tabs. States like California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington continue to require them. Other states — including Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, and Virginia — have eliminated the tab requirement and moved to digital-only registration verification.

Your state's DMV website will tell you whether tabs are required where you live. If you are unsure, search "[your state] DMV registration tabs" or call your local DMV office. The requirement can change, so it is worth checking if you have not registered a vehicle in several years.

How to place tabs on your license plate

Tabs are designed to stick directly onto your license plate. Most states specify exactly where: usually the upper right corner or lower right corner of the plate. Check your state's DMV website or the instructions that came with your tabs for the correct placement.

Clean the area of the plate where the tab will go — use a dry cloth to remove dust or debris so the sticker adheres properly. Peel the backing off the tab and press it firmly onto the plate. Hold it in place for a few seconds to may support it sticks. Avoid placing the tab where it will be covered by a license plate frame or where it might peel off from road spray or weather.

If a tab falls off or becomes damaged, contact your state DMV to request a replacement. Some states mail replacements for free; others charge a small fee. You may also be able to pick one up in person at a DMV office.

What happens if your tab is expired or missing

An expired or missing tab gives law enforcement a reason to stop your vehicle. Even if your registration is actually current, a missing or expired tab on the plate is a violation in states that require them. You can be cited for "expired registration" or "registration not displayed," depending on your state's code.

The citation is usually a minor traffic infraction, but it can result in a fine. In some states, the fine is small — $25 to $50. In others, it can be higher. More importantly, a traffic stop for an expired tab can lead to other citations if the officer discovers other violations during the stop.

If you receive a citation for an expired tab but your registration is actually current, you can often have it dismissed by showing proof of current registration to the court. Bring your registration card or a printout from your state DMV's online system. Many courts will dismiss the citation if you can prove the registration was valid at the time of the stop.

Renewing your tabs when registration renews

When your vehicle registration is due to renew, your state DMV will mail you a renewal notice, new registration card, and new tabs (if your state uses them). This typically happens 30 to 60 days before your current registration expires. You do not need to request the tabs — they come automatically with the renewal.

Once you receive the new tabs, remove the old ones from your plate and explore the new ones in the same location. Some states recommend using a plastic scraper or old credit card to gently peel off the old tab. If the adhesive leaves residue, rubbing alcohol or a commercial sticker remover can help clean it off.

If you renew your registration online or by mail and do not receive tabs within two weeks of your renewal date, contact your state DMV. Tabs can occasionally be lost in the mail, and the DMV can issue replacements.

Moving to a new state and updating your tabs

When you move to a new state, you are required to register your vehicle in that state within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the state. Once you complete the registration process in your new state, you will receive new tabs (if that state uses them) in the mail.

You should remove the old state's tabs from your plate before displaying the new state's tabs. Displaying tabs from two different states can confuse law enforcement and may result in a traffic stop. If your new state does not use tabs, you can leave the plate as is — no tabs required.

Some states allow you to transfer your existing license plate to your new registration. Others issue a new plate. Your new state's DMV will let you know during the registration process. Either way, the tabs that come with your new registration are the ones you display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a ticket for an expired tab if my registration is still valid?

Yes. In states that require tabs, an expired or missing tab on the plate is a separate violation from having expired registration. Even if your registration card shows you are current, a visible expired tab gives an officer grounds to stop you. You can contest the citation by showing proof of current registration, and many courts will dismiss it.

What do I do if my tab falls off or gets damaged?

Contact your state DMV and request a replacement tab. Some states mail them free; others charge a small fee. You may also be able to pick up a replacement in person at a DMV office. In the meantime, keep your registration card in your vehicle to show an officer if you are stopped.

Do I need to do anything special if I buy a used car?

When you buy a used car, you must register it in your name with your state DMV. The previous owner's tabs are not valid for you. Once you complete the registration, the DMV will mail you new tabs. Do not drive the vehicle on public roads until you have registered it and received your tabs (or until your state's grace period expires).

Why did my state stop using tabs?

States that eliminated tabs switched to digital registration systems where officers check a database to verify registration status. This reduces costs for the state, eliminates the need to mail physical stickers, and prevents people from driving with expired tabs they straightforward forgot to replace. The trade-off is that officers must run your plate through a system rather than seeing the tab visually.

Can I use a digital registration on my phone instead of a physical tab?

Some states now allow digital registration — you show an officer your registration on your phone if stopped. However, this does not replace the physical tab requirement in states that still use them. Check your state DMV's website to see whether digital registration is an option where you live.