Car tags are the registration stickers or plates that prove your vehicle is legally registered
Car tags are the physical proof that you have registered your vehicle with your state's DMV. They come in two forms: a metal license plate with numbers and letters, or a sticker (sometimes called a validation sticker or registration tab) that you attach to an existing plate. Every state requires tags on every vehicle driven on public roads. The tag shows your vehicle's registration number, your state, and usually the year the registration expires.
When you register a car at the DMV, you receive tags as part of that registration. If your tags are expired, lost, or damaged, you can get replacements at the DMV. The process and cost depend on what you need and which state you live in.
Key Takeaways
- Car tags prove your vehicle is registered and must be displayed on your vehicle at all times — driving without valid tags is illegal and can result in a fine.
- You receive tags when you first register a vehicle, and they expire on a date set by your state (usually one to four years after registration).
- Replacement tags for lost, stolen, or damaged plates cost money and require you to visit the DMV in person or mail in a form, depending on your state.
- Some states issue sticker tags that renew yearly; others issue permanent plates and only replace the sticker — know which your state uses before you go to the DMV.
What happens when you first register a vehicle
When you register a new or used car at the DMV, the registration process includes issuing your car tags. The DMV will give you either a metal license plate or a registration sticker (or both, depending on your state). You are required to attach these to your vehicle before driving it on public roads. The tag displays your vehicle's registration number, which is unique to that car and that registration period.
Your tags will have an expiration date printed on them. This date tells you when your vehicle registration expires and when you need to renew it. In most states, registration lasts one to four years. When the expiration date passes, your tags are no longer valid, and driving with expired tags is illegal.
The difference between permanent plates and renewal stickers
Different states handle tags differently. Some states issue permanent metal license plates that you keep for the life of the vehicle. With permanent plates, you renew your registration by getting a new validation sticker — a small sticker with the new expiration year — that you attach to the plate. Other states issue new metal plates every time you renew registration. A few states use only stickers with no metal plate at all.
Before you go to the DMV for replacement tags, find out which system your state uses. If your state uses permanent plates with stickers, you may only need a new sticker, which is cheaper and faster than replacing the entire plate. If your state issues new plates at each renewal, you will receive a full new plate. Check your state DMV's website or call ahead to confirm what your state does.
When and why you need replacement tags
You need replacement tags if your current tags are lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible. A damaged tag might be bent, rusted, faded, or cracked so badly that the numbers are no longer readable. If a tag is stolen, you should report the theft to your local police and bring the report to the DMV when you request a replacement. If you straightforward cannot find your tag, the DMV will issue a replacement, though some states charge a higher fee for lost tags than for damaged ones.
You also need replacement tags if you move to a new state. Each state's tags display that state's name and format. When you move, you must register your vehicle in your new state and receive new tags within a set time frame — usually 30 to 60 days. Driving with out-of-state tags after that period is illegal in most states.
How to get replacement tags at the DMV
To get replacement tags, you will need to visit your local DMV office or mail in a request form, depending on what your state allows. Bring your current vehicle registration document (or a copy if the original is lost), proof of ownership, and a valid ID. If your tag was stolen, bring the police report. If you are replacing a damaged tag, bring the damaged tag itself if you still have it.
Some states allow you to request replacement tags online or by mail. Check your state DMV website to see if this option is available. If you must visit in person, expect to wait and bring all required documents. The DMV will issue your replacement tags on the spot or mail them to you within one to two weeks, depending on your state's process.
Replacement tag fees vary by state. A replacement metal plate typically costs between $10 and $30. A replacement sticker usually costs less, between $5 and $15. Some states charge extra if the tag was lost rather than damaged. Ask the DMV clerk what the fee will be before you pay.
Scams and safety concerns with car tags
Do not buy car tags from any source other than your state DMV or an authorized DMV agent. Scammers sometimes sell fake tags online or claim they can get you tags without visiting the DMV. These tags are counterfeit and illegal to use. Driving with fake tags is a serious crime that can result in arrest, vehicle impoundment, and heavy fines.
Be cautious of websites that claim to sell tags or registration renewals. Many of these are not affiliated with the DMV and will take your money without delivering anything. The only legal way to get car tags is through your state's official DMV office or a licensed DMV service center. If you are unsure whether a service is legitimate, call your state DMV directly to ask.
Never give your personal information, vehicle title, or payment to anyone who contacts you claiming to represent the DMV. The DMV will not call or email you asking for these details. If someone contacts you this way, hang up or delete the message and report it to your state's attorney general.
What to do if your tags expire before you can renew
If your registration is about to expire and you have not yet renewed it, you should renew before the expiration date. Renewing registration is different from replacing lost or damaged tags — it is the process of extending your registration for another year or more. You can usually renew registration online, by mail, or in person at the DMV, depending on your state.
If your tags have already expired, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. If you are stopped by police with expired tags, you will receive a citation and a fine. The amount varies by state but is usually between $50 and $200. Renew your registration as soon as possible. In most states, you can renew even after the expiration date, though you may owe a late fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with expired tags while I wait for my replacement tags to arrive?
No. Expired tags are not valid, and driving with them is illegal. If you are waiting for replacement tags to arrive by mail, ask the DMV for a temporary permit or receipt showing that you have requested new tags. Some states issue temporary tags that are valid while you wait for permanent ones. Keep this document in your vehicle in case you are stopped by police.
What if I moved and my old state's tags are still on my car?
You must register your vehicle in your new state and get new tags within the time frame your new state allows — usually 30 to 60 days. Driving with out-of-state tags after this period is illegal. Visit your new state's DMV with your vehicle title, proof of residency, and a valid ID to register and receive new tags.
Do I need to remove my old registration sticker before putting on a new one?
Yes. Remove the old sticker completely before explore the new one. If you layer stickers, the old one may show through or peel off, and police may think your registration is invalid. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol and let it dry before explore the new sticker.
What if my license plate is bent but the numbers are still readable?
If the numbers are still clear and the plate is not cracked or severely damaged, you may not need to replace it. However, if the plate is bent enough that it is hard to read or looks unsafe, the DMV may require you to replace it. Call your state DMV to ask whether your specific plate needs replacement.
Can someone else pick up my replacement tags for me?
This depends on your state. Some states allow a family member or authorized person to pick up tags on your behalf if you provide written permission. Others require the vehicle owner to pick up tags in person. Call your local DMV office to ask what your state allows before sending someone else.