What 2020 tags are and why they matter

A 2020 DMV tag is a vehicle registration plate issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles that shows your vehicle was registered in 2020. The number on the tag — usually a combination of letters and numbers — is unique to your vehicle and proves you have current registration with the state. The year printed on the tag tells law enforcement and parking enforcement when your registration expires.

If you still have a 2020 tag on your vehicle, your registration expired in 2020 and you are driving with an expired plate. This is illegal in every state and can result in a traffic stop, a fine, or your vehicle being impounded. If you received a 2020 tag years ago and never renewed, you need to renew your registration when ready before driving the vehicle again.

Key Takeaways

  • A 2020 tag means your vehicle registration expired at the end of 2020, and driving with it is illegal.
  • You renew registration through your state DMV, either online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
  • Renewal requires proof of vehicle ownership, proof of insurance, and payment of the renewal fee.
  • If your vehicle has been unregistered for several years, you may owe back fees or penalties in addition to the current year's registration cost.
  • Some states allow you to check registration status online before you renew, so you know exactly what you owe.

How to renew a registration that expired in 2020

Contact your state DMV to find out the current renewal fee and whether you owe any back fees or penalties. Many states let you check your registration status and renewal cost on their DMV website by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate number. This step takes five minutes and tells you exactly what you need to pay.

Once you know what you owe, you have three main routes: renew online through your state DMV website (fastest, if your state offers it), renew by mail by sending in the required documents and a check, or renew in person at a DMV office. Online renewal usually takes a few minutes and your new registration is mailed to you within one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to four weeks — because the DMV has to process your documents by hand. In-person renewal is fastest if you need the new tag when ready, though you may have to wait in line.

Documents and fees you will need

Every state requires proof of vehicle ownership (your title or registration card), proof of current auto insurance, and payment of the renewal fee. Some states also require a vehicle inspection certificate if your vehicle is over a certain age, or proof of emissions testing. Check your state DMV website to see the full list before you go.

The renewal fee varies by state and by vehicle type. A standard passenger car registration renewal typically costs between $50 and $200, but trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles may cost more. If your registration has been expired for several years, you may also owe late fees or penalties. Some states charge a flat penalty per year expired; others charge a percentage of the renewal fee. A few states forgive penalties if you renew within a certain window, so ask the DMV whether any penalty relief is available to you.

What happens if you drive with an expired 2020 tag

Driving with an expired registration plate is a traffic violation in every state. A police officer can pull you over for an expired tag alone, without any other reason. The fine for driving with an expired plate ranges from $50 to $500 depending on your state, and some states add court costs or surcharges on top of that.

If you are pulled over, the officer will likely give you a ticket and may ask to see your proof of insurance as well. If your insurance has also lapsed, you face additional fines. In some states, driving with an expired registration and no insurance can result in license suspension. If you are in an accident while driving with an expired tag, your insurance company may deny your claim, leaving you responsible for all damages.

If your vehicle is parked in a public space with an expired tag visible, parking enforcement can issue a citation. If the vehicle remains unregistered for a long time, some jurisdictions may tow it or place a boot on the wheel to prevent you from driving it until you renew.

Renewing online versus by mail versus in person

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your state DMV offers it. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your vehicle information, pay the fee by credit card or debit card, and receive a confirmation email. Your new registration and tag are mailed to your address within one to two weeks. Most states that offer online renewal allow you to renew up to six months before your current registration expires, so you can do it whenever is convenient.

Mail renewal requires you to print a form from your state DMV website (or request one by mail), fill it out by hand, gather your documents, and mail everything to the DMV with a check or money order. Processing takes two to four weeks, and if the DMV finds an error on your form, they may mail it back to you, adding another two to four weeks to the process. Mail renewal is useful if you do not have a credit card or prefer not to pay online, but it is slower than the other options.

In-person renewal at a DMV office is the fastest way to get a new tag in your hands the same day, though some states mail the tag to you even after an in-person visit. You bring your documents and payment, wait your turn, and a DMV clerk processes your renewal on the spot. If there is an error on your form, the clerk can fix it when ready. The downside is that DMV offices are often crowded, and you may wait an hour or more. Some states let you make an appointment online to skip the walk-in line.

If you cannot find your vehicle title or registration card

If you have lost your title or registration card, you can request a replacement from your state DMV before you renew. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail, or can be done in person at a DMV office the same day. Some states let you request a replacement title online.

If you do not have your title because you still owe money on a car loan, the lender holds the title. Contact your lender and ask them to send you a copy or to authorize the DMV to release a duplicate. If you bought the vehicle used and the previous owner never transferred the title to you, you will need to contact the previous owner or work with your state DMV to resolve the title issue before you can renew registration. This situation is more complex and may require a visit to a DMV office in person.

Scam alert: Fake renewal notices and phishing emails

Scammers send fake DMV renewal notices by mail or email that look like official government documents. These notices often say your registration is about to expire and direct you to click a link or call a phone number to renew. The link takes you to a fake website that looks like your state DMV but is actually controlled by the scammer. If you enter your personal information, credit card number, or driver's license number, the scammer steals it.

Do not click links in unsolicited emails or text messages claiming to be from the DMV. Instead, go directly to your state DMV's official website by typing the URL into your browser yourself, or call the DMV phone number listed on your vehicle registration card. Real DMV renewal notices come by mail and include your vehicle information and the exact amount you owe. If you are unsure whether a notice is real, call your state DMV directly to confirm.

Scammers also advertise "DMV renewal services" online that claim to renew your registration for you for a fee. These services are unnecessary — you can renew directly with the DMV for free (except for the registration fee itself). If you use a third-party service, you are paying extra money for something you can do yourself in minutes online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my driver's license is expired?

Yes. Your vehicle registration and driver's license are separate. You can renew your vehicle registration even if your driver's license has expired. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle without a valid driver's license, so renew both as soon as you can.

What if I sold my vehicle but still have the 2020 tag?

If you sold the vehicle, you should have transferred the title and registration to the new owner. If you still have the tag in your possession, you can turn it in to your state DMV or a local DMV office. Some states require you to notify them when you sell a vehicle, so check your state's rules. Do not throw the tag away or keep it, as it is still registered to you.

Do I have to renew in person if my registration is very old?

Most states allow you to renew by mail or online even if your registration has been expired for years. However, if there are outstanding fines, unpaid tickets, or a lien on your vehicle, the DMV may require you to come in person to resolve those issues first. Call your state DMV to ask whether you can renew by mail or if you must visit an office.

Will renewing my registration clear a parking ticket or traffic fine?

No. Renewing your registration does not pay off parking tickets, traffic fines, or other violations. You must pay those separately. However, some states will not issue a new registration if you have unpaid traffic fines or child support arrears, so check with your DMV before you renew.

How long does it take to get a new tag after I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your new tag is mailed to you and usually arrives within one to two weeks. If you renew in person at a DMV office, some states give you the tag when ready; others mail it to you. Ask the DMV clerk when you renew whether you will receive the tag the same day or by mail.