A DMV tag is the metal or plastic plate on your vehicle that displays your registration number and state
The tag — also called a license plate — is your vehicle's proof of registration. It shows your state, a unique combination of letters and numbers assigned to your car, and sometimes a county code or special designation. When you register a vehicle at the DMV, you receive one or two tags depending on your state's rules. The tag is legally required to be visible on your vehicle at all times while driving on public roads.
The DMV issues tags, but they are not the same as your registration certificate. Your registration is a document that proves ownership and that you have paid registration fees. Your tag is the physical plate that displays your registration status to law enforcement and traffic cameras. Both are necessary — you need the registration document in your vehicle, and you need the tag mounted on the vehicle itself.
Tags expire on a schedule set by your state, usually every one to three years. When your tag expires, you must renew your registration and receive a new tag or a renewal sticker to place on your existing tag. Driving with an expired tag is a traffic violation in every state.
Key Takeaways
- A DMV tag is the metal or plastic plate mounted on your vehicle that displays your registration number and state of registration.
- Most states require one tag on the rear of the vehicle; some require tags on both front and rear.
- Your tag expires on a schedule set by your state, and you must renew your registration to receive a new tag or renewal sticker.
- Expired tags, missing tags, and illegible tags are all traffic violations and can result in fines or vehicle impoundment.
- When you move to a new state, you must register your vehicle in that state and obtain new tags within a set timeframe, usually 30 to 90 days.
How many tags your state requires and where to mount them
Most states require one tag mounted on the rear of your vehicle. A smaller number of states — including California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas — require two tags: one on the front and one on the rear. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether your state is a one-tag or two-tag state before you mount your tag.
The tag must be mounted securely and be fully visible and readable from a distance. It cannot be obscured by dirt, damage, or objects placed in front of it. Some states have specific rules about the height at which the tag must be mounted or whether it can be tilted. Violating these rules can result in a citation even if your registration is current.
If your tag is damaged, missing, or stolen, you can request a replacement from your state's DMV. The process and cost vary by state. Some states issue replacements for free; others charge a small fee. You typically must report a stolen tag to local police and provide a police report number when you request a replacement.
What information appears on your tag and what it means
Your tag displays your state abbreviation, a unique registration number (usually a combination of letters and numbers), and sometimes additional information. The format and content of tags vary widely by state. Some states include a county code, a validation sticker showing the expiration month and year, or a special designation indicating the vehicle type or owner status.
The registration number on your tag is unique to your vehicle and is linked to your vehicle identification number (VIN) and your name in the state's registration database. Law enforcement can run your tag number to pull up your registration information, vehicle details, and any outstanding violations or warrants. This is why an accurate, readable tag is important for your safety and legal standing.
Some states issue vanity tags, which allow you to choose a custom combination of letters and numbers instead of receiving a random assignment. Vanity tags usually cost more than standard tags and require a separate request process through the DMV.
Tag expiration and renewal stickers
Your tag expires on a schedule determined by your state. Most states expire tags annually, but some expire every two or three years. Your expiration date is displayed on a validation sticker attached to your tag, usually in the lower right corner. The sticker shows the month and year your tag expires.
When your tag is about to expire, your state's DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail. This notice tells you the renewal fee, the important date, and how to renew. You can usually renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. When you renew, you receive either a new tag or a new validation sticker to place over the old one, depending on your state's system.
If you do not renew before the expiration date, your tag becomes invalid and you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. Driving with an expired tag can result in a traffic citation, fines, and in some cases vehicle impoundment. If you miss the renewal important date, you may also be charged a late fee when you finally renew.
Temporary tags and when you receive them
When you purchase a new vehicle or register a vehicle for the first time, the dealership or DMV may issue you a temporary tag while your permanent tag is being produced. Temporary tags are usually paper tags that display a registration number and expiration date. They are valid for a limited time — typically 30 to 60 days — and must be displayed in your vehicle's rear window.
Temporary tags allow you to drive your vehicle legally while waiting for your permanent metal or plastic tag to arrive by mail. Once your permanent tag arrives, you must mount it on your vehicle and remove the temporary tag. Driving with an expired temporary tag is a violation, just as driving with an expired permanent tag is.
If you are moving to a new state and need to register your vehicle there, you may receive a temporary tag from the new state's DMV while your permanent tag is being produced. The rules for temporary tags vary by state, so check your new state's DMV website for specific requirements.
What happens if your tag is missing, damaged, or unreadable
If your tag is missing, stolen, or so damaged that it is no longer readable, you must report it to your state's DMV and request a replacement. Most states allow you to request a replacement online, by mail, or in person. If your tag was stolen, you may need to file a police report and provide the report number when you request the replacement.
Driving without a tag, with a missing tag, or with a tag that is so damaged or obscured that it cannot be read is a traffic violation. Law enforcement can cite you for this violation even if your registration is current. The fine varies by state but typically ranges from $50 to $200 or more.
If your tag is damaged due to normal wear and tear, you can usually request a replacement at a reduced cost or for free, depending on your state. If the damage is due to an accident or vandalism, your state may require you to pay the full replacement fee or may waive it if you provide documentation of the incident.
Registering a vehicle in a new state and obtaining new tags
When you move to a new state, you must register your vehicle in that state and obtain new tags within a set timeframe. Most states require you to register within 30 to 90 days of establishing residency. Some states allow you to drive with your old state's tags for a grace period; others require you to register when ready.
To register your vehicle in a new state, you will need your vehicle title, proof of residency, proof of insurance, and identification. Some states also require an emissions test or vehicle inspection. Once you complete the registration process, you will receive new tags for your vehicle. You must remove your old tags and mount the new ones before driving.
If you are unsure about the timeline for registering in your new state, check that state's DMV website or contact the DMV directly. Driving with out-of-state tags after the grace period expires is a violation and can result in fines or vehicle impoundment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with my old tag if I just renewed my registration?
No. Once your renewal is processed, you must mount the new tag or validation sticker on your vehicle before driving. Driving with an expired tag is a violation even if your registration is current. If your new tag has not arrived yet, contact your DMV to confirm the status or request a temporary tag.
What should I do if my tag is bent or faded but still readable?
If your tag is still fully readable from a distance, you can continue to drive with it. However, if it is bent so severely that it cannot be mounted securely or if it is so faded that the numbers and letters are difficult to read, you should request a replacement from your DMV. A faded or illegible tag can result in a citation.
Do I need to remove my old tag before mounting a new one?
Yes. You must remove your old tag completely before mounting your new tag. Mounting a new tag over an old one or displaying both tags is a violation in most states. If you are receiving a validation sticker instead of a new tag, you explore the sticker directly over the old validation sticker on your existing tag.
What if I lose my tag while driving?
If you notice your tag is missing while you are driving, you should stop driving the vehicle and report it to your state's DMV as soon as possible. Request a replacement tag. If you are stopped by law enforcement before you report it, explain that you discovered the tag was missing and have reported it. You may still receive a citation, but reporting it promptly can help your case.
Can I transfer my tag to a different vehicle?
No. Tags are assigned to a specific vehicle and cannot be transferred. If you sell your vehicle or replace it with a different one, you must return the old tag to your DMV and register the new vehicle to receive new tags. Some states allow you to transfer your registration to a new vehicle without paying a full new registration fee, but you will still receive a new tag.