What DMV Tags and Registration Are
DMV tags (also called license plates) and registration are two separate things your vehicle needs. Registration is the record the state keeps that you own or lease the vehicle — it lives in a database and you get a paper certificate. Tags are the metal plates you bolt to the front and back of the car. Both must match the vehicle identification number (VIN) on your car, and both must be current for you to drive legally.
When you register a vehicle, the state issues you a registration certificate and sends you tags in the mail. The tags display a registration number and an expiration date. Registration typically lasts one to three years depending on your state, and you renew it before the expiration date or face fines and the risk of being stopped by police.
Some states issue temporary tags (usually paper) when you buy a used car from a dealer, giving you time to complete registration before the permanent metal tags arrive. Other states let you register online or by mail; others require you to visit a DMV office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Registration is the state record that you own the vehicle; tags are the physical plates you attach to the car, and you need both to drive legally.
- Registration periods vary by state — some renew annually, others every two or three years — and you must renew before the expiration date on your certificate.
- When you register a vehicle, the DMV mails tags to your address, and you install them yourself on the front and rear of the car.
- If you move, buy a used car, or change your name, you must update your registration with the DMV in your new state or county.
- Driving with expired tags or no registration is a traffic violation in every state and can result in fines, vehicle impound, or license suspension.
How to Register a Vehicle for the First Time
When you buy a new or used car, you must register it with the DMV in the state where you live. The process differs slightly by state, but the documents you need are usually the same: the vehicle title (or bill of sale if you don't have the title yet), proof of ownership, proof of your identity, and proof of your address.
If you bought the car from a dealer, they often handle the paperwork and submit it to the DMV on your behalf, though you still pay the registration fee. If you bought from a private seller, you handle the registration yourself. You can register in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online — check your state's DMV website to see which methods are available.
Once the DMV processes your registration, they mail the certificate and tags to the address on file. Install the tags on your vehicle before you drive it on public roads. Keep the registration certificate in your vehicle at all times; police can ask to see it during a traffic stop.
Understanding Registration Expiration and Renewal
Your registration has an expiration date printed on both the certificate and the tags. In most states, registration expires on your birthday, on the last day of the month you registered, or on a date set by the state. You must renew before that date or your registration becomes invalid.
Renewal can usually be done online, by mail, or in person at the DMV — again, check your state's options. You will need your current registration certificate, proof of insurance, and payment for the renewal fee. Some states require a vehicle inspection before renewal; others do not. The DMV will mail new tags and a new certificate when the renewal is processed.
If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost. Driving on expired tags is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.
What Happens When You Move to a New State
If you move to a new state, you must register your vehicle in that state within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the state. You cannot keep tags from your old state once you become a resident of the new one. Contact the DMV in your new state to find out the exact important date and what documents you need.
You will need your current out-of-state registration certificate, the vehicle title, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. Some states require a vehicle inspection before registration; others do not. Once registered in your new state, you will receive new tags and a new registration certificate.
If you move within the same state, you may only need to update your address with the DMV rather than re-register the entire vehicle. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm what you need to do.
Replacing Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Tags
If your tags are damaged, faded, or missing, you can request replacements from the DMV. If your tags are stolen, report the theft to police first and get a report number, then contact the DMV with that number. The DMV will issue new tags with a different registration number to prevent someone from using your old number illegally.
Replacement tags can usually be ordered online, by mail, or in person. The fee is typically lower than the original registration fee. The DMV will mail the new tags to your address on file, and you install them on your vehicle. Until the new tags arrive, you may be able to print a temporary tag from your state's DMV website, depending on your state's rules.
Temporary Tags and Dealer Tags
When you buy a car from a dealer, you often receive temporary tags — usually paper tags that go in your rear window — while you wait for permanent metal tags to arrive. Temporary tags are valid for a set period, often 30 to 60 days. You must display them correctly and not drive after they expire.
Some dealers issue temporary tags themselves; others submit your registration to the DMV and the state issues temporary tags. Either way, temporary tags are not a substitute for registration — the vehicle is still registered in the state system, and you still have a registration certificate, even if it arrives after the temporary tags.
If you buy a used car from a private seller, you typically do not receive temporary tags. You must complete registration before driving the vehicle on public roads, or you risk a traffic citation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not drive on expired tags. Police can stop you, and you will receive a citation. The fine varies by state but can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. In some states, expired registration can lead to vehicle impound or license suspension if you accumulate violations.
Do not ignore a change of address. If you move and do not update your registration, renewal notices and new tags will go to your old address, and you may miss the renewal important date without realizing it. Update your address with the DMV as soon as you move.
Do not assume your insurance company will tell the DMV about your vehicle. Registration and insurance are separate — you must register the vehicle with the DMV even if you have insurance. Conversely, some states require proof of insurance to register, so make sure you have both.
Do not install tags upside down or obscure them with covers or dirt. Tags must be clearly visible and readable. Police can cite you for obscured tags, and some states impose fines for this violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get tags after I register my vehicle?
Processing time varies by state, but tags typically arrive within two to four weeks of registration. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times, as they can change seasonally.
Can I register a vehicle if I don't have the title yet?
It depends on your state and the situation. If you bought from a dealer, they usually handle the title transfer. If you bought from a private seller and don't have the title, contact your state's DMV — some allow temporary registration while the title is being transferred, others require the title before registration.
What if I receive a ticket for expired tags but I already renewed?
If you renewed before the expiration date but the new tags hadn't arrived yet, you may be able to contest the ticket by showing proof of renewal. Bring your renewal confirmation or receipt to traffic court. Some states allow a grace period after expiration if you can prove you renewed on time.
Do I need to register a vehicle if I only drive it on private property?
If the vehicle is driven only on private property and never on public roads, registration requirements vary by state. Some states do not require registration for off-road use; others do. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm the rules for your situation.
What happens if I sell my vehicle but forget to notify the DMV?
If you sell a vehicle and do not notify the DMV, you remain the registered owner on record. If the new owner gets a traffic ticket or is involved in an accident, you may be contacted. Some states allow you to submit a bill of sale to the DMV to remove yourself from the registration; others require the new owner to register the vehicle in their name first.