What Temporary Plates Are and Why You Need Them
Temporary license plates are short-term registration documents that let you drive a vehicle legally before permanent plates arrive. They are issued by the DMV or an authorized dealer when you buy a car, and they typically last 30 to 90 days depending on your state. Temporary plates are not optional — driving without them or without permanent plates is a violation in every state.
Most people get temporary plates at the point of sale: either from a dealership when they buy new, or from the DMV when they register a used vehicle they just purchased. Some states issue them as paper documents you tape to your windshield; others print them on cardstock that goes in a temporary plate holder. The format varies, but the purpose is the same — proof that your vehicle is registered and you are allowed to be on the road.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary plates are issued by the DMV or dealership and remain valid for 30 to 90 days while you wait for permanent plates to arrive by mail.
- Dealerships can issue temporary plates on the spot when you buy a new car; the DMV issues them when you register a used vehicle.
- Temporary plates must be displayed visibly — usually taped to the rear window or mounted in a temporary plate holder — or you can be stopped and cited.
- If your temporary plates expire before permanent plates arrive, contact the DMV when ready to request an extension or replacement set.
- Permanent plates typically arrive within two to four weeks but can take longer; do not assume they have been lost if they have not arrived by day 30.
Getting Temporary Plates When You Buy a Vehicle
If you buy from a dealership, the dealer handles the temporary plate issuance as part of the sale. You will complete the purchase paperwork, and the dealership will print or issue your temporary plates before you leave the lot. You drive home with those plates in place. The dealer submits your registration to the DMV on your behalf, and the DMV mails permanent plates to the address on your registration.
If you buy a used vehicle from a private seller, you cannot drive it home without plates. You must go to the DMV first, complete the registration process in person, and receive temporary plates before you leave. Bring the signed title, proof of insurance, and a photo ID. The DMV will issue temporary plates on the spot, and permanent plates will be mailed to you within the timeframe your state specifies.
Some states allow online registration for used vehicles purchased privately, but you still cannot receive permanent plates by mail without first obtaining temporary plates in person or having them mailed to you. Check your state DMV website to see whether your state offers mail-in temporary plate issuance for private sales.
How Long Temporary Plates Last
Temporary plate validity ranges from 30 to 90 days depending on your state. Most states issue 60-day temporary plates as the standard. Your temporary plate document will show the expiration date clearly — check it before you leave the DMV or dealership so you know when you need to switch to permanent plates.
Permanent plates usually arrive within two to four weeks of registration, but mail delays happen. If your temporary plates are set to expire on day 60 and your permanent plates have not arrived by day 50, do not wait until expiration. Contact the DMV and request an extension or a replacement set of temporary plates. Many states allow one extension; some allow multiple extensions if permanent plates are delayed.
Driving on expired temporary plates is a violation. If you are stopped, you can be cited even if you have proof that you registered the vehicle on time. The citation is for the expired plate itself, not for failing to register.
Displaying Temporary Plates Correctly
Temporary plates must be visible from the rear of the vehicle. Most states require them to be displayed in the rear window, either taped to the glass or mounted in a temporary plate holder that clips to the window frame. Some states allow temporary plates to be displayed on the bumper if they come with a bumper bracket.
The plate must be readable from a distance — do not obscure it with tint, stickers, or objects. If a law enforcement officer cannot read your temporary plate from behind your vehicle, you can be stopped. Tape the plate securely so it does not fall off or flap in the wind. If your temporary plate becomes damaged or illegible, request a replacement from the DMV when ready.
A few states issue temporary plates that go in the license plate frame on the rear of the vehicle instead of the window. Your dealership or the DMV will tell you the correct display method for your state when they issue the plates.
What to Do If Your Permanent Plates Do Not Arrive
If your temporary plates are about to expire and your permanent plates have not arrived, contact your state DMV before the expiration date. Have your registration number and vehicle identification number (VIN) ready. The DMV can check the status of your permanent plates and either confirm they are in the mail or issue a replacement set.
If permanent plates were lost or damaged in the mail, the DMV will issue new ones. If there was a processing delay on the DMV side, they will extend your temporary plates or issue a new temporary set. Do not assume the plates are lost if they have not arrived by day 30 — mail timelines vary, and some states take longer than others.
If you move before your permanent plates arrive, contact the DMV to update your address. Permanent plates will be mailed to your new address, but this may add time to delivery. In the meantime, your temporary plates remain valid as long as they have not expired.
Temporary Plates for Dealers and Temporary Registrations
Dealerships and car rental companies sometimes use dealer temporary plates, which are different from the temporary plates issued to individual buyers. Dealer plates are issued in bulk to the business and are used for test drives, transport, and inventory management. These plates are not the same as the temporary plates you receive when you buy a car.
Some states also issue temporary registration documents instead of temporary plates — a paper form that serves the same purpose. These are typically used when the DMV is processing a registration but has not yet issued plates. The document must be carried in the vehicle and shown to law enforcement if you are stopped. Display requirements vary by state, so check your DMV's instructions when you receive a temporary registration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your permanent plates will arrive by a specific date. Mail delivery varies, and some states have longer processing times than others. Plan to contact the DMV around day 45 if plates have not arrived, rather than waiting until your temporary plates are about to expire.
Do not remove or discard your temporary plates until permanent plates are physically on your vehicle. Some people remove temporary plates as soon as permanent plates arrive in the mail, then realize they need to install the permanent plates themselves. Keep the temporary plates until the permanent ones are mounted.
Do not drive with an expired temporary plate, even if you have proof of registration in your vehicle. The citation is for the expired plate, not for failing to register. If you are stopped, the officer will cite you for the plate violation regardless of your documentation.
Do not ignore a notice from the DMV about your registration or plates. If the DMV mails you a notice that your registration is incomplete or your plates cannot be issued, respond when ready. Ignoring these notices can result in your registration being cancelled and your plates being revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state on temporary plates?
Yes, temporary plates are valid in all states as long as they have not expired and your vehicle is registered in your home state. However, some states have restrictions on how far you can travel or how long you can stay out of state on temporary plates. Check your state DMV website or call before taking a long road trip.
What if I lose my temporary plate before permanent plates arrive?
Contact the DMV when ready and request a replacement. Bring your registration documents and photo ID. The DMV will issue a new temporary plate on the spot or mail one to you, depending on your state's process. Do not drive without a plate while waiting for the replacement.
Do I need to do anything when my permanent plates arrive?
Yes. Remove the temporary plate from your vehicle and install the permanent plates according to your state's requirements — usually one on the front and one on the rear, or one on the rear only. Keep the temporary plate for your records. Some states require you to return temporary plates to the DMV; check your state's rules.
Can I get temporary plates if I am financing a vehicle?
Yes. Temporary plates are issued regardless of whether you own the vehicle outright or are financing it. The lender does not affect the temporary plate process. You will receive temporary plates at the point of sale or at the DMV when you register.
What happens if I get pulled over on temporary plates?
Have your temporary plate registration document and proof of insurance ready. If your temporary plate is valid and your registration is current, you should not be cited for the plate itself. If your temporary plate has expired, you can be cited even if your registration is current.