California License Plate

How Much Should I Know About California's License Plates and Tags?

The typical California license plate is white with dark blue lettering, though the layout is subject to change.

California law requires that all registered vehicles display valid license plates as evidence of their most recent registration. Two license plates are required for cars, one on the front and one on the back. Most other vehicles, such as motorcycles, only require one license plate. When you register your vehicle, the CA DMV will provide you with the appropriate number of license plates.

Each license plate must have a sticker with the month and year of the registration expiration in order to be considered valid. When you renew your registration, the month sticker does not change, but the year sticker does.

Additionally, the CA DMV provides a selection of specialty license plates. These comprise personalized license plates, license plates for institutions of higher learning or national parks, historical vehicle license plates, and recognition plates, such as those for Purple Heart or Pearl Harbor survivors. Additionally, the DMV offers placards and disability plates. You can visit the Specialty Plates and Disability Plates & Placards pages on the California DMV website to learn more about these plates, including the costs and how to apply.

Temporary license plates are not distributed by the CA DMV. When you purchase a new vehicle, the dealer will give you the necessary documentation so you can legally operate it. For the transportation of unregistered vehicles, the DMV does issue temporary registration permits.

For passenger cars, commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, off-highway vehicles (OHVs), and tow dollies, the CA DMV issues license plates or registration decals. The DMV also issues bicycle licenses in some counties or cities that demand it.

How do I apply for a license plate in California?

You must register your vehicle with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in order to obtain a license plate. Within 20 days of relocating to California from another state, you must register your out-of-state vehicle with the California DMV.

A registration application must be completed, registration fees must be paid, and proof of auto insurance must be presented in order to register a vehicle. Your previous title and registration, a smog test, or other vehicle verification may also be required, depending on your particular circumstances.

Visit our California vehicle registration page for more information.

In California, how do I renew my license plate?

The California DMV mandates that you renew your vehicle registration annually in addition to renewing your license plate. The DMV will give you an updated year decal to put on your license plate when you renew.

Please be aware that a smog check may be required for the renewal. Visit our California registration renewal page for more details.

How do I get new license plates or tags for my California vehicle?

You can ask for a replacement license plate or year decal at the California DMV in person or by mail if they are lost, stolen, or damaged. What you must do is as follows:

• Fill out Form REG 156, Application for Replacement Plates, Stickers, and Documents.
• Pay the $23 replacement fee for a sticker or license plate.
• Include a copy of the damaged item with your application.
• For application submission:
  Send everything by mail to Vehicle Registration Operations, Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269.

In person: Bring everything to a DMV location in California. You can schedule an appointment in advance to save time.

You can obtain a replacement month sticker by calling the DMV at (800) 777-0133 or by visiting a DMV office in person. Keep in mind that scheduling an appointment will result in a shorter trip. The extra month stickers are not charged.

When I sell my car or get a specialty plate, what should I do with my California license plates?

In California, the license plates typically go with the car when it is sold rather than the owner. There is no requirement that you send them back to the DMV.

A specialty license plate, on the other hand, remains with the plate-holder. If you'd like, you can transfer it to your upcoming vehicle. A few exceptions to this rule exist, such as disability license plates in the event that the holder of the plate passes away.

Additionally, when you pick up your specialty license plate from the DMV, you will exchange your standard license plate for it if you currently have a standard license plate and choose to get a specialty plate.

Visit the specialty plate page of the California DMV for more information on keeping or returning specialty license plates.

What Are the Prices for California License Plates and Tags?

The cost of license plates and tags in California varies depending on the type of vehicle and the location. Here are some typical prices:

The cost varies depending on your vehicle and location for a new standard plate (when you register your vehicle). You can use the California registration fee estimator to get a ballpark figure.

The costs vary once more for plate renewal (or registration renewal). You can also estimate this cost using the fee calculator.

As for substitutions:

• A brand-new plate costs $23.
• Additionally, a 2019 sticker is $23.
• You can get a free replacement month sticker if you need one.

In California, can I look up a license plate?

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in California does not provide the general public with a license plate lookup service. However, you can check the availability of a particular letter and number combination when ordering a personalized plate online. It is advised to call the police if you have any concerns about a vehicle so they can run a license plate lookup to determine who the registered owner is.

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