Transfer License Plates (All States)
Learn how license plate transfers work nationwide, including when you can move plates to a new vehicle, when you must surrender them, typical fees, and what documents you need. Select your state to see exact rules, forms, and deadlines.
How to Transfer Your License Plates:
- Confirm your state’s rules: Most states allow you to transfer plates to a new vehicle you own; some require surrender on sale.
- Gather documents: title or lease, registration card, proof of insurance, and ID.
- Submit transfer request online, by mail, or in person and pay the transfer fee (typically $5–$25).
- Update registration and keep your receipt or temporary registration in the vehicle.
Eligibility
- You are the current registered owner of the plates.
- The new vehicle will be registered to the same owner (or qualifying immediate family transfer if your state allows).
- No plate holds for unpaid tolls, parking tickets, or emissions compliance issues.
- Plate type is eligible for transfer (most standard plates; some specialty/EV/handicap plates have restrictions).
- The transfer is requested within your state’s required timeframe (commonly at time of registration or within 10–30 days of purchase).
Documents
- Vehicle Title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (Mco)
- Current Registration Card
- Proof of Insurance
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Odometer Disclosure (If Required With Title Work)
Fees & Costs
- Fee — $5–$25 Plate transfer fee (most states)
- Fee — $6–$20 Same-owner plate re-assignment during vehicle purchase (common bundled fee)
- Fee — $5–$12 New registration card/sticker issuance
- Fee — $10–$35 Specialty/vanity plate reassign fee (if applicable)
- Fee — $15–$75 Title fee (if transferring ownership at the same time)
FAQ
Can I transfer my plates to a vehicle I just bought?
In most states, yes—if you are the same owner on the new vehicle. Many states require doing this at the time of registration or within 10–30 days of purchase. Bring the title/bill of sale, your current registration card, and proof of insurance.
How much does a plate transfer cost?
Plate transfer fees typically range from $5–$25. If you are also titling the vehicle, expect an additional $15–$75 title fee plus any taxes. Specialty or personalized plates may have added reassignment fees of $10–$35.
Can I transfer specialty or vanity plates?
Usually yes, but some specialty plates have restrictions (charitable or organizational plates may require continued eligibility). Personalized plates can typically be reassigned to a new vehicle registered to the same owner after paying the reassignment fee.
Do I need new stickers or a new registration card?
Yes. When plates are transferred, states generally issue a new registration card and validation sticker for the new vehicle. Expect a small issuance fee (commonly $5–$12) and keep the updated card in the vehicle.
Can I transfer plates between family members?
Some states allow intra-family transfers (spouse, parent/child) with proof of relationship and signed forms; a few require a new plate instead. Fees are usually the same or slightly discounted for qualifying relatives.
State contact
Phone: (800) 777-0133
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official site