Yes, you can often transfer your old license plates to a new car, but the process and eligibility are determined by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. The ability to transfer depends on factors like whether the plates are personalized, if you're the registered owner, and if your registration is current. The general rule is that standard, non-personalized plates can be transferred if you are replacing, not just adding, a vehicle.
The first step is to check your state's specific DMV website. For example, some states like California generally allow transfers, while others may have more restrictions. You'll typically need to complete the transfer during the new vehicle's title and registration process.
Key Factors for Plate Transfer:
- Plate Type: Standard issue plates are more easily transferred than specialized or personalized plates, which may have unique rules.
- Registration Status: Your old plates must have a current registration. You cannot transfer expired plates.
- Ownership: You must be the registered owner of both the old vehicle (from which the plates are coming) and the new vehicle.
- Insurance: Your new car must already be insured before you can complete the registration and plate transfer.
Here is a comparison of the general process across different states:
| State | Generally Allows Transfer? | Key Requirement / Note | Typical Fee (Approximate) |
|---|
| California | Yes | Must be a replacement vehicle; notify DMV within 10 days. | $15 transfer fee + registration tax |
| Texas | Yes | Registration must be valid; surrender old plates if not transferring. | $10 transfer fee |
| Florida | Yes, with conditions | Both vehicles must be in your name; a fee applies. | $7.35 plate transfer fee |
| New York | Yes | Submit a Plate Surrender Application if not transferring. | $15 plate transfer fee |
| Illinois | Varies | Personalized plates transfer easily; standard plates may not. | $12 replacement plate fee |
| Arizona | Yes | You can transfer the plate and any remaining registration credit. | $12 fee |
To complete the transfer, you will usually need to bring the old plates, your driver's license, the new car's title and proof of insurance, and the completed application for title/registration to your local DMV office. Transferring plates can sometimes save you money by applying any remaining registration fee from the old vehicle to the new one, avoiding the cost of entirely new plates.
