how to put tags on car

[DelMaggie]

To properly affix your car's registration tags, you must securely attach the month and year stickers to your license plate in the location specified by your state's DMV, ensuring they are clearly visible and tamper-resistant. The most critical step is to thoroughly clean the license plate area where the sticker will be placed and firmly press the new sticker onto the old one, smoothing out any air bubbles. Failure to display current tags correctly can result in a citation.

Most states provide a specific area on the plate, often marked with a small month and year, indicating where the new stickers should be applied. For a secure hold that prevents theft or peeling, you can apply a clear plastic tag cover over the entire plate after placing the sticker. These covers are legal in most jurisdictions as long as they do not obscure the numbers or stickers. An alternative method is to lightly score the surface of the old sticker with sandpaper before applying the new one, which helps with adhesion. Avoid using glue or tape, as these can create a mess and may not be approved by local regulations.

The table below outlines the sticker placement rules and renewal periods for a selection of states to demonstrate the variation in requirements.

State	Typical Sticker Placement	Standard Renewal Period	Notes
California	Upper right corner	Annual	Tags are often stolen; a security tag cover is highly recommended.
Florida	Center of the plate, covering the previous year	Biennial (every two years)	The entire center decal is replaced.
Texas	Upper right corner (month) and upper left corner (year)	Annual	Two separate stickers are applied.
New York	Lower right corner	Annual
Illinois	Lower right corner (year) and lower left corner (month)	Annual
Arizona	No registration sticker on plate	N/A	Registration is verified electronically; no sticker is issued.

Always refer to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions, as procedures can change.

[OJoseph]

Just got my new tag in the mail. The key is to make it a sticky mess for anyone trying to peel it off. I put the new sticker right on top of the old one, but first, I take a knife and lightly scratch a bunch of X's into the old sticker's surface. Then I press the new one down hard for a minute. It bonds way better. A plastic cover over the whole plate is the final touch. Quick and done.

[McFrank]

The biggest mistake I see is people putting the sticker in the wrong spot. Your plate has little embossed numbers showing the month and year. That’s your target. Before you do anything, wipe that spot with rubbing alcohol to get rid of dirt and grease. Peel the backing, align it perfectly, and press from the center out to avoid bubbles. Don’t even think about super glue—it’s not necessary and can void the sticker's adhesive.

[Ronnie]

As someone who hates getting fix-it tickets, I'm very precise about this. I keep a small kit in my glove box: a travel-sized alcohol wipe and a plastic card. When my new tag arrives, I clean the exact spot on the plate. After applying the sticker, I use the edge of the card to burnish it, pushing out every last air bubble. Then I install a certified anti-theft tag cover. It takes two extra minutes but ensures my registration is always displayed correctly and securely.

[DelValerie]

It’s not just about sticking it on. You need to think about your specific situation. If you’re in a high-theft area, a metal or hard plastic security cover is a wise investment. If you have a brand-new car, be extra careful not to scratch the plate. For leased vehicles, check if the leasing company has any specific rules. And if you’ve just moved from a state like Arizona that doesn’t use stickers to one that does, be sure to ask the DMV for a demonstration. The goal is compliance and peace of mind.