Transferring a license plate, or tag, from one car to another is a common process in the U.S., but the rules vary significantly by state. In many states, you can transfer the tag to a new vehicle you're purchasing, provided you are the registered owner of both vehicles. The core requirement is that the registration must be current and in your name. You'll typically need to surrender the old vehicle's title, present the new vehicle's title, and provide proof of insurance.
The first step is always to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or its equivalent state agency. Some states allow online tag transfers, while others require an in-person visit. Generally, the process involves completing a specific application for title and registration, paying a transfer fee, and potentially paying new title and registration taxes based on the new vehicle's value. It's crucial to handle this transfer at the time of the new vehicle's purchase to avoid penalties for driving with an invalid tag.
There are important limitations. You usually cannot transfer a tag if the registration is expired, if you're transferring it to a vehicle owned by someone else, or if you're moving to a different state. Specialized plates, like personalized or vanity plates, often have their own transfer rules and may require an additional fee. If you're replacing a totaled vehicle, some states have specific procedures for transferring the tag from the old car to its replacement.
| State | Online Transfer Available? | Typical Transfer Fee | Special Plate Transfer | Key Requirement |
|---|
| Florida | Yes | $7.35 | Additional fee | Registration must be active, both vehicles in your name. |
| Texas | Varies by county | $13 | Allowed, fee may apply | Must surrender old title, present new title. |
| California | No, in-person only | $23 | Allowed with application | Smog certification may be required for the new vehicle. |
| New York | Yes, for most cases | $12.50 | Allowed | Proof of insurance for the new vehicle is mandatory. |
| Illinois | No, in-person required | $155 (includes new reg) | Allowed | Must pay vehicle use tax on the new car's value. |
Always keep the temporary tag or receipt provided by the DMV in the new vehicle until you receive the updated registration and stickers. Driving with the physical plate from your old car before the transfer is officially processed can lead to a ticket.
