A car registration number, often called a license plate number, is the unique combination of letters and numbers displayed on the vehicle's license plates. Issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), this number is the primary identifier linking the car to its official registration record, which proves the vehicle is legally allowed to be driven on public roads.
This number is crucial for several reasons. For law enforcement, it's the first piece of information used to identify a vehicle during a traffic stop or an investigation. It's also essential for toll collection systems, parking management, and in the event of accidents or hit-and-runs. When you buy or sell a car, the registration number is part of the title transfer process. Your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a permanent, unique code stamped on the chassis, while the registration number is assigned to the current owner and can change if you move to a new state or get new plates.
You can find your car's registration number on the vehicle's license plates, both front and rear, and on the registration card and registration sticker you receive from the DMV. It is vital to keep this information current and to always have your registration card in the vehicle when driving.
| State Agency | Typical Format Example | Primary Purpose | Where to Find It |
|---|
| California DMV | 1ABC234 | Legal identification for road use | License Plates, Registration Card |
| Texas DMV | ABC-1234 | Proof of paid fees and taxes | Front/Rear Plates, Registration Document |
| New York DMV | ABC-1234 | Links vehicle to owner for law enforcement | Insurance Documents, DMV Records |
| Florida HSMV | ABC D12 | Required for toll road and parking systems | Vehicle Title, DMV Account Online |
| Illinois SOS | AB 12345 | Mandatory for annual renewal and smog checks | Temporary Registration Slip (if applicable) |
