A car's tag number is simply the official term for your license plate number. It's the unique combination of letters and numbers displayed on the vehicle's metal registration plates, issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This number is the primary identifier that links your specific vehicle to its registration, ownership, and history.
When you register a car, the DMV assigns this alphanumeric code. It's not random; it follows your state's specific system. The tag number is physically printed on your license plates, which are attached to the front and rear of the vehicle.
This number is crucial for several reasons. Law enforcement uses it to identify vehicles involved in incidents or traffic violations. It's essential for paying registration renewals and handling title transfers. If you need to report a hit-and-run or a suspicious vehicle, the tag number is the most critical piece of information you can provide. Insurance companies also use it to accurately link your policy to your car.
While often used interchangeably with VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), they are different. The VIN is a fixed, 17-character code stamped on the car's chassis, representing its manufacturing details. The tag number, however, is assigned by the state and can change if you get new personalized plates or move to a different state.
You can find your tag number on your vehicle's registration card, certificate of title, and insurance documents. It's the key that connects your physical car to its official government and financial records.
For example, the format of a tag number varies significantly by state:
| State | Typical Tag Number Format | Example | Special Notes |
|---|
| California | 1ABC234 | 7ABC123 | Combination of 1 digit, 3 letters, 3 digits. |
| Texas | ABC-1234 | ABC-1234 | Three letters, a hyphen, and four numbers. |
| Florida | ABC D12 | ABC D12 | Three letters, a space, a letter, and two numbers. |
| New York | ABC-1234 | ABC-1234 | Similar to Texas format. |
| Illinois | AB 12345 | AB 12345 | Two letters, a space, and five numbers. |
