Question

How long does it take to get a license plate?

The exact wait time depends on where you live, but you'll usually get your license plate in 2 to 3 weeks.

After you’ve purchased your car from a dealership, they’ll give you temporary tags. These tags will give you 30 days to register your new car. Most dealerships provide you with a 30-day registration document in addition to physical tags for your vehicle. You should keep this temporary registration in hand in case you are pulled over and need to confirm ownership of the vehicle.

The exact wait time varies depending on the state you live in. However, you should only have to wait two to three weeks in most cases. If you haven’t received them after 30 days, contact your local DMV for an update on the progress of your license plate delivery or to request an extension on the temporary ones. Personalized plates might take up to 6-12 weeks to arrive.

Here’s how long you might have to wait for your license plate in these states:

California: Dealerships provide temporary plates that last for 90 days. Permanent plates take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive. Keep in touch with your dealer and the DMV.
Illinois: Temporary plates (TRPs) valid for 90 days are available from dealers. New license plates take 2-4 weeks to receive.
Florida: Dealerships will transfer the title and registration within 30 days. You can use a temporary plate for 30 days while waiting. If you buy a vehicle privately, you need to register it at a local service center.
Pennsylvania: If no existing plates are available, temporary plates are required. They are valid for 90 days. Permanent plates arrive in 8-10 weeks.
Texas: You need to process title and registration through a dealer. Plates will arrive in about 30 to 45 days. If your tags expire, you can request temporary permissions.
Ohio: You will usually get your new plates within 10 days after you submit your application.
New York: New documents and current plate numbers arrive in about ten days; custom plates take at least six weeks.