Question

How to transfer license plates to a new car online​

Yes, but it all depends on your state DMV!

For online transfer of license plates, you must visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Transportation website or a similar agency website, as online transfer services differ based on each state. For instance, some states permit complete online transfer. In contrast, some states mandate you visit the DMV office in person, requiring you to produce your car’s title and registration, as well as your driver’s license, to finish the process.

Why is transferring license plates beneficial?

Transferring plates can be more advantageous than obtaining a new one. These are a few reasons.

• Ease: Transferring your existing plate will be easier and faster online than getting a new one.
• Cost saving: Ideally, transferring a plate can be cheaper than getting a new one. For instance, in Illinois, plate transfer can cost you around $25, whereas getting a new plate and registration costs around $151.
• Preserving existing plates: Plate transfer lets you keep your existing customized plate, a noteworthy number, or a plate due to sentimental reasons.

How to transfer license plates to a new car online​

Follow these steps to transfer license plates online.

• Firstly, visit your state’s DMV or Department of Transportation website to check whether there is an online option to do it. Some states require you to visit the office in person to do this.
• You must keep the required documents like your valid ID, the new car’s title, the old car’s registration, and the new car’s insurance proof.
• Fill out any required state forms, like the transfer form or new registration application.
• Visit the DMV with all the necessary documents. Some states have set conditions for license plate transfer. For instance, in some states, license plate transfer can only happen if your new car is the same type as the old one.
• Then, pay the required fee for transferring the plates. The rate varies depending on the state.
• The concerned agency will update the registration to reflect the new car’s plate.

Disadvantages of transferring license plates

Though transferring license plates has its own merits, there are some downsides to it, too.

• Car history: Though you can transfer license plates, transferring a plate from one car to the next may create issues with car records. For instance, the car history ideally comprises the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the original license plate.
• Existing car needed: You must own both cars if you intend to transfer the plate from one car to the other. It can get more challenging if the car has already been traded or sold.
• Not legal on roads: Without a valid license plate, you won’t be able to drive your old car on roads. If you wish to drive it or sell it to someone, you’ll require new plates, possibly cancelling the transfer’s cost savings.