License Plates

California license plates do more than sit on your bumper—they prove your vehicle is registered, help law enforcement identify vehicles, and signal special statuses such as disability access or veteran recognition. This in-depth guide walks California drivers through standard and specialized plate types, ordering and replacement steps, personalization rules, disabled placards and plates, required sizes and placements, annual sticker updates, and exactly which official forms and offices handle what. If you’re registering a vehicle for the first time, replacing damaged plates, switching to a special interest design, or simply making sure your stickers are current, you’ll find clear, step-by-step instructions sourced from official state resources.

Understand What California License Plates Do (and Why They Matter)

A California license plate connects a vehicle to its registered owner, and the sequence on the plate ties directly to your DMV record. That’s why keeping plates legible, properly mounted, and up-to-date with the current year sticker (tab) matters for everyday driving, tolling, and parking. In California, plates generally stay with the vehicle when it is sold, but certain special categories—such as some personalized environmental or special recognition plates—can be reassigned at the owner’s request and with appropriate fees. In practice, that means when you purchase a car, you inherit its plate configuration unless you specifically apply to change it; when you lose a plate or it’s stolen, you must replace it quickly; and when your registration renews, you must promptly place the new sticker so your plates remain valid to display.

To see the state’s official overview of what plates are available and how they work, review the California DMV’s page on license plates (the DMV’s detailed guide to plate types and rules).

Choose the Right License Plate Type for Your Vehicle

Standard issue plates vs. special categories

Standard California plates identify most passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and trailer types. These are sequentially issued (you don’t pick the characters) and are what you receive automatically with a new registration, when replacing lost or damaged standard plates, or when surrendering special plates to return to the standard series. If your everyday goal is to stay compliant with minimal fuss, standard plates are the quickest route.

Special categories include:

Special interest plates, which allow you to support a state-approved cause (environment, arts, education, veterans’ organizations, etc.) while customizing the vehicle’s look. Many of these designs are available as sequential or personalized.

Special recognition plates, which mark service, achievements, or status (for example, certain public service or organizational recognitions).

Disabled person (DP) and Disabled Veteran (DV) plates and placards, which confer parking privileges and, in the case of DV plates for eligible veterans, fee exemptions for one qualifying vehicle.

Identification plates for vehicles that aren’t issued the standard automobile, commercial, trailer, or motorcycle plates (for instance, some special equipment).

When comparing options, remember that certain status-based plates can’t be combined (e.g., you can’t display both DV plates and your favorite special interest plate on the same vehicle), and some categories can be reassigned between vehicles only under specific conditions and with applicable fees.

Verify You’re Using the Correct Plate Size and Format

California specifies plate dimensions so vehicles can be identified quickly and consistently:

Automobile, commercial, and trailer plates: 12″ × 6″

Motorcycle plates: 7″ × 4″ (older plates issued before July 1, 1970, may be 8″ × 5″)

Identification plates (for vehicles not issued the above): typically 7″ × 4″ (older plates issued before January 1, 1981, may be 8″ × 5″)

Why it matters: If a plate is bent, cut down, or obscured by a frame or accessory so that characters or registration stickers are hard to read, the plate can be considered illegible and subject to replacement. Keep the entire plate—and the year/month stickers—clearly visible.

Keep Your Registration Current and Your Stickers Correct

Each year (or every 1–5 years, depending on vehicle type and renewal cycle), California requires you to renew vehicle registration. After renewal, the DMV sends new year stickers (tabs). Affix the current sticker to the designated corner of your rear plate (and front, for plate sets requiring both) to show your registration is valid.

If your sticker is lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible, request a replacement sticker. You cannot order a replacement if your registration is expired; renew first, then replace the sticker if needed. If you were mailed a sticker and it never arrived, call the DMV; if their records show it was mailed but not received, you can file the appropriate application to obtain replacements at no extra charge.

Official links to help you handle renewal and sticker issues:

Start with the DMV’s registration renewal page to stay current: renew your registration.

If you only need a replacement sticker or card, use the DMV’s online replacement service: replace sticker or registration card online.

Order Special Interest or Personalized Plates the Right Way

If you want a plate that supports a cause or you want a sequence that spells a name or phrase, California offers special interest and personalized options. Sequential plates use the next available number/letter combination; personalized plates allow you to choose a combination, subject to availability and content rules.

Key points to know before ordering:

Online orders are for original requests only. For gifts, renewals, retention (keeping the plate number without displaying it), replacements, conversions, or transfers between vehicles, use the correct DMV forms and follow submission instructions.

Have your vehicle’s registration card handy and confirm your mailing address is current (update your address first, then place the plate order).

Payment processing fees may apply for credit/debit transactions.

Personalized plate lead times can be significant; it’s normal for specialized orders to take months to produce and deliver.

Use the official DMV resources for selection and ordering:

Review categories and get started from Special interest and special license plates: special plate overview.

When you’re ready to proceed, use the DMV portal to order special interest and personalized plates: order special plates.

Replace Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Plates Without Missing a Beat

If your plates or registration stickers are lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible, you must replace them promptly. California distinguishes between “replacement” and “substitute” plates depending on whether the original configuration can be reissued (for example, if a special plate set requires an entirely new configuration after theft).

When You Can (and Can’t) Transfer License Plates

As a rule, California plates stay with the vehicle they were issued to. However, certain personalized environmental, special recognition, or special interest plates can be reassigned to a different vehicle by their owner if all DMV requirements and fees are satisfied. This is a helpful option when you sell one car and want to move your personalized or special design to your next vehicle.

Practical tips:

Make sure the vehicle receiving the plate meets the eligibility criteria for that plate type.

Confirm no outstanding registration issues exist on either vehicle (holds, unpaid fees, etc.), as those can delay or block the transfer.

Use the correct DMV form and follow the mailing or in-person instructions exactly.

Read This Before Personalizing Your Plate

California allows many plate backgrounds to be personalized, but combinations are subject to availability and content review. Certain content—such as offensive language or misleading formats—can be denied. Plan a few alternate combinations before you apply, in case your first choice is taken or doesn’t pass review.

Quick best practices:

Avoid combinations that look like official designators (e.g., formats that appear to mimic law enforcement or emergency vehicles).

Keep it legible; complex mixtures of characters that are easily confused can slow approval.

Remember that once issued, personalized combinations follow specific rules for transfer, retention, and replacement.

To start your personalized or sequential special-design order, use the DMV’s official portal noted earlier: order special plates.

Disabled Person Placards and Plates: How They Work in California

California offers Disabled Person (DP) parking placards and DP license plates, as well as Disabled Veteran (DV) plates, to eligible applicants. Placards and plates provide the same parking privileges; the difference is that DP plates stay on one vehicle, while placards can move between vehicles—helpful for caregivers who transport a disabled person.

Types of DP placards and their timelines

Permanent placard: Valid for two years and expires on June 30 of odd-numbered years; only one permanent placard is allowed per eligible person at a time.

Temporary placard: Valid up to 180 days or until the date your health care professional specifies (whichever comes first); can’t be renewed more than six times consecutively.

Travel placard (resident): For California residents who already have a permanent DP placard, DP plates, or DV plates; valid for 30 days from issuance.

Travel placard (nonresident): For visitors with a permanent disability; valid up to 90 days or as a medical professional indicates.

How to apply

You can apply for DP placards online or by mail/in person with REG 195 (Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates) signed by an eligible medical professional.

To apply for DP plates, complete REG 195, provide the vehicle’s current registration (or documents to register it in your name), pay the regular registration fees, and surrender the existing plates.

Start with the DMV’s official pages to choose the right option and submit your request:

Overview and options for Disabled Person parking placards and plates: DP placards & plates.

Dedicated information for Disabled Veteran license plates, including fee exemptions for one qualifying vehicle: Disabled Veteran plates.

Know the Situations That Trigger Immediate Plate Replacement

Certain events require you to act quickly to remain legal on the road:

Two missing plates (for vehicles that require two): You can’t drive until plates are replaced.

Stolen plate: File a police report immediately and request substitute plates; you’ll receive a new configuration.

Illegible or damaged plate or sticker: Replace promptly—if characters can’t be read easily, the plate isn’t compliant.

Address change before a plate order ships: Update your address through the DMV system before ordering a plate or replacement to ensure it’s mailed correctly.

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is eligible for online replacement (standard plates only, under specific conditions), the DMV Virtual Office will walk you through eligibility questions and fees for your exact vehicle: replace standard plates online.

What to Bring for In-Person Plate Services

When handling any plate transaction at a DMV office, organize these items to streamline your visit:

Completed application for your plate type (e.g., REG 156 for replacements; REG 17/17A for special categories; REG 195 for DP plates/placards).

Valid identification (California DL/ID; if you present an out-of-state or out-of-country ID, bring acceptable government-issued alternatives as listed by DMV).

Proof of ownership if your DMV record address isn’t current (for example, your title or current registration card).

Police report if plates were stolen.

CHP verification (REG 31) if you need another replacement within 90 days of a prior replacement.

Payment for applicable fees.

To minimize wait time, find your nearest office and check hours: locations & hours. You can also schedule an appointment for applicable services.

Fees, Processing, and Mailing Addresses (When You Need to Send Paper)

Most plate transactions involve a fee, which varies by vehicle and plate type. When in doubt, confirm the current figure using the DMV’s fee resources before you mail forms or arrive at a field office. Some transactions (such as duplicate or substitute plates or registration stickers) have specific fee schedules set by regulation; fees for special interest designs vary by plate program.

If you’ll be mailing forms, follow the address printed on the form. When a form has no mailing address listed, the DMV directs standard vehicle registration mail to:

Vehicle Registration Operations
Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

If you are sending materials by a private carrier such as FedEx or UPS, use:

Vehicle Registration Operations
Department of Motor Vehicles
2415 1st Ave., Mail Station C271
Sacramento, CA 95818-2606

For questions on status after you’ve submitted a replacement application and haven’t received plates or stickers within approximately eight weeks, call the DMV’s Customer Service line (hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.). If the originals were mailed but never arrived, the DMV allows you to submit REG 156 again to obtain replacements at no additional charge, as long as their records indicate issuance and non-receipt.

How the Annual Sticker Fits into Plate Compliance (and What If It’s Missing)

California law expects your current year sticker to be on the plate, clearly visible and securely affixed. If you renew online or by mail and you’re waiting for the sticker to arrive, California recognizes a brief grace period while mail is in transit, but you should place the sticker immediately on receipt. If you realize your sticker was damaged during removal or affixing, request a replacement—don’t leave a torn or unreadable sticker on the plate.

If your registration is close to expiring or has expired, renew before attempting to order any replacement sticker. Replacement stickers cannot be issued for vehicles that aren’t currently registered. After renewal, if a sticker has gone missing or is unreadable, go ahead and order a replacement. If you’re eligible, you can handle the whole sticker replacement online here: replace sticker or registration card online.

The Practical Differences Between DP Placards and DP/DV Plates

While DP plates and DP placards grant the same parking privileges, they serve different use cases:

DP plates are best if the disabled driver primarily uses one vehicle and wants permanent identifiers on that vehicle without needing to hang a placard each time.

Placards are best if transportation varies—caregivers or family members can move the placard between vehicles while ensuring the disabled person’s privileges travel with them.

Note that only one permanent placard is permitted per eligible person at a time; expiration dates for permanent placards are standardized (June 30 of odd-numbered years). DV plates add fee exemptions for one qualifying vehicle owned by the disabled veteran; if you qualify for both DV and another exempt category like Ex-POW, you cannot hold both on the same vehicle.

For comprehensive, official guidance, start with:

DP placards & plates: Disabled Person parking placards & plates.
DV plates details and eligibility: Disabled Veteran plates.

Special Orders, Timing, and Program-Specific Notices

Some plate programs have unique timelines or limited-issue status. For example, certain sports or commemorative plates may be issued only to those who pre-ordered, and new applications might be paused. The DMV’s special interest pages and ordering portals post current availability and any program updates.

If you have already pre-ordered a special plate variant and the DMV is mailing new versions to existing owners, expect delivery to the address on file. If you need to update your address, do so before ordering plates or expecting delivery using the DMV’s Change of Address system: change of address.

Field-Tested Tips to Avoid Plate Problems

Mount and visibility

Install both plates if your vehicle requires front and rear plates. Keep the characters, validation stickers, and registration month clearly visible—avoid plate frames or covers that obscure any corner. Wash plates gently if mud or road grime builds up; abrasives can scrape reflective surfaces and reduce legibility, which may trigger replacement.

Address accuracy

Before ordering plates (new, special, or replacements) or stickers, confirm your mailing address is correct in MyDMV or via the official change-of-address portal. If you move and forget to update the address, your plates can be mailed to the old location, delaying delivery and requiring follow-up.

Paper vs. virtual office

If your situation fits online replacement eligibility, the DMV Virtual Office can save time. If not, mailing the right form with all required documentation (and surrendering any remaining plate) prevents rejection and restarts.

Plan for personalization time

Personalized plate production takes longer than standard plates. Build that lead time into your plans—if your current plates are damaged, replace them first to remain legal, then switch to personalized plates once they arrive.

Keep proof of reports and submissions

If a plate is stolen, keep a copy of your police report. If you mailed an application, keep a copy of the signed form and any delivery confirmation. When you call the DMV about a delayed mailing, having details handy helps staff confirm issuance and start no-charge replacement if the original shipment never arrived.

How to Switch From Special Plates Back to Standard

Sometimes drivers decide to return a vehicle to standard plates—maybe you’re selling the car and want to keep your special plate number for later, or you simply prefer the standard look. If you’re surrendering special interest plates, indicate that on the correct application and follow the steps to receive sequential standard plates. If you intend to retain a personalized sequence without actively displaying it (for future use), use the DMV’s retention process and pay any applicable retention fees. These details are spelled out within the DMV’s special interest and recognition application forms (see REG 17 and REG 17A above) and on the program pages for special plates.

What Happens if Your Plate Configuration Was Recently Replaced—And You Need Another?

California requires additional verification if you seek another replacement within 90 days of a prior replacement issuance, to guard against misuse. In that case, be prepared with a CHP-completed Verification of Vehicle (REG 31), along with your application and identification. This extra step confirms the vehicle’s identity and supports the issuance of another set without delay.

Plate Programs and Availability Can Change—Check Official Notices

Occasionally, a special plate program may limit issuance to pre-orders, transition to a new design, or pause new applications. Before you apply for a specific special plate, scan the DMV’s official program page for current availability notices. If a program you want is not accepting new applications, check back later or consider a different special interest design in the meantime.

Where to Go, What to Send, and Who to Call for License Plate Help

Most license plate questions can be handled through the DMV’s online portals and forms. If you need to mail documents, send them to the precise address on your form. If no address is listed, use the Vehicle Registration Operations addresses below; if you shipped via mail and need to check status after several weeks, call during business hours for assistance.

Departments and Offices for California License Plate Services (Official Contact List)

Department of Motor Vehicles — Vehicle Registration Operations, PO Box 942869, Sacramento, CA 94269-0001, 1-800-777-0133

Department of Motor Vehicles — Vehicle Registration Operations, 2415 1st Ave., Mail Station C271, Sacramento, CA 95818-2606, 1-800-777-0133

Department of Motor Vehicles — Office of the Director, 2415 1st Ave., Mail Station F101, Sacramento, CA 95818-2606, 1-800-777-0133

Department of Motor Vehicles — Customer Service (Contact Center), 1-800-777-0133

Department of Motor Vehicles — TTY, 1-800-368-4327

Department of Motor Vehicles — Application Review / Administrative Disciplinary Action, (916) 229-3129

Department of Motor Vehicles — Collections (Administrative Service Fee, Dishonored Checks), (916) 657-8120