Front license plate requirements vary by state, and some states don't require one at all

Whether you need a front license plate depends entirely on which state you live in. Nineteen states do not require a front plate — you only need one on the back. The remaining states require both front and back plates. Your vehicle registration paperwork will tell you what your state requires, and your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website lists the rule clearly.

If you move to a different state, you will need to follow that state's rules when you register your vehicle there. Temporary tags and dealer plates have their own rules that sometimes differ from permanent plates, so check your paperwork when you first buy or lease a vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Nineteen states do not require a front license plate: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
  • All other states require both a front and back plate, and driving without the front plate where required can result in a traffic citation and fine.
  • Your vehicle registration documents or your state's DMV website will confirm what your state requires.
  • Some states allow you to request a front plate even if it is not required, though you will pay an additional fee.

States that do not require a front plate

Nineteen states have no front plate requirement: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia. In these states, you are legally required to display only your rear plate.

If you live in one of these states and want a front plate anyway — for appearance, protection, or personal preference — you can usually request one from your DMV. You will pay an additional fee, typically between $5 and $15, and the plate will be issued to you just like a regular rear plate.

States that require both front and back plates

All other states require you to display a license plate on both the front and back of your vehicle. This includes California, Texas, New York, Florida, and most others. When you register a vehicle in these states, you receive two plates and must install both.

If you are moving to a state that requires a front plate and your vehicle does not have a front mounting bracket, you will need to have one installed. Most auto parts stores and dealerships can do this for $50 to $150 in labor, depending on your vehicle model.

What happens if you don't display a front plate where required

Driving without a front plate in a state that requires one is a traffic violation. Police can pull you over for this reason alone, and you will receive a citation. Fines vary by state but typically range from $25 to $100 for a first offense.

In some states, the violation is considered a "fix-it ticket," meaning you can have the fine dismissed if you install the plate and show proof to the court. In others, you must pay the fine regardless. Check your state's DMV website or the citation itself to see whether your state offers this option.

Temporary tags and dealer plates

Temporary tags and dealer plates follow different rules than permanent plates. Some states require a front temporary tag even if permanent front plates are not required. Others do not. When you buy a new or used vehicle, the dealer will give you a temporary tag that is valid for 30 to 90 days depending on your state.

Check the paperwork that comes with your temporary tag to see whether it must be displayed on the front, back, or both. If you are unsure, contact your state's DMV or the dealership before driving the vehicle.

How to find your state's specific requirement

The fastest way to confirm your state's requirement is to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "front license plate requirement" or "license plate display." You can also call your local DMV office and ask directly.

Your vehicle registration certificate will also state the requirement. If you have recently registered a vehicle and received two plates, your state requires both. If you received one plate, your state does not require a front plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cover my front license plate with a frame or tint?

No. License plate frames must not obscure any numbers or letters, and tinting or covering the plate is illegal in all states. Frames that make the plate hard to read can result in a citation. Use only a clear frame that does not obstruct the characters.

What if I lost my front plate?

Contact your state's DMV and request a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee, usually $5 to $15. In the meantime, some states allow you to drive with only the rear plate for a short period while you wait for the replacement. Call your DMV to ask whether this applies to you.

Do I need a front plate on a motorcycle or trailer?

Motorcycle and trailer rules differ from car rules and vary by state. Most states do not require a front plate on motorcycles, but some require one on trailers. Check your state's DMV website for the specific rule for your vehicle type.

If I move states, do I need to get new plates right away?

You must register your vehicle in your new state within a set time frame, usually 30 to 90 days. When you register, you will receive plates that match your new state's requirements. Until then, you can drive on your old state's plates as long as your registration is current.