How do i transfer a personalized license plate in california

Get a licence plate

You can purchase a licence plate at a registry agent. To get a licence plate, you will need:

Índice Show

Get a licence plate
Types of licence plates
Transfer a plate to a new vehicle
Lost, stolen and damaged plates
Police agencies in Alberta
Returning licence plates
Welcome To Our Quick & Easy Driving Information Guide
Getting your new plates
When you sell your car
Replacing your license plates
Hear about tips, offers, & more.
How do I keep my personalized plates in CA when selling a car?
How do I transfer plates in California?
How do I remove a personalized license plate in California?
How much is a custom license plate in California?

your driver’s licence
a Bill of Sale, or proof that the vehicle is owned by you

Your licence plate must be located in one of these places:

if the vehicle is a tractor-trailer, to the front of the vehicle
if the vehicle is a motorcycle, to the back mudguard or back fender so that it can be seen easily
on the back of the vehicle for all other types of vehicles

You cannot display more than one licence plate on your vehicle or any other type of plate that could be mistaken for a valid licence plate.

Some vehicles do not need a licence plate or registration. For more details, see the non-eligible vehicles page.

Types of licence plates

Alberta issues a variety of standard and specialty licence plates and permits.

For short-term registrations we offer an in-transit permit.

Transfer a plate to a new vehicle

If you already have a valid licence plate and registration and want to use it on a new vehicle, you can request it to be transferred.

For more details, see the transfer a registration.

Lost, stolen and damaged plates

If your licence plate is lost or stolen, report it to the police agency where the loss or theft occurred. A police file number is required to replace the licence plate.

Police agencies in Alberta

Report your stolen plate to the local police service listed below.

Report your stolen plate to the police service where the loss or theft occurred.

To replace the licence plate, visit a registry agent office and:

provide your Alberta driver’s licence or another piece of acceptable identification that contains your name, date of birth and photograph
provide the police file number
fill out a Licence Plate/Parking Placard Cancellation Declaration form (PDF, 75 KB)
pay the required fee

If your licence plate becomes difficult to read due to wear or damage, it could result in a fine. You must apply for a replacement licence plate through a registry agent.

PDF form issues

Fillable PDF forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save the form:

Save the PDF form to your computer – click or right-click the link and download the form.
Open the PDF form with Adobe Reader. Fill it in and save it.

If you are still having problems opening the form, contact PDF form technical support.

Returning licence plates

If you have moved out of Alberta or no longer need your licence plate, you can return it to any registry agent office in-person or by mail.

To return a licence plate by mail, complete the Licence Plate/Parking Placard Cancellation Declaration form (PDF, 75 KB).

Once the licence plate is returned, your file will be updated to show that you are no longer in possession of it.

You can also cancel your vehicle registration by submitting a Registration Cancelation.

Contact

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-7013
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Welcome To Our Quick & Easy Driving Information Guide

DriversEd.com California DMV License Plates

All cars that are driven on California roads must be properly registered and have appropriate license plates. Most vehicles are issued with two license plates to be displayed at the front and rear end of the vehicle. Exceptions to this rule are motorcycles and trailers, which only require one rear license plate. License plates are used for identification purposes and provide law enforcement a means to locate the vehicle owner through DMV records.

Getting your new plates

Standard motor vehicle license plates are issued when you buy a new vehicle, replace lost, stolen, or mutilated plates, or turn in special interest license plates. License plates identify the type of registration you have (commercial, passenger, trailer, etc.). The license plate fee is included in your registration fee and you are not required to pay any additional monies unless you wish to obtain specialized custom plates.

When you sell your car

California license plates are issued to vehicles and not individuals and they are usually transferred to the new owner if the vehicle is sold. In some cases, the owner may wish to retain his license plates. He or she will be required to visit one of the DMV offices and submit a written application for this to occur.

Replacing your license plates

If your license plates have been stolen, mutilated, damaged, or lost; it is your responsibility to obtain a replacement. You'll need to submit an Application for Replacement Plates Form (REG156) either by mail or in person at one of the DMV offices.

You must also pay a $16 replacement fee and a $1 reflectorized license plate fee (other fees may apply) when submitting your application. If you have damaged license plates or if only one license plate has been stolen, you must surrender them to DMV officials.

The DMV may also request documentation that proves ownership of the car, a police report if your license plates have been stolen, and vehicle verification completed by the California Highway Patrol if replacement plates were previously issued.

Find out more about replacing CA plates and stickers on the DMV website.

Note: This article was accurate when it was published. Please confirm all details directly with the CA DMV. You can visit the CA DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133 for general drivers license and registration information.

DriversEd.com is a privately held company and is in no way associated with the Department of Motor Vehicles, any other government agency, or the driving schools listed in this website. All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the benefit of the general public. DriversEd.com does not testify to, sponsor or endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally linked pages.

Hear about tips, offers, & more.

How do I keep my personalized plates in CA when selling a car?

To retain the license plates, a Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) form completed by the license plate owner of record must be submitted with the transfer application showing they are releasing interest.

How do I transfer plates in California?

To register, head to the DMV and submit:.

A Completed Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343)..

The Vehicle's Out-of-State Title..

The Vehicle's Out-of-State Registration..

Proof of Insurance..

A Valid Smog Certificate..

Payment for Fees (see "Fees" below)..

How do I remove a personalized license plate in California?

License Plates Surrendered By Someone Other than the Owner—The procedures below be must followed: The license plate owner must be mailed a 30-day Environmental Plate Notice (FO 17) and a REG 17 and must be advised that the license plates will be retained in the DMV office for 30 days then destroyed.

How much is a custom license plate in California?

Drivers in California can purchase standard-number plates through the DMV for $50 with an annual $40 renewal fee. Drivers who choose to enhance the plate with personalized letters and numbers may do so for $103 with an annual $83 renewal fee.