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California License PlatesCalifornia license plates are aluminum plates attached to vehicles that display a combination of numbers and letters unique to the vehicle. This allows for the quick identification of the vehicle and its registered owner. Per the California Vehicle Code, all motor vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, RVs, and trailers, used in the state must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles; this agency subsequently issues corresponding license plates for these vehicles.
The California DMV typically issues four types of license plates:
The California DMV typically issues vehicle registrants two fully or partially reflectorized, which must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle. However, motorcycles and non-passenger vehicles are typically issued only one license plate, usually displayed at the rear of the vehicle (or the front for truck tractors). In addition to the vehicle's unique alpha-numeric identifier, California license plates display the word "California" or "Cal" and a registration sticker indicating the vehicle's registration expiry date. This registration sticker is for the year and should be affixed to the rear license plate.
California License Plate Design and FormatsStandard California license plates issued for passenger and commercial vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles are rectangular-shaped with a seven-character alpha-numeric combination embossed on them; however, older plates issued pre-1980 have six characters. Similarly, special license plates and special interest license plates have 2 – 7 alphanumeric characters, while decals/placards for bicycles and similar vehicles have 2 – 7 numeric characters with no alphabets.
California license plates usually have a white background (some may have a blue or black background) with the state name at the top. They also typically include registration stickers on the top left and right corners indicating the month of release and the expiration date of the vehicle's registration, respectively. Special interest license plates may include a tagline or slogan at the bottom of the plate reflecting a theme or message.
Standard license plates for automobiles, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles:
Special license, special interest license, and decal plates:
* Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles
California Vanity License PlateVanity license plates are personalized or custom plates that allow a vehicle owner to choose a specific combination of letters, numbers, or both to reflect their name, hobby, personal preference or other unique message. The California DMV issues two kinds of personalized or custom plates:
You can contact the DMV online to request a special interest license plate. The department offers two configurations for these plates: a standard issue or sequential configuration and an applicant-chosen or personalized configuration. You can also check the availability of your desired combination via the website. Be aware that you may need to explain your chosen combination. The DMV also reserves the right to refuse this combination.
On the other hand, requests for special license plates must be completed by filling out and submitting a Special Recognition License Plate Application (REG17A) Form, along with applicable supporting documents, to the DMV.
Once the application is reviewed and approved, you will receive a notification from the DMV indicating the required fees, which are typically based on the plate type and customization. You will also be notified when the requested plates are available for pickup, or they will be mailed to you, depending on the kind of plates requested. Be aware that this may take anywhere from 4 – 32 weeks.
Most Popular California Special Plate NumbersThe most common themes of special license and special interest license plate numbers in California are:
California License Plate LookupA license plate lookup involves searching for information on a particular vehicle using its license plate number. This information usually includes the vehicle's make and model, mileage, accident history, maintenance history, and repossession history; sometimes, a license place lookup may also provide details on its registered owner. Some common reasons for conducting a license plate lookup in California include:
You can perform a license plate lookup on your vehicle by contacting the California DMV online or submitting an INF1125 form and all applicable fees to the department. However, to access another person's vehicle records, you must complete and submit a separate INF70 form. Note that this search is conducted by the driver's license number and not the plate number.
Perform reverse license plate searches online; while these websites typically offer basic information like the vehicle's make and model at no cost, some may charge a fee for more comprehensive information.
Be aware that, per state law, the California DMV is prohibited from disclosing residential address and motor vehicle liability insurance information on registered vehicle owners unless law enforcement agencies, recognized courts, government agencies, or other authorized parties request this information.
A license plate lookup and a reverse license plate number search are both methods that allow you to find vehicle-related information online. These terms are typically used interchangeably. However, a license plate search generally involves inputting a license plate number to retrieve details about the vehicle and its registered owner, while reverse license plate number searches involve using partial details about the car to get more detailed information.
RecordsFinder is a legitimate third-party website that allows you to conduct reverse license plate number searches in a few simple steps. Be aware that the website does not process requests that violate federal and state privacy regulations.
What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in California?California license plates are issued by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and vehicle owners who wish to obtain these license plates must meet the following requirements:
Here are the necessary steps you must take to obtain a California license plate:
Once your application is processed, you will receive your vehicle registration and license plates, which you can affix to your vehicle. Be aware that you will have to renew your vehicle registration annually – this vehicle registration renewal process can be done online.
You can contact your local California DMV office or call 1-800-777-0133 to direct inquiries concerning obtaining a license plate in the state.
Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and a Commercial License Plate in CaliforniaIn California, any vehicle designed, used, or maintained primarily to transport people or property for hire, profit, or compensation is considered a commercial vehicle. This includes passenger-type vehicles, multipurpose vehicles, station wagons, and pickup trucks with a permanent camper attached. These commercial vehicles may be registered with either an auto (passenger) or commercial license plate; however, commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight or combined gross vehicle weight of 10,001 lbs or more must have a commercial license plate.
Here are the key differences between passenger and commercial license plates in California:
| Features | Passenger License Plate | Commercial License Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Use |
|
|
| Plate number arrangement |
|
|
| Design & Color |
* special interest and special license plates may have additional background designs and colors |
* special interest and special license plates may have additional background designs and colors |
| Use Limitations | None | Commercial use |
| Requirements for obtaining |
|
Same as auto (passenger) license plates with additional documentation, like |
How to Renew License Plate in CaliforniaVehicle registrations (and, by extension, license plate numbers) in California have to be renewed annually. The California DMV handles these renewals; the department typically sends registrants renewal notices at least 60 days before their registration renewal date. This renewal notice includes essential information like required renewal documents and fees. You must complete your vehicle's registration renewal within 60 days of receiving this notice or by midnight of the vehicle's registration expiry date, whichever is later. The department also allows for early renewals up to 75 days before their vehicle's registration expiry date.
Vehicle registration renewals can be done in person at your local California DMV office, via the mailing instructions in your renewal notice, by calling 1-800-777-0133, or online. Be aware that online vehicle registration renewal in California is only available to individuals who:
In-person renewals are typically processed instantly, provided all requirements are met (note that this timeframe does not include potential wait times at the DMV office). Online renewals take an average of 3 – 4 days, while mail-in renewals may take up to two weeks or more. The California DMV also provides a webpage that you can use to check your vehicle registration renewal status.
How to Transfer a License Plate in CaliforniaStandard license plates in California are typically tied to a specific vehicle and cannot be transferred from one car to another. However, exemptions are made for some special licenses and special interest license plates. Eligible vehicle owners who wish to transfer their special license plates from one vehicle to another will be required to submit the following documents to their local DMV office:
Be aware that you are required by law to contact the DMV no later than five days after you sell or otherwise dispose of a registered vehicle. Contact the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 for additional inquiries concerning transferring your license plates to a new vehicle.
California License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Several federal and state laws govern how the California DMV discloses vehicle registration personal information to third parties. These include the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the California Information Practices Act, and the state's Vehicle Code. Per these laws, personal information on vehicle registrants, such as their name, date of birth, address, contact details, and driver's license number, can only be disclosed to law enforcement agencies, courts, and other authorized parties.
Given the state's strict privacy laws, you may not be able to find the owner of a license plate in California. Nonetheless, you can obtain non-personal information on more than 269 million registered vehicles across the USA via online websites like Recordsfinder using either the car's license plate number or VIN.
You can replace your license plates in California by contacting the state's DMV online (for standard license plates) or visiting a local DMV office, where you will be required to complete and submit an appropriate application form. Be aware that you will have to submit a police report if the license plates were stolen; you will also have to obtain substitute license plates with a new configuration for lost or stolen plates. The cost of replacing license plates in California varies depending on the license plate type and specific circumstances.
Police and other authorized law enforcement officials in California typically receive a range of information when they run a license plate. These include:
Many people typically utilize free license plate searches for several reasons, especially when buying a used car. These include:
Websites like RecordsFinder allow you to perform reverse license plate searches to access basic vehicle information like a car's (make and model, engine type, body style, and VIN at no cost.
California vehicle owners are required to renew their registration annually. The DMV does not offer any grace period for renewing this registration; renewal fees must be paid on or before the specified expiry date.
Anyone driving with expired license plates in California is subject to a fine. This fine is calculated based on how long the payment has been due, the cost of the vehicle’s license fee, a late registration fee, and a separate California Highway Patrol (CHP) late fee (these fees typically range from $10 - $100). Be aware that these penalties also apply to individuals who drive a vehicle with an expired Temporary Operating Permit.
No specific law mandates vehicle owners in California to return their license plates to the DMV. However, if you lose a license plate, you will be required to surrender any remaining plates to the DMV when requesting a replacement. Likewise, you must submit a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability (NRL) to this department if you sell, transfer the title or interest in your vehicle, or otherwise dispose of it; this must be done within five days from the day the action is concluded. Doing this not only notifies the DMV that ownership of the vehicle has changed but also protects you from liability for any subsequent citations or violations involving the vehicle in question.
In situations where you intend to move out of state, you will also need to inform the DMV within 10 days of moving. This is regardless of whether you plan to relocate with your registered vehicle (and register it in your new location) or leave the vehicle in California.
Yes, you can keep your California license plates if you move out of state. However, you need to inform the DMV of your change of address within 10 days of moving. You can do this online or by mailing a completed Notice of Change of Address Form to:
DMV CHANGE OF ADDRESSBe aware that you may also be required to file additional documentation, such as a Planned Non-operation or an Affidavit of Non-Use, if the vehicle bearing the license plates will not be operated within California while you are out of state.
Here are the sizes of license plates issued by the California DMV:
The California DMV may issue you a Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) authorizing you to operate your vehicle in situations where you have paid all applicable vehicle registration fees, but your license plates or registration stickers are not ready. The department currently issues six different types of TOPs for various situations:
You can renew your license plate in California by taking the following steps:
If you lose your California license plates, or if these plates get lost or stolen, you can order a replacement in person at any of the department's local offices. There, you will be required to take the following steps:
Replacement license plates can also be ordered online (this option is only available for standard and non-personalized special license plates) or via mail. For mail-in replacements, you must:
These items should be mailed to the address listed on the application form. However, if there is no address on the form, then they can be sent to:
Department of Motor VehiclesYou can also request replacements for lost, damaged, or stolen registration cards and stickers online, by submitting a REG156 form via mail (to the address on the form), or at your local DMV office. Replacement month stickers may be issued at no cost.