If you are wondering if you can obtain license plates without having a current license, it depends on your state. In most states, you must have a current license to get a license plate.
However, there are a few exceptions. For example, in New Hampshire, you can get a license plate without a license as long as you have registered your vehicle with the state. In California, you can also get a license plate without a permit if you have registered your vehicle as a “non-operational” vehicle. This means that the vehicle cannot be driven on public roads.
Some states, such as Texas, allow you to get temporary tags without a license. Temporary tags are valid for 90 days and can be used to register the car for insurance or get it inspected. So, if you’re not currently driving but still need plates, temporary tags might be a good option for you.
These are the states that require a license to obtain license plates:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New Jersey
Why Do You Need a License To Get License Plates?
You need a license to get license plates because the state DMV issues the plates, and they are only supposed to be given to people who have a valid driver’s license. The DMV is responsible for keeping track of all the vehicles in the state and making sure that they are registered and insured. So, if you don’t have a license, you can’t get plates from the DMV.
There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, in some states, like California, you can get special “non-operational” plates even if you don’t have a license. These plates are for vehicles that aren’t allowed to be driven on public roads, like classic cars or RVs.
If you’re not sure whether or not you can get license plates without a license, you should contact your state DMV. They will tell you what the requirements are for getting plates in your state.
You will need to have a current license to get license plates in most cases.