Yes. When a California dealer sells a new or used vehicle that doesn't already have California plates, the dealer must issue temporary license plates (TLPs) before the car leaves the lot. The temporary plates expire 90 days after the date of sale. Your permanent plates come from DMV after the dealer submits the registration paperwork. If the car already has valid California plates, those usually stay on it.
Educational information only. This article is not legal advice.
In this article
How temporary plates work
| What to know | |
|---|---|
| Since | January 1, 2019 (AB 516), replacing the old paper dealer-advertising plates |
| Who issues | The selling dealer, before the vehicle leaves the lot |
| How long | Expires 90 days after the date of sale |
| How many | One or two, depending on whether the vehicle needs front and rear plates |
| When permanent plates arrive | Install them, then destroy the temporary plates (VC §§5201(b), 5202(a)) |
| Lost or damaged | The registered owner goes back to the selling dealer for a reprint or replacement |
What's printed on them
According to the CHP's bulletin, a temporary plate shows the TLP number, the report of sale (ROS) number, the VIN, year, make and expiration date, with a California-silhouette watermark and a QR code. It's printed on synthetic paper that meets DMV standards and should be secured at all four corners (VC §5201(a)). The report of sale goes on the lower corner of the passenger-side windshield.
The dealer's side
If you're a dealer, temporary plates are a compliance item, not a courtesy:
- Issue and display them correctly before delivery (VC §5200 and DMV's TLP rules).
- Use your DMV-approved system provider to print them.
- Submit the registration paperwork on time so permanent plates arrive before the 90 days run out.
See the dealer compliance guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long are temporary plates good for in California?
They expire 90 days after the date of sale.
What if my permanent plates don't arrive before the temporary plates expire?
Contact the selling dealer first, because it handles the registration paperwork. You can also check your registration status with DMV.
Does a private-party seller give you plates?
No. In a private sale, the plates normally stay with the car, and you transfer the registration at DMV. See How to register a used car in California.
Related questions
- What does DLR mean on a license plate?
- Can you drive with dealer plates?
- What taxes and fees do you pay on a used car in California?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Resources
- CHP information bulletin: Temporary license plates (PDF opens in new window)
- AB 516 (2016) Senate floor analysis (Opens in new window)
- DMV Occupational Licensing Information Notice 18-03 (Opens in new window)
Sources: CHP bulletin, July 18, 2024 (PDF opens in new window) (90-day expiration, printed fields, VC §§5200–5202) · AB 516 (Stats. 2016). Verified 2026-10-16.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Rules change; check DMV's current guidance.