DLR is short for "dealer." A dealer plate is a special plate issued to a licensed vehicle dealer instead of to one car. In California, DMV issues dealers "special license plates bearing the firm's license number" (Vehicle Code §11714), and those plates let the dealer drive or move unregistered vehicles it owns or lawfully possesses (VC §11715). The plate belongs to the business, not to the car it's on today.
Educational information only. This article is not legal advice.
In this article
- What a dealer plate is
- What it lets a dealer do
- Dealer plates vs temporary plates
- Frequently asked questions
What a dealer plate is
| Dealer special plate | Regular plate | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued to | The licensed dealer (tied to its license number) | One specific vehicle |
| Moves between cars | Yes, among vehicles the dealer owns or lawfully possesses | No |
| Who can drive with it | Limited by regulation (13 CCR §201.00) | Anyone the owner allows |
| Registration card | Kept with the vehicle carrying the plate (VC §11715(f)) | Kept with the vehicle |
Other states print "DLR," "DEALER" or a similar marker on these plates. In every case, it means the vehicle is being driven under a dealer's license rather than its own registration.
What it lets a dealer do
- Drive unregistered inventory on public roads, including to and from auctions, repair shops and smog stations
- Let a prospective buyer test drive a car for up to 7 days (VC §11715(a); 13 CCR §201.00(f))
- Use by owners and managers, and by employees in the course of their work
It does not cover a dealer's work or service vehicles, or most dealer-leased vehicles (VC §11715(d)). See Can you drive with dealer plates?
Dealer plates vs temporary plates
The paper-style plate on a car you just bought isn't a dealer plate. It's a temporary license plate the dealer printed for your car at the sale, and it expires 90 days after the date of sale. See Do dealerships give you license plates in California?
Frequently asked questions
What does DLR mean on a license plate?
It stands for dealer. The plate is issued to a licensed dealer and can be used on vehicles the dealer owns or lawfully possesses.
Can a dealer put a dealer plate on any car?
Only on vehicles it owns or lawfully possesses, and not on its work or service vehicles (VC §11715).
Do dealer plates belong to the car?
No. They belong to the dealership and are tied to its license number.
Related questions
- Can you drive with dealer plates?
- What does a dealer license let you do?
- What is the dealer number on a title?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Resources
- California Vehicle Code §11715, operating with special plates (Opens in new window)
- 13 CCR §201.00, use of dealer special plates (Opens in new window)
- DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual: Special dealer plates (Opens in new window)
Sources: Vehicle Code §§11714 and 11715 · 13 CCR §201.00 · DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual §2.090 · CHP information bulletin on temporary plates (PDF opens in new window). Verified 2026-10-16.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Rules change; check the current Vehicle Code, regulations and DMV guidance.