freecine
29 posts
Aug 08, 2025
12:59 PM
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Number Plate Transfer Fees in the United States (2025)
Transferring a number plate (license plate) from one vehicle to another in the U.S. involves a fee that varies by state, vehicle type, and specific circumstances, such as whether the transfer is between immediate family members or involves a specialty plate. Below is a comprehensive overview of number plate transfer fees across select U.S. states, based on the most recent data available as of August 2025.
How Much Is Number Plate Transfer Fee
A number plate transfer fee is a charge imposed by a state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency when moving a license plate from one vehicle to another, typically when a vehicle is sold, purchased, or gifted. This fee is separate from registration or title fees and applies when the plate is reassigned to a new vehicle owned by the same person or, in some cases, an immediate family member.
Factors Affecting Number Plate Transfer Fees
State Regulations: Each state sets its own fee structure, ranging from $1.25 to $190, depending on whether a title transfer is involved.
Vehicle Type: Fees may differ for passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, or specialty plates (e.g., personalized or vanity plates).
Ownership Status: Transfers to immediate family members may have lower or no fees in some states.
Registration Status: Additional fees may apply if the registration needs renewal or if the new vehicle has a higher registration fee based on weight, value, or fuel type (e.g., electric vehicles).
Local Fees: Some counties impose additional issuance or processing fees.
Number Plate Transfer Fees by State (2025)
Below is a summary of number plate transfer fees in select states, based on available data. Fees are approximate and subject to change, so always verify with your state’s DMV:
Alabama: $1.25 state transfer fee, plus local issuance fees imposed by some counties.
Alaska: $5 for transferring standard or custom plates to a new vehicle of the same type.
Connecticut: No specific transfer fee is listed, but transferring plates provides a full registration period using the remaining equity from the old registration. Effective July 1, 2025, a $24 Passport to the Parks fee (or $8 per year) may apply.
Florida: No specific plate transfer fee is mentioned, but transferring plates requires paying applicable registration fees ($14.50–$32.50 based on weight) and a $225 one-time new vehicle fee for private use, if applicable.
Georgia: No specific plate transfer fee is listed, but transferring plates requires a completed MV-1 Title/Tag Application and may incur standard registration fees.
Illinois: $25 for a transfer-only transaction. If combined with a title transfer, the total fee is $190 ($165 title fee + $25 transfer fee).
Maryland: No specific transfer fee is listed, but plates can be transferred between vehicles owned by the same person or immediate family members (spouse, parents, child) when gifted. Standard registration fees may apply.
Michigan: $10–$15, depending on the scenario:
$10 for transferring a plate to a vehicle you already own without a change in registration fees.
$10 plus prorated registration or weight fee if the new vehicle has a higher registration fee.
$15 if the new vehicle has a lower registration fee.
$10 for transfers to an immediate family member.
Additional fees apply for electric vehicles ($155–$255) or plug-in hybrids ($57–$127) when transferring plates from a non-electric/hybrid vehicle.
Minnesota: No specific transfer fee is listed, but fees vary by transaction. Contact Motor Vehicle Services or visit a local office for details.
New Jersey: No specific transfer fee for moving plates to a new vehicle of the same class registered in the same name. Standard plate fees ($6 for standard, $11 for special interest) apply if replacing plates.
North Carolina: A fee is required for plate transfers unless the vehicle is already titled in North Carolina, but the exact amount is not specified.
Oregon: $6 for transferring standard or custom plates to a new vehicle. If registration expires within 90 days, renewal fees ($112–$154 for two years, depending on plate type) may apply.
Wisconsin: No specific transfer fee is listed, but the DMV website indicates that plate transfers may involve standard registration fees. Check with the Wisconsin DOT for details.
Additional Considerations
Family Transfers: States like Michigan, Maryland, and North Carolina allow plate transfers to immediate family members (e.g., spouse, parent, child) with reduced or no fees, especially for gifted vehicles.
Custom/Vanity Plates: Transferring custom plates typically incurs the same fee as standard plates but may include additional costs (e.g., California charges $98 for most custom plates, $78 for veteran plates).
Late Fees: Delays in transferring plates or titles may incur penalties (e.g., Michigan charges $15 if the title transfer is more than 15 days late).
Restrictions: Plates generally cannot be transferred to non-family members or vehicles of a different class (e.g., motorcycle to car).
Documentation: Most states require proof of ownership (title), valid insurance, and identification. Some, like Illinois, require an Application for Vehicle Transaction (VSD 190).
Online Calculators: States like Michigan offer plate transfer fee calculators to estimate costs based on vehicle specifics.
Tips to Minimize Costs
Transfer Promptly: Avoid late fees by completing the transfer within the state’s required timeframe (e.g., 15 days in Michigan).
Verify Family Exemptions: Check if your state offers reduced fees for transfers to immediate family members.
Use Existing Registration Equity: In states like Connecticut, transferring plates can utilize remaining registration time, reducing costs.
Confirm Fees Locally: County-specific fees may apply (e.g., Alabama’s local issuance fees), so check with your local DMV.
Avoid Unnecessary Plate Replacement: If transferring plates, ensure they are in good condition to avoid replacement fees (e.g., $11 in New Jersey for duplicates).
Conclusion
Number plate transfer fees in the U.S. range from as low as $1.25 in Alabama to $190 in Illinois (when combined with a title transfer). Most states charge $5–$25 for standard plate transfers, with additional costs for registration renewals, custom plates, or electric/hybrid vehicles. Fees vary based on state regulations, vehicle type, and ownership status. For precise costs, contact your state’s DMV or use online tools like fee calculators where available. Always verify requirements and deadlines to avoid penalties.
Last Edited by freecine on Sep 15, 2025 12:14 AM
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