Before you take that shortcut, here’s the real story on transferring plates—and how to do it right. At Dirt Legal, we specialize in making the registration process smooth, fast, and 100% compliant.
Read: Temp Tag 101: Temporary License Plates Explained
If you’re caught in that weird in-between stage—new car, no registration yet—a temp tag can keep you compliant. These tags serve as a provisional license while your permanent registration is being processed. They’re especially useful if you’re transferring ownership, waiting on a title, or registering out-of-state.
And yes, you’ll still need to complete the official transfer of your license plates—there’s no skipping that step.
How to Transfer Tag to a Different Car
Let’s start with the basics. In most states, you can transfer your tag to a different car if the vehicles are in your name, but only after you’ve properly registered the new one.
It’s not as simple as unscrewing your plates and bolting them onto the new ride. DMV systems tie plates to vehicle VINs, so they have to update your records before you’re street-legal to drive, according to the Montana Title Manual, Transfer Procedures section.
Transferring License Plates
So how does this work? Transferring license plates means moving a valid set of plates from one vehicle to another—and having the DMV update its system to reflect that change.
Here’s what you’ll usually need:
- Proof of ownership (title or bill of sale)
- The original plate number
- Your ID
- Payment for the transfer fee
Some states make this a breeze. Others? Not so much. That’s where Dirt Legal comes in—we handle the transfer through a Montana LLC so you can skip the long lines and confusion.
How Do You Transfer Plates From One Car to Another?
Here’s what the process usually looks like, step by step:
- Head to your local DMV—or skip it and use Dirt Legal.
- Provide your current plate info.
- Submit paperwork for your new vehicle (title, bill of sale, etc.).
- Pay the transfer fee.
- Wait for approval—then put the plates on your new car.
And here’s the important part: Don’t drive the car with those old plates until the transfer is confirmed. Some states even tie plate transfers to insurance requirements, which could leave you uncovered if you skip a step, according to the Montana Title Manual, Registration Laws section.
FAQ: Transferring License Plates
Q: Can I just drive my new car with plates from my old one?
A: No—unless the DMV has completed the transfer. If they’re not linked to your new VIN, you could be ticketed for driving an unregistered vehicle.
Q: What if both vehicles are in my name?
A: Good news—you’re usually eligible to transfer plates. But you still need to officially file the change with your state DMV.
Q: How much does it cost to transfer plates?
A: Depends on the state. Some charge around $10–$20. Others charge a full registration fee. Montana keeps it affordable and simple, especially when handled through a Dirt Legal LLC.
Q: Is there a grace period to use old plates on a new car?
A: Some states offer a limited grace period, but many don’t. Always double-check with your DMV—and when in doubt, use a temp tag.
Q: Can Dirt Legal help even if I live in a different state?
A: Absolutely. We specialize in out-of-state Montana registration that works nationwide. It’s 100% compliant and helps you bypass your local DMV headaches.
Dirt Legal Makes It Easy
Let’s be real—DMV paperwork is a pain. Every state has different rules, and even small mistakes can cost you time, money, or worse. At Dirt Legal, we handle every step, from setting up your Montana LLC to issuing plates, titles, and even temporary tags.
Whether you’re transferring an old plate, titling a custom build, or getting your weekend toy road-legal, we’re here to help you do it fast, and stress-free.
