Transfer existing license plates from one vehicle to another owned by the same registrant. Common when buying a replacement car.
Who needs this: Vehicle owners replacing one vehicle with another.
Last updated · Methodology
Wyoming offers the cheapest license plate transfer at $10.50. The national average across 51 states is $15.47.
New York has the highest fee for license plate transfer at $24.00. This is roughly 129% higher than the cheapest state.
0 of 51 US states (and DC) currently allow license plate transfer to be completed online without visiting a DMV office in person. Eligibility usually depends on whether your existing license is current and whether you need a REAL ID upgrade.
10 of 51 states require an appointment for license plate transfer. The remaining states accept walk-ins, though booking an appointment is still recommended at busy urban offices.
Vehicle owners replacing one vehicle with another.
Explore the DataPeek Network
⚠️ Fees shown are from 2025 data.
DMVPeek aggregates license plate transfer data from state motor vehicle department websites. Fees and requirements are subject to change — always verify with your state DMV before applying. DMVPeek is an independent information resource.