Transfer existing license plates from one vehicle to another owned by the same registrant. Common when buying a replacement car.
Last updated · Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles · Methodology
License Plate Transfer in California costs $21.00 according to the official California Department of Motor Vehicles fee schedule. The fee is the same statewide and is paid at the time of application.
No — license plate transfer requires an in-person visit to a California DMV office. An appointment is required for this service.
Yes, California Department of Motor Vehicles requires an appointment for license plate transfer. You can book it on the official DMV website. Walk-ins are typically not processed for this service.
For license plate transfer in California you will typically need: Current plates, new vehicle title/registration. Originals are required — photocopies are not accepted by California Department of Motor Vehicles.
License Plate Transfer in California is typically processed the same day at the California Department of Motor Vehicles office.
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⚠️ Always verify with California Department of Motor Vehicles
Fees and requirements shown here are based on publicly available information from the official California Department of Motor Vehicles website as of 2025. The state DMV is the authoritative source. DMVPeek is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with any state government agency.