Annual registration, emissions tests, car insurance… Owning a vehicle involves a lot of paperwork to keep track of. While you only need to accomplish some of them once, most need to be renewed after a certain period. If you don’t, you might get penalized.
Car tags are just another thing to add to that long list of things you need to renew from time to time. So what is a tag for a car anyway?
What Exactly Are Car Tags?
Car tags are either license plate stickers or cards kept in the cabin as proof of registration. Vehicles bearing car tags are registered and legally allowed on public roads according to their registration. Law enforcement officers can check these tags to ensure you’re driving a street-legal vehicle.
Car tags indicate that you’ve properly registered your vehicle with the state and have paid all necessary fees and taxes connected to registration. They also serve as proof of insurance, car ownership, and taxes paid.
Car tags are also known as registration stickers. They have alphanumeric codes that show both the last month and year that your registration is valid. If your car tag says “MAY 26,” it means your vehicle’s registration expires after the last day of May 2026.
License Plates vs. Car Tags
License plates are for identification purposes. They’re issued by the state the first time a vehicle is registered. Your vehicle will likely have the same license plate number its entire service life, even if it changes ownership. The only exception is if the vehicle is registered in another state.
On the other hand, car tags indicate an up-to-date registration. It will change whenever you renew your vehicle’s registration.
The exact requirements for both license plates and car tags differ per state. Most states have you place your vehicle’s tags on the license plate, but others have them as cards you can keep in the cabin.
When Do Car Tags Expire?
Car tags expire one year from the previous registration date. The DMV typically sends renewal notices before expiry, but it’s still a good idea to keep track of it yourself in case you miss their mail. If you fail to renew your car tags on time, you could face legal repercussions and fines.
How to Get New Car Tags
Getting new car tags is relatively simple. You simply receive them when you complete your vehicle’s initial registration and get your new license plates. From there, it’s a matter of renewing the tags every year.
Not all states require car tags. Some states monitor current registration using other methods. You can check your local laws if you’ve registered your vehicle but haven’t received any car tags.
How to Renew Car Tags
If your vehicle’s tags are nearing their expiration date, it’s best to renew them as soon as possible. The exact process can vary per state, so research your state’s car tag renewal processes thoroughly. You’ll usually need the following documentation for car tag renewal:
- Proof of insurance
- VIN
- Drivers License
- Vehicle title or lease agreement
- Registration form
- Payment
There are a few methods you can use for car tag renewal:
Snail Mail
You can opt to mail your renewal request and documents to your local DMV directly. The renewal paperwork will typically arrive alongside the renewal notice. Add in a non-cash payment and you should be set. Make sure to postmark both the paperwork and the payment before or by the car tag’s expiration date, or you might face additional fees.
Online
Another option is to check your state’s DMV website to see if they offer online renewals. You’ll still need to wait for your new tags to arrive through the mail though, so don’t be fooled into thinking this method will get you your tags instantly.
In-Person
You can also schedule an in-person appointment to renew your tags. While you’ll need to appear in person, signing up for the appointment can usually be done online. It might be weeks before it’s your turn for your appointment though, so if you’re in a rush, this isn’t the best course of action.
Rush Options
Some insurance companies offer in-house DMV services, including registration renewal. If you’re in a rush and lucky enough to have such an insurance company, this is one of the fastest ways to get new car tags.
DMV freestanding kiosks are also another option for those in a rush. If your state has these, you can go there to enter your information, submit your registration fees, and print your
new tags and registration card.
Car Insurance and Car Tags
You can get an auto insurance policy even without a vehicle to insure. For instance, non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage.
However, if you want to cover a vehicle under your policy, more often than not, it must be registered. In many states, that means you’ll need its license plate and car tags as proof of registration.
Car tags serve as a quick and easy visual cue for law enforcement officers to see your vehicle is street-legal and registered accordingly. Now that you know what tags are for cars and why you must keep them up to date, be sure to drag your feet the next time you get a renewal notice in the mail.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
