Timeline for Receiving New Car Plates

Receiving Plates for Your Vehicle

If the plates are shipped from our warehouse, it should only take a couple of weeks to receive the shipment. The DMV typically expects about 30 days for plates to be received. If you have not received your plates within that time frame, you can apply for replacements using form REG156 or by visiting the DMV in person.

Purchasing Demo-Plated Cars

Yes, you can purchase a demo-plated car as new with a regular 496 retail contract.

Registering a New Car as Planned Non-Operation (PNO)

Yes, you can register a new car in California as Planned Non-Operation (PNO) without receiving plates. This means that the vehicle will not be operated on public roads and no license plates will be issued for it. However, please note that the vehicle cannot be registered until it is delivered to the customer, as this would affect the "Date first operated" on the Registration Statement (RS).

Ordering New Plates for Used Cars

To order new plates for your used car that previously had personal plates:

1. In the transfer information section, under the dealer inventory date, select "substitute plates" from the substitute plate/sticker drop-down menu.
2. A second drop-down menu will appear below it. Choose "retained by owner" as the subplate reason since previous plates were personal.

Legacy Plates for New Cars

No, unfortunately, you cannot order legacy plates for a new car through e-file without getting personalized plates. However, you can reassign existing legacy plates if they are available. For more information on how to order special interest license plaques visit: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-p

Note:

You can request legacy plaques instead of regular sequential ones but procedures may vary depending on location and specific requirements.Contact your local DMV field office or refer to their websitefor detailed instructions on applyingforlegacyplaques.