investigations | January 02, 2026

How to get new iowa license plates

How do I get new license plates in Iowa?

You can receive a replacement set of plates at your County Treasurer’s Office. You will need to bring with you your current registration and your remaining plate that is on your vehicle and pay the applicable fees. The cost for the replacement set of plates will be $5.00.

How long does it take to get new license plates in Iowa?

3-6 weeks Complete the Special Plate Application form, print and mail with the fees that are due. Your plates will be sent to your county treasurer’s office and staff will notify you when your plates are available. Typical processing time is 3-6 weeks.

How do I get a new black license plate in Iowa?

You can order the new plate starting today. It’s offered as both a standard alpha-numeric plate and a personalized plate, and you can order both online, or by completing this form and mailing it to the Iowa DOT’s Vehicle & Motor Carrier Services Bureau.

How much is a replacement license plate in Iowa?

The cost is $5.00. If you do not have your current registration, the cost will be $8.00. Replacement personalized/special plates – The duplicate plate(s) is ordered through your county treasurer’s office. The cost is $5.00.

Can I use my old license plate on my new car?

Absolutely. If you bought a new or used vehicle, you can transfer your current license plate (tags) to your new car. It is a simple procedure for drivers who want to keep their license plate number after getting a new vehicle.

How long can you drive without plates in Iowa?

Registration applied for cards

A vehicle may be operated upon the highways of this state without registration plates for a period of 45 days after the date of delivery of the vehicle to the purchaser from a dealer if a card bearing the words “registration applied for” is attached on the rear of the vehicle.

Do you need a front license plate in Iowa?

To answer the question in a simple form, yes it is required in Iowa to have both a front and back plate displayed on a vehicle registered in Iowa. If the vehicle is a 1948 or older, the vehicle may have just one plate displayed in the back.

How often do you get new plates in Iowa?

about 10 years The life span of a license plate is about 10 years. The goal is to replace plates so there is never a license plate on any vehicle over 10 years old. You will need to have your current registration, title, or a copy of your title. All owners will need to complete and sign the Application for Iowa Title.

Can you drive a car you just bought without plates in Iowa?

Yes, you can drive a new car home without plates in Iowa for 45 days. After 45 days, you will be charged 15% for late payment. State laws in Iowa allow you to drive for 45 days without license plates in Iowa and you need a temporary tag to avoid being pulled over. The cost of a temporary permit in Iowa is $10.

How long do you have to register a car after purchase?

It’s also required when you go to register your new vehicle with your state. Get Temporary Tags: In most cases, dealerships give you temporary tags that give you 30 days to register your new vehicle. In addition to physical tags for your car, most dealerships give you a 30-day registration document.