A temporary motorcycle license plate is a temporary registration document that allows you to legally ride your motorcycle before receiving your permanent license plates. Temporary plates are valid for a limited time, usually 30-90 days depending on the state. They provide proof of registration while you wait for your permanent plates to arrive.
Temporary Motorcycle License Plate – Just hearing those words can spark excitement for a motorcycle enthusiast who just purchased a new bike. That temporary paper plate means freedom to immediately hit the open roads and feel the wind while waiting for the permanent plates to come in. It symbolizes the beginning of two-wheeled adventures on your shiny new motorcycle.
Temporary motorcycle license plates serve an important purpose for riders. They provide new motorcycle owners with a way to legally ride while giving the DMV time to manufacture and mail out metal plates. Typically made of cardboard or paper, temporary plates must be clearly displayed and show expiration dates. Most riders keep them safe from damage and the elements by covering them in plastic sleeves or taping them to surfaces. They represent the first step in getting a new motorcycle on the road.
Temporary Motorcycle License Plates
Temporary motorcycle license plates, also called temporary operating permits (TOPs), are temporary registration documents that allow you to legally operate a motorcycle before receiving the permanent license plates. They are issued when you purchase a new or used motorcycle and provide proof of payment of registration fees, but before the permanent plates are ready.
Need Temporary Motorcycle License Plates
We need temporary plates because producing permanent plates takes time after a purchase. The temporary plate allows you to legally ride while waiting for the permanent plates. They provide proof of ownership and registration during this gap.
What Information Is Included On Temporary Motorcycle License Plates?
The temporary plate displays information like the temporary plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), make, year, expiration date, and report of sale number. This identifies the motorcycle and proves it is properly registered.
Temporary Motorcycle License Plates Valid For
Temporary plates are usually valid for 90 days. This covers the typical wait period for permanent plates. You can get an extension if the permanent plates are still delayed. The expiration date is printed on the temporary plate.
Display The Temporary Motorcycle License Plate
Since motorcycles lack surfaces like windshields to affix plates, the temporary plate should be kept securely on your person when riding and presented during traffic stops4. When parked, it can be displayed visibly on the motorcycle.
Apply For A Temporary Motorcycle License Plate
To apply for a temporary motorcycle license plate, you need to complete the Temporary License Plate Application form MV2505 and submit it by mail to the address provided or in person at a DMV customer service center. You must also display a valid temporary plate within 2 business days of purchasing a motorcycle.
What Documents Do I Need To Apply For A Temporary Motorcycle License Plate?
The documents required to apply for a temporary motorcycle license plate are: a bill of sale, title, or rental contract to verify the purchase date; an application form; and appropriate fees. For New Hampshire residents, you also need either a title or bill of sale with VIN, buyer/seller info, and vehicle details.
Where Can I Submit The Application For A Temporary Motorcycle License Plate?
You can submit the temporary license plate application by mailing it to the address listed on the form or in person at DMV customer service centers that offer vehicle registration services. In some states like New Hampshire, you can also submit it through a DMV drop box or by appointment.
Process To Get A Temporary Motorcycle License Plate
The process involves completing the temporary plate application form, providing proof of purchase/ownership documents and fees, displaying the plate within 2 business days, and then registering the motorcycle permanently within 20 days in most states. The temporary plate is valid for 5-20 days depending on the state.
How Much Does A Temporary Motorcycle License Plate Cost?
The cost of a temporary motorcycle license plate varies by state but is generally around $10-20. For example, in Wisconsin the temp plate fee is $15. Some states may have additional title, registration, or processing fees required to obtain the permanent plates.
Restrictions With Temporary Motorcycle License Plates
Temporary motorcycle license plates have restrictions such as requiring proof of insurance, ownership, valid identification, and meeting certain eligibility criteria. They are only valid for a limited time, such as 60 days, Size Of A Motorcycle License Plate and have an expiration date printed on them. Driving outside of that validity period or violating the restrictions could result in penalties.
Can I Drive Out Of State With A Temporary Motorcycle License Plate?
It does not appear that temporary motorcycle license plates can be used to drive a motorcycle out of state. The information focuses on in-state transportation permits to get the vehicle registered and inspected before receiving permanent plates. Driving interstate would likely require permanent registration and plates.
Is There A Mileage Limit With Temporary Motorcycle License Plates?
None of the information specifies any mileage limits associated with temporary motorcycle license plates. The restrictions seem to focus on the short-term timeframe the temporary plates are valid for rather than distance driven. As long as the plates are still valid based on the expiration date, there is no reference to mileage restrictions.
What Vehicles Can I Operate With A Temporary Motorcycle License Plate?
Temporary motorcycle license plates can only be used on motorcycles. They are specifically for registering motorcycles that qualify based on criteria like proof of ownership and insurance. The temporary plates cannot be used on other types of vehicles.
Can Temporary Motorcycle License Plates Be Renewed Or Extended?
It depends on the state, but some allow extensions if you file the proper paperwork and pay any applicable fees prior to the expiration date printed on the temporary plates. The timeframes range from 60-90 days typically and extensions seem to be limited to 1 or 2. Overall, temporary plates cannot be continually renewed or extended long-term.
Temporary Motorcycle License Plates Made And Formatted
Temporary motorcycle license plates are printed on paper or plastic sheets that are 7 inches long by 4 inches wide in a rectangular shape based on the specifications from California law AB 516. They display information such as the temporary plate number, VIN, make, year, and expiration date printed in special fonts and layouts.
What Materials Are Temporary Motorcycle License Plates Made Of?
Temporary motorcycle license plates can be made from materials like paper, plastic sheets, or vinyl that allow them to be securely affixed to the motorcycle without damage from weather or road conditions. Special adhesives and laminates are used to protect the printed information.
Information Is Printed On Temporary Motorcycle License Plates
Temporary motorcycle license plates have information printed on them. This information includes:
- Temporary license plate number
- Vehicle identification number
- Vehicle model year
- Vehicle make
- Report of sale number
- Expiration date
The information serves to identify the motorcycle and show the plates are valid for a limited time.
Here is the information printed on temporary motorcycle license plates in a table format:
| Information Printed | Description |
| Temporary license plate number | Unique number assigned to the temporary plates |
| Vehicle identification number | VIN to identify the specific motorcycle |
| Vehicle model year | Year the motorcycle was manufactured |
| Vehicle make | Motorcycle manufacturer/brand name |
| Report of sale number | Transaction number from purchasing the motorcycle |
| Expiration date | Date the temporary plates expire after 60-90 days |
Security Features Do Temporary Motorcycle License Plates Have
Security features for temporary motorcycle license plates can include special fonts, microprinting, watermarks, heat-sensitive ink, holograms, and QR codes that allow law enforcement to verify the validity of the plate and match it to the specific vehicle.
Who Manufactures The Temporary Motorcycle License Plates?
Companies like Relyco and RevLar manufacture temporary license plates for motorcycles, cars, trailers and other vehicles based on state specifications. They work directly with government agencies, dealerships, and other partners to produce and distribute the temporary plates.
Receive My Permanent Motorcycle License Plate
You should receive your permanent motorcycle license plate in the mail within 4-6 weeks after you register your motorcycle with your state’s DMV. Some states issue temporary plates valid for 20-30 days to allow time for the permanent plates to arrive. Check your state’s DMV website for details on processing times for permanent plates.
How Long After Purchase Do I Have To Register My Motorcycle?
You typically need to register your motorcycle with the DMV within a few days of purchase. Many states require you register within 5-10 business days to get valid registration and plates.
Some states offer temporary registration valid for 20-30 days, which allows that much time to get permanent registration completed. Failure to register in the required timeframe could result in penalties.
What Is The Penalty For Not Registering My Motorcycle On Time?
The penalty for failing to register your motorcycle on time varies by state but often includes fines around $100-500. You may also be unable to legally ride your motorcycle until it’s registered, and police could ticket you. Some states may even impound unregistered vehicles after a grace period. Check your local laws to understand penalties for late registration.
Will My Permanent Motorcycle License Plate Number Be Different?
Your permanent motorcycle license plate number will likely be different from any temporary plate number issued. Temporary plates are typically just generic serial numbers, while permanent plates are unique identifiers that stay with your motorcycle as long as you own it. So you cannot transfer or choose your permanent plate number.
Temporary Motorcycle License Plate To Another Motorcycle
Temporary license plates are vehicle-specific and cannot be transferred to another motorcycle. The temporary plate is issued to the specific VIN of the motorcycle it accompanies as proof of purchase and pending registration. You would need to obtain a new temporary plate that corresponds to any new motorcycle.
Frequently Asked Question
What size are temporary motorcycle license plates?
Temporary motorcycle license plates are 7 inches long by 4 inches wide.
What materials can temporary motorcycle license plates be made from?
Temporary motorcycle license plates can be made from paper, plastic sheets, or vinyl.
What information is printed on a temporary motorcycle license plate?
A temporary motorcycle license plate displays the plate number, VIN, make, year, and expiration date.
Do temporary motorcycle license plates have security features?
Yes, temporary motorcycle license plates can have security features like special fonts, microprinting, and holograms.
Who makes the temporary motorcycle license plates?
Companies like Relyco and RevLar manufacture temporary motorcycle license plates.
Conclusion
Acquiring a temporary motorcycle license plate is an important step when purchasing a new motorcycle. The temporary plate allows you to legally ride while waiting for your permanent plates to arrive, usually within 30 days. Most states require motorcycles display valid plates before leaving the dealership.
To get a temporary motorcycle plate, complete the registration process with your DMV often using the bill of sale. Display this plate on the rear of your bike while riding. Do not transfer temporary plates between motorcycles, as they correspond to that specific VIN. Failure to register your motorcycle on time could result in fines or inability to ride. So properly display your temporary plate, then replace it with permanent plates when received.
