Will You Transfer Your Tesla Licence Plates?
Most of the time, Tesla Owners tend to get confused about the transfer of license plates upon getting a new Tesla.
Meanwhile, Tesla doesn’t help to carry out license plate transfers except for registration and titling. And that’s if your state permits Tesla to do such.
However, what if you bought the car from a dealership or private owner? Would you still be able to transfer the license plates?
You will transfer your Tesla license to another if you’re interested. However, Tesla has stopped transferring license plates for people. So, it would be best if you walked into the nearest DMV office to transfer your old plates to your new car.
Can I Transfer My Tesla Licence Plates?
Tesla doesn’t transfer license plates to another Tesla except you’re buying from them.
If you buy another vehicle from a dealership, you must register it and get its license plates.
Since Tesla no longer transfers license plates, there are other alternatives.
There are Motor Vehicle Department and any authorized dealership.
Motor Vehicle Department
The Motor Vehicle Department is also called the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or “tag office” in some states.
They are also in the right position to transfer your Tesla license plate. Their mode of operation might differ across all US states.
Visit the nearest DMV or tag office and explain your intention to transfer your Tesla Licence plates to the Clerk.
You can search online for the nearest DMV office. Click here to search for the offices in New Jersey.
Before then, register the two vehicles in your name to make the process faster.
The Clerk will give you a license/registration form to fill out. Indicate the registration number of both vehicles and the license plate numbers in the form.
You’ll be asked to pay a little before they finalize the process. Kindly note: It varies from one state to another.
After paying, the Clerk will tell you when to return for a new one. Sometimes you could get it instantly.
How Much Does It Cost To Register a Tesla License Plate?
The cost of registering a tesla license plate depends on the state of residence.
As state vehicles licensing and registration vary in states, most especially in the USA.
However, due to the rise in the purchase of Tesla, some state governments have been backlashed.
So to control the fall in gasoline revenue, they increased the registration fees for Tesla.
In California, the registration fees cost $100 for all-electric vehicles, followed by an annual renewal fee of up to $175 based on the vehicle’s value.
| States | Registration Fees |
|---|---|
| Colorado | $50 |
| Georgia | $200 |
| Idaho | $140 |
| Illinois | $100 |
| Indiana | $150 |
| Michigan | $135 |
| Minnesota | $75 |
| Mississippi | $150 |
| Missouri | $75 |
| Nebraska | $75 |
| North Carolina | $130 |
| Oregon | $110 |
| South Carolina | $120 |
| Tennessee | $100 |
| Utah | $60 |
| Virginia | $64 |
| Washington | $150 |
| Wisconsin | $100 |
Does My Tesla Need a Front License?
In some US two-plate states, your vehicle must have both front and rear license plates.
For instance, driving a vehicle in Texas without a front license plate is punishable. They don’t joke with license plates.
If your Tesla has a front license plate mount that demands drilling, consult the mounting instructions.
Rather allow a Mechanic to do it for you if you can’t do it yourself.
On the other hand, there are still Tesla models that come without front license plates.
If yours doesn’t, here are step-by-step procedures to attach the bracket.
- Apply isopropyl alcohol to a hidden, painted area to be sure it doesn’t erode the paint.
- If it doesn’t erode, use the isopropyl alcohol to clean the mounting. After applying, Let it dry for at least a minute.
- Remove the protective tape completely from the bracket’s top adhesive. Partially remove the tapes on the two sides.
- Align the bottom center of the license plate bracket with the center of the grille.
- And tilt the top of the bracket away from the bumper to avoid adhering it to the wrong spot.
- With the right alignment, move the top of the bracket closer to the bumper. Hold it firmly so that the adhesive can hold it in place.
- Remove the tape from the side of the bracket completely and firmly press the bracket on the bumper. While doing this, ensure the bracket is held firmly by the adhesive.
- After mounting the bracket correctly, attach the license plate using four screws.
According to the Texas Transportation Code Section 504.943, “It is now an offense to operate a vehicle that doesn’t display two license plates.
And the punishment for failure to have both license plates is a fine of up to $200.
You’ll be punished if a letter in the word “Texas” is missing or covered. And they will tell you to get new plates.
Furthermore, you can’t decide to place your plates anywhere in front.
Anywhere aside, the front bumper or a position not less than 12 inches from the ground isn’t acceptable.
These states enforce the use of front license plates for the safety of road users.
Besides having the plate, someone at fifty feet away must be able to see it clearly at night.
Since the plates are light-reflectors, drivers know that a vehicle is ahead or behind them at night.
Excluding Texas, here is a list of other US states that enforces the use of front and rear plates.
- Alaska
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Missouri
- North Dakota
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Nevada
- New York
- Oregon
- Utah
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
- Washington DC
- Colorado
How Much Does It Cost To Customize Tesla Licence Plates?
All states across the US have different customizing fees for license plates.
Hence, find below a table outlining the prices of license plates in most states’ DMV.
| States | Costs |
|---|---|
| Alabama | One-time fee of $50 plus other registration charges. |
| Alaska | Ranges from $30 to $100 plus regular renewal fees. |
| Arizona | One-time fee of $50 plus $50 for renewal. |
| California | One-time fee of $49, including other regular and registration fees. |
| Colorado | One-time fee of $60 ($58 after approval and $2 when registered) with an annual $25 for renewal. |
| Florida | One time of $15, including regular renewal fees. |
| Georgia | $35, including regular renewal fees. |
| Indiana | One-time fee of $45, including regular renewal, registration fees, and taxes. |
| Kentucky | One-time fee of $25 plus the regular renewal fees of $21. |
| Massachusetts | One-time fee of $50, including the regular renewal fees. |
| Minnesota | One-time fee of $100 plus a $10 filing fee. |
| Nevada | One-time fee of $42 plus $20. |
| New Jerseys | One-time fee of $50, including other annual renewal and plate fees, depending on the type selected. |
| New York | One-time fee of $60, including other regular renewal fees. |
| North California | One-time fee of $30, including other renewal fees. |
| South California | One-time fee of $24, including the regular renewal fees. |
Final Thoughts
You can transfer your old License plate to your new Tesla car by visiting the nearest DMV office.
The Clerk will give you a worksheet to fill in the necessary information to process the transfer, and you’ll pay some fee.
Note that the process might differ in your state because not all states have the same guidelines.
