What Is a Temporary License Plate in Louisiana?
The temporary registration license plate in Louisiana allows highway travel while the buyer waits for permanent plates. Licensed dealers issue these plates at the point of sale for each vehicle purchase using print-on-demand approved by the commissioner.
The Office of Motor Vehicles sells plate forms to dealers and monitors their issuance through the temporary tag database. OMV offices and public tag agents process a separate temporary registration permit for buyers taking the vehicle out of state.
All temporary license plates in Louisiana are paper or cardboard documents displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Louisiana?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer Sale | Temporary Registration License Plate | Vehicle purchased from a licensed dealer | Licensed dealer via OMV forms |
| Dealer Truck Sale | Special Temporary Registration License Plate | Truck with GVWR 10,000+ pounds sold by dealer | Licensed truck dealer |
| Out-of-State Transport | Temporary Registration Permit | Buyer taking vehicle out of Louisiana | OMV Office |
| Nonresident Truck | Temporary Permit | Out-of-state truck entering Louisiana | Commissioner or Weights and Standards |
The temporary registration license plate allows one 60-day extension if the title transfer is defective or delayed. The dealer applies, and OMV must approve the extension under R.S. 47:519(H).
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Louisiana?
- A licensed dealer must equip each sold vehicle with a temporary registration license plate before the buyer drives it off the lot according to R.S. 47:519(D).
- A buyer purchasing a vehicle for permanent removal from Louisiana must obtain a temporary registration permit at an OMV office according to R.S. 47:511.3.
- Truck dealers issue a special temporary registration license plate for trucks rated 10,000 pounds or more according to R.S. 47:519(L).
- An out-of-state truck must have a temporary permit before operating on Louisiana highways according to R.S. 47:511.1.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Louisiana?
- Gather the bill of sale or invoice, proof of liability insurance, and valid photo ID for each owner listed on the title application.
- For dealer purchases, the dealer prints the plate at the point of sale through the temporary tag database and transmits vehicle data to OMV electronically.
- For an out-of-state temporary registration permit, visit an OMV Customer Service Center with proof of purchase and vehicle ownership.
- Pay the applicable fee (see the fee section below).
- Receive the paper plate or permit immediately at the counter or dealership.
Form DPSMV 1799 is the standard vehicle application for title and registration transactions with OMV.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Louisiana?
| Class | Fee | Automation / Additional Fee | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Registration License Plate | $20 | Dealer pays OMV per plate | Buyer (via dealer) |
| Special Temporary Registration License Plate | $20 | Dealer pays OMV per plate | Buyer (via dealer) |
| Temporary Registration Permit | $5.50 | $8 processing fee | Vehicle owner |
| Temporary Permit (Nonresident Truck) | $50 | $200 penalty if purchased after stop | Truck owner |
Public tag agents may charge a convenience fee up to $23 per transaction according to R.S. 47:532.1, in addition to any OMV fees.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Louisiana?
No. Louisiana does not offer consumers a standalone online portal for temporary tags.
Dealers have access to the temporary tag database for electronic on-demand plate creation. Consumers cannot use this system.
An in-person alternative for an out-of-state temporary registration permit is any OMV Customer Service Center or authorized public tag agent. Louisiana has OMV offices in all 64 parishes.
For any standard vehicle purchase, the dealer processes issuance at the point of sale; for out-of-state transport, visit the nearest OMV office or public tag agent.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Louisiana?
| Class | Validity | Geographic Restriction | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Registration License Plate | 60 days from issuance | Louisiana and other states | One 60-day extension (OMV approval) |
| Special Temporary Registration License Plate | 60 days from issuance | Louisiana and other states | One 60-day extension (OMV approval) |
| Temporary Registration Permit | 30 days from issuance | Out-of-state transport only | None; one per vehicle |
| Temporary Permit (Nonresident Truck) | 48 continuous hours | Louisiana highways only | None |
Operating without valid registration violates R.S. 47:536, which carries a penalty up to $100 or imprisonment up to 30 days. Violating temporary tag provisions under R.S. 47:519(J) carries a penalty up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to one year.