What Is a Temporary License Plate in Florida?
Florida refers to its short-term vehicle permit as a “temporary license plate.” The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles designs and regulates all temporary plates in accordance with Section 320.131, Florida Statutes.
Licensed Florida dealers issue temporary plates at the point of sale through an electronic print-on-demand system. County tax collectors sell temporary plates for private sales, VIN inspections, out-of-state title transfers, and special plate orders. The plate is printed on waterproof material and mounted in the rear license plate bracket.
What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Florida?
| Class | Official Name | Trigger | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Dealer Temporary Plate | Sale of a vehicle by a licensed dealer | Licensed Florida dealer via ETR |
| B | 10-Day Temporary Plate | VIN inspection or weighing required | County Tax Collector |
| C | 30-Day Temporary Plate | Private sale, out-of-state buyer, or repossession | County Tax Collector |
| D | 60-Day Temporary Plate | Out-of-state lien title or military deployment | County Tax Collector |
| E | 90-Day Temporary Plate | Special or personalized plate order | County Tax Collector |
No more than two temporary plates may be issued to one person for the same vehicle. FLHSMV may authorize additional plates to resolve a consumer complaint.
When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Florida?
- A buyer purchasing from a licensed dealer without a plate to transfer receives a Class A temporary plate printed at the point of sale.
- A buyer conducting a casual sale requires a Class C 30-day temporary plate from the county tax collector before operating the vehicle.
- An out-of-state resident purchasing a vehicle in Florida for registration in their home state requires a Class C plate per Section 320.131(1)(e).
- An owner awaiting the manufacture of a personalized or special plate requires a Class E 90-day plate from the tax collector.
- A vehicle needing a VIN inspection or weight certification before titling requires a Class B 10-day plate.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Florida?
- Gather your valid driver’s license, proof of Florida liability insurance, and proof of vehicle ownership (bill of sale, title, or manufacturer’s certificate of origin).
- For dealer purchases, the dealer prints the plate via the Electronic Temporary Registration System at the point of sale.
- For all other instances, visit any county tax collector’s office and submit a completed application.
- Pay the plate fee and applicable service charge at the cashier.
- Receive the printed temporary plate immediately and mount it in the rear license plate bracket.
Non-dealer applicants use Form FLHSMV 83091; dealers use Form 83090.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Florida?
| Class | Fee | Service Charge | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (Dealer Plate) | $2 per plate | Dealer may charge compliance fee | Buyer |
| B (10-Day) | $2 per plate | $2.50 per transaction | Vehicle Owner |
| C (30-Day) | $2 per plate | $2.50 per transaction | Vehicle Owner or Buyer |
| D (60-Day) | $2 per plate | $2.50 per transaction | Vehicle Owner |
| E (90-Day) | $2 per plate | $2.50 per transaction | Vehicle Owner |
Dealers purchase pre-printed backup plates from tax collectors at $2 each in blocks of five, with a $2.50 service charge applied once per transaction.
How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Florida?
No. Florida does not sell temporary plates to consumers online.
FLHSMV operates an electronic print-on-demand system only for licensed dealers. Consumers cannot access the ETR portal. Each non-dealer temporary plate requires an in-person visit to a county tax collector’s office.
Florida has 67 county tax collector offices, and most accept walk-in customers during business hours. The dealer point-of-sale route remains the most common channel.
For dealer purchases, the dealership handles everything; for all other instances, visit your county tax collector in person.
How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Florida?
| Class | Validity Period | Geographic Restriction | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (Dealer Plate) | 30 days from issuance | — | One additional plate (total of two) |
| B (10-Day) | 10 days | — | One additional plate (total of two) |
| C (30-Day) | 30 days | — | One additional plate (total of two) |
| D (60-Day) | 60 days | — | One additional plate (total of two) |
| E (90-Day) | 90 days | — | One additional plate (total of two) |
Operating with an expired temporary plate for seven days or less constitutes a non-criminal non-moving violation under Section 320.131(3). Expiration beyond seven days escalates to a moving violation under the same statute.