Understanding Will Run License Plate And Your Driving Record

What Is a "Will Run" License Plate?

A "will run" license plate, sometimes called a "paper plate" or "temporary registration plate," is a temporary form of vehicle registration issued when you purchase a new or used car. These plates are typically printed on paper or cardboard and come in a bright color—most commonly white or yellow—to make them easily identifiable by law enforcement and other drivers. The plate displays your vehicle's registration number and expiration date, allowing you to legally operate your vehicle while your permanent metal license plates are being manufactured and shipped to you.

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The term "will run" comes from the phrase "will run until," referring to the expiration date printed on the temporary plate. Most will run plates remain valid for 30 to 45 days from the date of issuance, though this varies by state. Some states issue will run plates that last longer—up to 90 days in certain cases. The plate is typically affixed to the rear window of your vehicle using a adhesive strip or clips, and it must be clearly visible from outside the vehicle.

Will run plates serve an important function in the vehicle registration system. They bridge the gap between the moment you complete a purchase and when the permanent registration arrives in the mail. Without this temporary registration, you would be unable to legally drive your new vehicle off the dealer's lot. Law enforcement officers understand the purpose of these plates and generally do not cite drivers for having temporary plates as long as the expiration date has not passed and the plate is properly displayed.

It is important to note that will run plates are different from dealer plates or temporary dealer tags. Dealer plates are issued to car dealerships and are used when test-driving vehicles or moving inventory. Will run plates are issued specifically to individual vehicle owners at the time of purchase. Understanding this distinction helps explain why your registration paperwork includes a will run plate rather than permanent plates upon purchase.

Practical Takeaway: A will run plate is a temporary registration document that permits you to legally drive your vehicle for a limited period—typically 30 to 45 days—while waiting for permanent license plates to arrive in the mail.

How Will Run Plates Are Issued and When You Receive Them

Will run plates are issued at the point of vehicle purchase, typically through the dealership or private seller's paperwork process. When you buy a vehicle and sign the bill of sale, the seller or dealership will simultaneously submit registration information to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. As part of this submission, the will run plate is generated and printed immediately or shortly thereafter. In many cases, dealerships print the will run plate on-site before you leave the lot, allowing you to drive away the same day.

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The process begins when the dealership or seller collects your personal information, vehicle identification number (VIN), and proof of insurance. This information is entered into the state registration system, which generates a temporary registration number. The will run plate is then printed with this registration number, your vehicle's make and model, and a specific expiration date. Some states use a barcode or QR code on the will run plate to allow law enforcement officers to quickly verify the registration status of the vehicle.

The timeline for receiving a will run plate depends on where you purchase the vehicle and your state's procedures. If you buy from a dealership, you will almost always receive the will run plate on the day of purchase, either as a printed document that you take with you or as a plate already affixed to your vehicle. If you buy from a private seller, the process may take longer. You may need to visit your local DMV or use an online system to register the vehicle and receive your will run plate. Some states allow private sellers to provide temporary registration paperwork that you can take to the DMV later.

Once you have your will run plate, you are responsible for displaying it properly on your vehicle. The plate must be clearly visible from the rear of the vehicle, either through the back window or affixed to the bumper area. Some will run plates come with instructions for installation. You should follow these instructions carefully to ensure the plate remains secure and visible. A will run plate that falls off or becomes obscured can result in a citation for improper display of registration.

Practical Takeaway: Will run plates are issued at the time of vehicle purchase through dealerships or the DMV, and are usually printed immediately so you can drive away the same day.

Understanding the Expiration Date and What Happens After

The expiration date printed on your will run plate marks the last day you are legally permitted to drive your vehicle with that temporary registration. Most will run plates expire between 30 and 45 days after issuance, though some states issue plates lasting up to 90 days. It is critical to monitor this date closely, as driving past the expiration date can result in a traffic citation and potential fines. The expiration date is typically displayed prominently on the plate, often printed in a large font to make it easy to read.

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If your permanent license plates do not arrive by the expiration date of your will run plate, you have several options. First, you can visit your local DMV and request that your will run plate be extended. Many states allow one or more extensions, though you may need to provide documentation explaining the delay. Extensions are typically granted for 30-day periods, and you may need to pay a small fee, though some states waive the fee for registration-related extensions. Second, you can visit the DMV and request a new will run plate if the original has been damaged or lost. Third, if your permanent plates have been ordered and are in process, you can often check their status online through your state's DMV website.

It is important to understand that your registration does not expire when your will run plate expires—only the temporary plate expires. Your vehicle remains registered with the state, and permanent plates are being produced and will eventually arrive in the mail. The will run plate expiration is simply a deadline for using that specific temporary registration document. Once your permanent plates arrive, you can affix them to your vehicle and dispose of the will run plate. You are not required to return the will run plate to the DMV; you can simply remove it and discard it.

Some drivers are surprised to learn that receiving a ticket for expired registration can affect your driving record and insurance rates. A citation for driving with an expired will run plate is recorded in your state's traffic records and may show up on background checks or be visible to insurance companies. For this reason, monitoring your expiration date and requesting extensions well before the deadline is advisable. If you receive a citation for expired registration, you have the right to contest it in traffic court if you believe the citation was issued in error.

Practical Takeaway: Monitor your will run plate expiration date closely; contact your DMV before it expires if your permanent plates have not arrived, and request an extension if necessary.

How Will Run Plates Appear on Your Driving Record

A will run plate itself does not appear on your driving record in the traditional sense, but any traffic violations or citations related to improper display or expiration of a will run plate will be recorded in your driving history. Your driving record is maintained by your state's DMV and contains information about traffic citations, accidents, and driving convictions. Insurance companies use this record to assess risk and determine your insurance rates. Understanding how will run plate issues may affect your record is important for protecting your driving history.

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The most common citation related to will run plates is "expired registration" or "improper display of registration." If you are cited for driving after your will run plate has expired, this violation will be added to your driving record. Depending on your state, an expired registration citation may be treated as a minor traffic offense with a small fine, or it could carry more serious consequences if it is your second or third offense. Most states classify this as a non-moving violation, meaning it does not typically result in points against your driver's license, though some states do assess points. The citation will still appear on your record for a specified period—often three to five years—and will be visible to insurance companies during that time.

If you receive a citation for improper display of your will run plate, this also goes on your driving record. For example, if your plate is not clearly visible, is affixed incorrectly, or is torn or illegible, law enforcement may issue a citation for improper display of registration. This type of citation is also recorded in your driving history. Insurance companies reviewing your record may view any registration-related citation as an indication of carelessness or failure to maintain your vehicle properly, which could result in a rate increase.

To keep your driving record clean, the best strategy is to monitor your will run plate expiration date and ensure