Temporary license plates (also known as temp tags or paper plates) can vary depending on the state or country you’re in, but in the United States, here’s the general rule:
Most states issue temporary tags that are computer-printed by the dealership or the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).
These tags usually include:
Vehicle information
Expiration date
A barcode or unique identifier
Sometimes the dealership name
They're designed to be legible, weather-resistant (when placed in a protective sleeve), and hard to counterfeit.
Handwritten temporary plates are generally not accepted by law enforcement or DMVs.
In some rare cases, such as private sales in a few states, a handwritten note may be allowed temporarily—but this is not typical, and often requires:
A bill of sale
Proof of insurance
Immediate registration follow-up
California: Requires computer-printed paper plates issued by dealerships (since 2019 law change).
Texas: Uses a computer-generated "buyer’s tag" issued through their eTag system.
Florida: Also uses official printed temp tags from dealers or tax collector's offices.
🔎 What Should You Do?
If you received a handwritten plate: double-check with your local DMV or equivalent. It may not be valid.
If you're selling/buying a car privately, look up your state’s temporary registration rules to avoid fines or impoundment.