Do you need auto insurance to get a license plate? (2026)

Can you get a license plate without insurance? In most states, you do need auto insurance to get a license plate, though it isn’t required in eight states. However, you’ll still need to show some financial responsibility by paying an uninsured motorist fee or getting a surety bond.

Read More: How to Create a Surety Bond for Auto Insurance

Do you need insurance for temporary plates? Even with temporary tags, driving without insurance is illegal in most states.

To meet your legal obligation, enter your ZIP code into our quote comparison tool above and shop for the cheapest liability-only auto insurance near you.

You’ll Need Insurance to Get a License Plate in Most Cases

A top question readers ask is, “Can you get a tag without insurance?” Yes, in 42 states, you must prove that you have insurance on your vehicle before you are allowed to put a license plate on that vehicle, which involves meeting state minimum auto insurance requirements.

So, where can I get plates without insurance? There are only eight states that do not require this for the registration process.

New Hampshire is one of two states that does not require liability insurance to operate a car. However, if you live in New Hampshire, you will still have to prove that you could cover the cost of repairs stemming from an accident. Check out our comprehensive guide to understand more about New Hampshire minimum auto insurance requirements.

Virginia auto insurance laws also allow you to pay a $500 uninsured motor vehicle fee to “drive at your own risk.”

Required Car Insurance for Obtaining a License Plate

Now that we’ve explained the answer to, “Do you need insurance to get tags?” you might be curious why this is the case. The laws requiring proof of insurance or financial responsibility to register your car help to keep drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians safe while on the road and prevent anyone from facing financial hardship due to an accident.

The amount and type of car insurance coverage required, however, does vary from state to state. While some require basic liability insurance, other states ask for more. Be sure you know the exact requirements before you register or even attempt to drive your car.

Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance by State

Is not having auto insurance a criminal offense? Driving without the required insurance is usually considered a misdemeanor and can lead to fines and even jail time.

Getting Insurance With a Temporary Tag

So, do I need insurance for temporary plates? Yes, if you’re in a state that requires car insurance, you must purchase a policy for your car with a temporary tag. In addition, all states prohibit driving without insurance or proof of financial responsibility.

When you buy a new or used car, you will usually receive a temporary tag to display until your regular license plate arrives. You might also need a temporary tag if you have a vehicle that you are restoring on your property, or if you are moving to the U.S. from another country and shipping your vehicle from overseas. See our guide on the best international car shipping auto insurance.

The same may be true if you moved to a new state. You will need to re-register the vehicle in your new state, usually within 30-60 days. These scenarios might understandably have you wondering if you need insurance during these transitions.

Read More: How to Change Auto Insurance When Moving Out of State

How to Provide Proof of Insurance for Registration

Now that you know the answer to, “Do I need insurance to get license plates?” we’ll help you figure out how to prove you carry an active insurance policy.

Once you choose which insurance policy you want to buy, you will have to make sure it’s active before you register your car at your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV). To make the process as easy as possible, you can find specific information for your state here.

You might be wondering how to get a copy of your auto insurance card. Simply call your insurer and request they mail you one, or you can get one online.

Once you have proof of insurance, bring it with you, along with the following:

• Your valid driver’s license
• Proof of ownership of the car
• Any required inspection paperwork
• The application for the license plate

If you buy your car at a dealership, this can often be handled right there. However, you will still need your driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Looking ahead, you may be thinking, “Do I need insurance to get a license plate renewed?” You’ll need insurance to renew registration in most states, and drivers typically must renew their tag every one to five years. Fortunately, most states have an online renewal process that makes it easy to pay the fee and provide proof of insurance and other documents from the comfort of home.

Learn More: Vehicle Registration Fees by State

Why You Need Insurance Before Getting a License Plate

So, can you get license plates without insurance? In most cases, you’ll need to get car insurance before a license plate.

However, you might also wonder, “Do you need insurance for temp tags?” Insuring a car when waiting on plates is also required.

By getting your state’s minimum car insurance requirements in place before you get on the road, you can be sure you are a legal driver who qualifies to register your car and get license plates. Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to find the cheapest minimum coverage near you.