New York license plates are issued by the state's department of motor vehicles (DMV) when a vehicle is registered. Dealerships will often apply for registration when you purchase a vehicle from them. When buying from a private party or transferring a vehicle into the state, you must bring required forms and documents to a DMV office. Once registration is completed, you will receive a registration sticker and form, and one or two license plates.
New York state provides two license plates for the majority of vehicles registered in the state, including passenger cars, passenger trucks and small commercial vehicles. It is mandatory to display both plates, one in the vehicle's front and one in the rear. Cars are more identifiable and more visible when displaying two plates, according to the DMV's website.
The DMV issues only one plate for select vehicles, including motorcycles and trailers. Only a rear display plate is required for these vehicles.
It is a violation of traffic law to display only one plate on vehicles requiring two. Violators can be ticketed and charged a fine. Auto supply stores sell a product to display front license plates that can be added to cars that are not equipped with one.
Covering a license plate with glass or plastic is also a violation of New York state law. Plates must be easily read, so any frame that covers a portion of the plate is not allowed. Drivers can receive a fine for not complying with the law.
