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How Can I get License Plates for my Classic Car

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How can I get license plates for my classic car?

You’ve decided to buy a classic car. That’s awesome. Now, you want to drive legally, right? Even a classic needs to have registration and proper license plates. While some have unique laws that can be challenging to navigate, we’ve got a few tips that will help you get through acquiring license plates for your classic or exotic car.

Continue reading to learn more about the ins and outs of getting license plates on your classic car, but remember, you’ll also need auto insurance. You can apply online with OpenRoad Auto Insurance to get the coverage you need to keep your classic protected 

Are the Rules and Regulations for Classic Car License Plates Different by State?

The easy answer to this question is, yes, rules and regulations for collector car license plates are different by state. There are some states that have antique or historic collector car license plates for vintage models that come with certain restrictions. Some states also require inspections, depending on how you register the vehicle and what types of plates you have.

Generally, most states require vehicles to be 20-to-30 years old to register a vehicle as antique or historic and can restrict the use of classic cars to exhibitions, parades, and driving for pleasure.

Fees for antique or collector license plates can vary by state. It’s best to double-check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles to get a better idea of all the rules and regulations that you’ll need to follow. 

Do Classic Cars Need Front License Plates?

The answer to this question is, ‘it depends’. What it depends on is the state you live in. Currently, there are 21 states in the U.S. that do not require front plates and allow drivers to only have rear plates for identification.

The states that don’t require front plates are as follows:

  • Alabama

  • Arizona

  • Alaska

  • Arkansas

  • Delaware

  • Florida

  • Georgia

  • Indiana

  • Kansas

  • Kentucky

  • Louisiana

  • Michigan

  • Mississippi

  • New Mexico

  • North Carolina

  • Ohio

  • Oklahoma

  • Pennsylvania

  • South Carolina

  • Tennessee

  • West Virginia

  • Utah

If you don’t live in any of the states listed, you’ll need to have a front license plate on your classic car. However, laws can change, so you’ll want to confirm that your state does or does not require a front plate. 

Can I get Classic Car Insurance Without License Plates?

 Yes, you can insure a classic or antique car without license plates and without registration. However, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without license plates and an active registration.

If you don’t have plans to drive the vehicle, you can insure it under an Other than Collision (Comprehensive) policy. That way, your classic car is protected while it is in storage and being worked on. This is a common approach for classic car enthusiasts who are restoring a vehicle,

Insurance is required to get license plates and register a vehicle, and insurers need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to start an insurance policy.  

How can I get a Classic Car Insurance Quote?

Do you feel confident that you can get through the registration process and get license plates for your classic car? We know you can! We also know that you can, and should, get an insurance quote for your classic car from the team at OpenRoad. 

 Apply online, and our experts will be in touch with the insurance details you need to keep your classic on the open road. You can also give us a call at 1-866-952-7622 or send us a message to have additional insurance questions answered.