One of the most common questions we get about the RPLATE is: “Is this legal in California?” The short answer? Yes! Despite plenty of online debates, comments, and opinions, the official answer is crystal clear—digital license plates are legal in California since 2022, thanks to AB-984.
Now, if you’ve ever tried reading AB-984 yourself, you know it’s packed with legislative jargon that’s tough to digest. Wondering what it says about digital license plates being legal? Lucky for you, we’re here to break it down and make sense of it all.
Back in 2013, Reviver partnered with the California State Legislature to create a pilot program for digital license plates, testing the waters to see if they could be successfully rolled out statewide. Spoiler Alert: the pilot program was a hit, paving the way for the Legislature to propose and pass AB-984, making digital plates fully legal to purchase and use as an alternative to standard metal plates.
As the California DMV shared, “Non-traditional license plates are just one way the DMV is modernizing and digitizing its services. Californians will have more options when conducting their business with the DMV in a way that works best for them.”
Once the pilot was a success, the Legislature built on that framework and made it official with a special section:
SEC. 2.
Section 4853 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
4853.
(a) The department may issue one or more stickers, tabs, or other suitable devices in lieu of the license plates provided for under this code. Except when the physical differences between the stickers, tabs, or devices and license plates by their nature render the provisions of this code inapplicable, all provisions of this code relating to license plates may apply to stickers, tabs, or devices.
After the pilot program showed promise, the Legislature amended the law to support broader rollout of digital license plates. Section 4853 was updated to allow the DMV to issue alternative formats – like digital license plates – instead of traditional metal ones.
When digital license plates became fully legal in 2022, Senator Ben Hueso shared his excitement about the milestone:
“In 2013, I authored SB 806, a bill that authorized an alternative device pilot program with the CA DMV and sparked the evolution of the digital license plate. AB 984 enroots a successful pilot program and exemplifies California’s leadership in technological innovation, while maintaining the integrity of thoughtful security, privacy, and convenience.”
Not only is this law on the books, but digital license plates are also recognized by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) as part of their standard best practices. In other words, digital plates aren’t just legal—they’re a nationally recognized alternative in the automotive industry.
The question of whether digital license plates are legal in California is a simple one: yes! Thanks to AB-984, digital plates are officially recognized and legal. What started as a pilot program back in 2013 has now evolved into a nationwide movement, with California leading the way.
Want the full story? Read the press release from when the RPLATE became legal. Or read AB-984 on the California Legislative information site for yourself!
Looking to see where else we’re legal or get notified when we launch in your state? Click here to check out the full list.
