DMV changing license plate distribution in 2025 — here’s what you should know

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Utah Department of Motor Vehicles is making changes to how they will distribute license plates. These enhancements were passed in the 2024 legislative session.

According to Jason Gardner, the director of policy, planning, and public affairs, the enhancements aim to improve efficiency, reduce the need for in-person DMV visits, and align with modernized standards for license plate design and distribution.

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The following updates are set to start as the new year hits — including a centralized license plate distribution, a single license plate requirement, a modernized license plate design, and a month/year registration decal.

The press release says that the state will distribute license plates from a single central location and send them by mail directly to customer's homes or businesses using the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). This change is expected to streamline operations, enhance production efficiencies, and increase customer convenience by reducing the need to visit a DMV office.

It also stated that only the rear license plate of a car will be required.

Other updates include flat-screen printing on license plates with an embossed edge and a consolidated month/year registration decal will be introduced instead of separate month and year decals.

How we got here

Senate Bill 45 passed unanimously in the Senate in late February when the upper chamber concurred with a slight change to the legislation made in the House. The bill was signed into law on March 14. It passed in the Senate, 27-0, and in the House 70-0.

"We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for citizens when ordering a new license plate. To avoid delays, please make sure your mailing address is correct when you purchase a vehicle or order a plate, DMV director Monte Roberts said.