CA Legalizes Digital License Plates: What To Know

CALIFORNIA — License plates across California are about to see major changes after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new tech bill into law.

Assembly Bill 984, authored by Assemblymember Lori Wilson, will make California one of the few states where digital license plates are legal. Arizona and Michigan are the only other states to allow drivers to use digital plates on personal vehicles. Texas allows such plates only for commercial vehicles.

Wilson called the plates "a product of convenience," in a news release.

The new law builds off of a first-of-its kind pilot program that allowed 10,000 drivers to purchase the plates in 2018, which are made by tech company Reviver.

The bill requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to allow drivers the option to replace traditional license plates, stickers, tabs and registration cards with the mounted digital plates.

"Californians are known to be early adopters of emerging innovative technologies. We welcome new opportunities to automate and integrate as many parts of our lives as possible, enabling us to streamline mundane tasks and stay connected. Our cars are no exception," said Neville Boston, Reviver co-founder and chief strategy officer.

Not only will the new tech be able to display different color choices and border displays, they will be able to display emergency messages. For example, if a vehicle is stolen, the screen will be able to flash that message. AMBER Alerts can also be displayed.

A built-in location tracker will also allow police to locate stolen vehicles, Reviver said.

Plates come in two models: battery powered or wired. Monthly rates for battery powered plates will start at $19.95 a month or $215.40 annually for a four-year contract.

Wired plates will sell for $24.95 a month for a two-year agreement. Wired plates for commercial vehicles would be $275.40 annually.

For more information on how to buy a new plate, visit Reviver's website.