Effective March 8, 2004, Secretary of State branch offices will issue passenger plates to privately owned and leased pickup trucks and vans used for noncommercial purposes.  Vehicles used for commercial purposes will still be issued commercial-series plates.

This simplifies the process for customers who wish to transfer individually owned license plates to a new or used pickup or van.

Transferring a Passenger Plate to a Pickup or Van

Currently, the Secretary of State processes a license plate "change of class" indicating a change in vehicle body style, and issues a commercial-series license plate to owners transferring a passenger license plate to a newly purchased or leased pickup or van.

Beginning March 8, owners transferring a passenger plate to a pickup or van will use the passenger plate.  A change of class will not be required and a new plate will not be issued.  The $8 transfer fee is still collected.

Transferring a Commercial-Series Plate to a Pickup or Van

When purchasing or leasing a pickup or van, individuals may have a commercial-series plate they wish to transfer from another pickup or van they own.  Beginning March 8, a new passenger plate will be issued in place of the commercial-series plate when the RD-108 is processed.  The $8 transfer fee is still collected, and a BFS-4 (15-day temporary registration) should be issued.

Transferring a Commercial-Series Plate to a Passenger Vehicle

When purchasing or leasing a passenger vehicle, some individuals may wish to transfer a commercial-series plate from their pickup or van.  A new passenger plate will continue to be issued as part of the plate transfer process.  The $8 transfer fee is still collected, and a BFS-4 (15-day temporary registration) should be issued.

Original Plates

Beginning March 8, Secretary of State branch offices will issue a passenger plate when processing RD-108's for pickups and vans owned or leased by individuals who are purchasing a new plate.  Pickups and vans owned or leased by companies and businesses will still be issued commercial plates.

Please Note:

• Company-owned or leased pickups and vans will continue to be registered with commercial plates.
• Individually owned pickups, vans, and passenger vehicles used for commercial purposes should be plated with a commercial-series plate.  Dealers should note this request in the "Remarks" section of the RD-108.

Following is a handy chart detailing whether vehicles will require a passenger or commercial plate beginning March 8.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Secretary of State branch office.