What Is a Digital License Plate?
A digital license plate is a vehicle-mounted identifying device that transmits a radio signal that can be tracked and monitored digitally.
Digital license plates are customizable, readily trackable, and simplify the process of renewing registrations.
Digital license plates are customizable, readily trackable, and simplify the process of renewing registrations.
Digital license plates are permitted to drive in the United States if purchased and registered in one of the following states: California, Arizona, Michigan, and Texas. In Texas, digital license plates are available for commercial vehicles only.
What Is a Digital License Plate?
A digital license plate, also known as an electronic plate, is a type of license plate that uses a digital display instead of the traditional metal or plastic.
The main advantage of a digital license plate is that it can be easily updated with the latest registration information, making it more convenient for both drivers and law enforcement.
The main advantage of a digital license plate is that it can be easily updated with the latest registration information, making it more convenient for both drivers and law enforcement.
Digital License Plate Design
A digital license plate is a regular license plate’s size, which is 12 by 16 inches (30 by 41 cm). The number of characters varies by state, with some states allowing for up to eight characters on a plate. A digital license plate is mounted within rectangular housing.
Digital License Plate Display
The digital license plate display hardware includes an illuminated screen that allows for different digital displays such as license plate number, state of issue, expiration date, and other key info.
E-ink or electronic paper is used to make digital license displays. Instead of producing light (like LED/OLED displays do), an e-paper display (EPD) reflects light, making it easier to read in direct sunlight.
EPDs are typically monochromatic and are very thin and light. This makes them appropriate for mounting on the back and front of a vehicle to display messages without distracting other drivers.
E-ink or electronic paper is used to make digital license displays. Instead of producing light (like LED/OLED displays do), an e-paper display (EPD) reflects light, making it easier to read in direct sunlight.
EPDs are typically monochromatic and are very thin and light. This makes them appropriate for mounting on the back and front of a vehicle to display messages without distracting other drivers.
Internal Components
A digital license plate’s internal components consist of the central computer system, the memory chip, the identifying key, the tamper-detecting sensor, and the ignition disruptor.
Types Of Digital License Plates And Their Key Features
Digital license plates can be battery-powered, or wired directly into your car's electrical system.
Battery Powered Digital License Plates
Battery powered plates use a small battery to power the digital display. These types of plates are typically less expensive than hard-wired plates, but they require more frequent battery replacement.
In California, Arizona, and Michigan, all cars are eligible for battery-powered digital license plates. These come with a replaceable 5-year battery.
Features of battery-powered digital plates:
In California, Arizona, and Michigan, all cars are eligible for battery-powered digital license plates. These come with a replaceable 5-year battery.
Features of battery-powered digital plates:
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Monochromatic HD display
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Replaceable battery
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Long Term Evolution (LTE) system for low power internet of things (IOT)
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Secure cloud communication
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Operating temperature: -40C to +85C
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Corrosion resistant mounting bracket (GM9540)
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Federal communications commission (FCC) standard compliant
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Chemically-strengthened lens
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Compliant with the license plate legislation—American Automotive Motor Vehicle Association (AAMVA) standard for plate form, visibility, license plate size, and character requirements.
Hard-Wired Digital License Plates
Hard-wired plates are permanently connected to the vehicle’s electrical system. These plates are more expensive than battery powered plates, but they do not require battery replacement.
The hard-wired version is not approved for personal vehicles. It is only available for commercial vehicles and includes integrated telematics functions and a backlit display.
The hard-wired version is not approved for personal vehicles. It is only available for commercial vehicles and includes integrated telematics functions and a backlit display.
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Front-lit, monochromatic HD display
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Wired to 12v Vehicle Battery Power
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Built-in GPS
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Long Term Evolution (LTE) system for low power IOT
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Secure cloud communication
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Operating temperature: -40C to +85C
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Corrosion resistant mounting bracket (GM9540)
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Federal communications commision (FCC) standard compliant
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Chemically-strengthened lens
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Compliant with the license plate legislation—American Automotive Motor Vehicle Association (AAMVA) standard for plate form, visibility, license plate size, and character requirements.
How Does A Digital License Plate Work?
A digital license plate transmits a wireless signal, which can be used to monitor and track your vehicle digitally. It is intended to work with the car's computer system and to communicate with external sources for vehicle regulatory purposes.
The external digital display technology is combined with inside components. These include a processor that saves vehicle information, speed and light-detecting sensors; and an ignition disruptor that prevents ignition should the digital license plate be tampered with. Each piece of hardware is designed to be tamper-proof.
The internal and external components are linked to a central computer system, which provides alarms and remote orders if tampering is detected.
The external digital display technology is combined with inside components. These include a processor that saves vehicle information, speed and light-detecting sensors; and an ignition disruptor that prevents ignition should the digital license plate be tampered with. Each piece of hardware is designed to be tamper-proof.
The internal and external components are linked to a central computer system, which provides alarms and remote orders if tampering is detected.
How To Get A Digital License Plate
As of 2019, only four states—California, Arizona, Michigan, and Texas—have implemented or are piloting programs for digital license plates, but the trend is growing.
How To Obtain A Digital License Plate In California
California has had a digital license plate pilot program for commercial vehicles since 2018. In September 2022, Governor Gavin Newson signed California Assembly Bill No. 984 to extend digital license plates for all vehicles.
California drivers can now get a digital license plate, also called an ELP (electronic license plate). With the adoption of AB-984, all California vehicle owners are allowed to use digital license plates as a replacement to traditional license plates, decals, tabs, and registration cards provided by the California DMV.
In California, a battery powered license plate costs $19.95 per month. A hard-wired digital license plate costs $24.95 per month.
California digital license plates are currently offered exclusively through a private company, Reviver. California drivers can sign up for them on the Reviver website.
California drivers can now get a digital license plate, also called an ELP (electronic license plate). With the adoption of AB-984, all California vehicle owners are allowed to use digital license plates as a replacement to traditional license plates, decals, tabs, and registration cards provided by the California DMV.
In California, a battery powered license plate costs $19.95 per month. A hard-wired digital license plate costs $24.95 per month.
California digital license plates are currently offered exclusively through a private company, Reviver. California drivers can sign up for them on the Reviver website.
In Arizona, a digital license plate may be used only on license plate display devices approved from the Arizona Department of Transportation ADOT. The plate is approved by ADOT, but must be bought from a private seller. Currently the Reviver company is t
In Arizona, a digital license plate may be used only on license plate display devices approved from the Arizona Department of Transportation ADOT. The plate is approved by ADOT, but must be bought from a private seller.
Currently the Reviver company is the only provider of digital plates in Arizona. The digital plates have a one time purchase price of $500 to $800. Arizona drivers can sign up for them on the Reviver website.
Currently the Reviver company is the only provider of digital plates in Arizona. The digital plates have a one time purchase price of $500 to $800. Arizona drivers can sign up for them on the Reviver website.
How To Obtain A Digital License Plate In Michigan
The Michigan Department of State does not sell, administrate, or profit from digital license plates. Digital license plates are legal in Michigan, but may only be purchased from private companies or car dealers. Digital plates are digital versions of the standard metal license plates that vehicle owners register and renew with the Secretary of State.
In Michigan, a battery powered license plate costs $19.95 per month. Hard wired digital license plates cost $24.95 per month.
Michigan drivers can sign up for them on the Reviver website or buy from Reviver auto dealer partners throughout Michigan.
In Michigan, a battery powered license plate costs $19.95 per month. Hard wired digital license plates cost $24.95 per month.
Michigan drivers can sign up for them on the Reviver website or buy from Reviver auto dealer partners throughout Michigan.
How To Obtain A Digital License Plate In Texas
Digital license plates are available to purchase and use in Texas from June, 2022, but only for commercial fleet vehicles and vehicles owned by government entities.
In Texas, to obtain a digital license plate, the vehicle owner first must register the vehicle in Texas and pay a $95 administrative fee.
At this time, the only way to buy a digital license plate, which cost between $500 and $800, is to order from the Reviver website. Drivers must also pay a $95 annual fee in addition to the plate cost.
In Texas, to obtain a digital license plate, the vehicle owner first must register the vehicle in Texas and pay a $95 administrative fee.
At this time, the only way to buy a digital license plate, which cost between $500 and $800, is to order from the Reviver website. Drivers must also pay a $95 annual fee in addition to the plate cost.
How To Install A Digital License Plate
Currently, there are two plate models from the Reviver company available to purchase and use:
1. Battery-powered digital license plate
2. Hard-wired digital license plate
1. Battery-powered digital license plate
2. Hard-wired digital license plate
To correctly set up your new digital plate, it is important to follow installation instructions for both types.
How To Install A Battery-Powered Digital License Plate
Installing a battery-powered digital license plate is quite simple, thanks to the Reviver app.
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Step 1: to activate and set up your battery-powered digital license plate simply download the Reviver app from the Apple Store or Google Play store. Go to the navigation menu and create an account, and take a picture of your license plate to register your current license plate number and registration.
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Step 2: once the Reviver team has confirmed your vehicle and plate info, you will receive a notification by email and through your Reviver app to begin the update process for your digital plate to display your license number.
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Step 3: once your plate is displaying your license plate image, attach your new digital to your car, using the universal mounting bracket included in the box with your plate, and you're all set!
How To Install a Hard-Wired Digital License Plate
To be properly connected to your car's electrical system, the hard-wired digital license plate requires professional installation. The installation is challenging since it involves connecting your hard-wired digital license plate to a steady 12V power supply. If not installed correctly, the license plate may malfunction and/or damage the vehicle's battery.
Although the hard-wired digital license plate is installed by a professional, you also need to download the Reviver app, create an account, take a picture of your license plate to register your current license plate number and registration, and wait for confirmation from the Reviver’s team.
After you receive the confirmation, you can contact Reviver's support team and schedule an installation of your hard-wired digital license plate.
Although the hard-wired digital license plate is installed by a professional, you also need to download the Reviver app, create an account, take a picture of your license plate to register your current license plate number and registration, and wait for confirmation from the Reviver’s team.
After you receive the confirmation, you can contact Reviver's support team and schedule an installation of your hard-wired digital license plate.
How To Maintain Your Digital License Plate For Optimal Performance
Digital license plates are not without their own set of challenges. In order to ensure optimal performance, it is important to regularly maintain your digital license plate. Here are a few tips to help you keep your plate in good working condition:
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Check the batteries. Digital license plates rely on batteries for power. Over time, these batteries can lose their charge, which can cause the plate to malfunction. To avoid this problem, it is important to check the batteries regularly and replace them as needed.
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Clean your license plates. Like any other piece of electronics, a digital license plate can accumulate dust and dirt over time. This can interfere with the plate's ability to communicate with roadside readers. To keep your plate performing at its best, be sure to clean it on a regular basis.
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Keep the plate away from direct sunlight. Ultraviolet rays can damage the plate over time, causing it to become discolored or even illegible.
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Avoid scratching the surface of the plate. Even a small scratch can cause the plate to malfunction. If the plate does get scratched, cover it with a clear adhesive film to protect it from further damage.
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Update your information. One of the benefits of digital license plates is that they allow you to easily update your registration information. If you move or change vehicles, be sure to update your information with the DMV so that your plate remains valid.
Why Would You Want A Digital License Plate?
There are a number of benefits to using digital plates. For one, they can be updated in real time, which means that information such as your registration status can be displayed to law enforcement and other officials instantaneously.
Here are a few advantages of digital license plates.
Here are a few advantages of digital license plates.
Information Delivery
Digital license plates can provide more information at a glance. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), registration expiration date, and proof of insurance can all be displayed on the screen, making it easy to check if a car is up-to-date on its registration.
This unlimited access to information can be a valuable asset for both drivers and law enforcement officers. In addition, digital license plates can also be used to display Amber Alerts or other emergency notifications. By making important information more readily available, digital license plates have the potential to make our roads safer for everyone.
This unlimited access to information can be a valuable asset for both drivers and law enforcement officers. In addition, digital license plates can also be used to display Amber Alerts or other emergency notifications. By making important information more readily available, digital license plates have the potential to make our roads safer for everyone.
Security
License plate recognition technology is becoming increasingly popular as a means of providing security for both personal vehicles and public vehicles.
Unlike traditional metal license plates, which can be easily stolen or damaged, license plate frames with built-in LED lights provide a more secure and durable solution.
In addition, if a car is involved in an accident or crime, the plate can emit a signal that can be accessed remotely by law enforcement. This makes it easier to identify a car that is involved in an accident or crime, and helps to keep roads safer for everyone.
Unlike traditional metal license plates, which can be easily stolen or damaged, license plate frames with built-in LED lights provide a more secure and durable solution.
In addition, if a car is involved in an accident or crime, the plate can emit a signal that can be accessed remotely by law enforcement. This makes it easier to identify a car that is involved in an accident or crime, and helps to keep roads safer for everyone.
Prepaid Services
Certain transportation-related fees and services can now be prepaid online and automatically using electronic license plates. For example, vehicle registration can now be automatically renewed as a prepaid service.
Parking permits can also be linked to an electronic license plate and tracked remotely. Toll fees can be pre-paid since the license plate can interact with the global positioning system (GPS) to plan routes, calculate travel costs, and transmit a payment signal when it goes through a toll booth.
Parking permits can also be linked to an electronic license plate and tracked remotely. Toll fees can be pre-paid since the license plate can interact with the global positioning system (GPS) to plan routes, calculate travel costs, and transmit a payment signal when it goes through a toll booth.
Are Digital License Plates Legal?
In 2015, the state of California became the first in the nation to approve electronic license plates for use on public roads. Since then, a handful of other states have followed suit, and the use of these high-tech plates is becoming increasingly common. Mexico doesn’t allow digital plates for personal vehicles, but only for commercial vehicles.
In the US, the Reviver company has led the way in providing digital license plate technology. As of 2022, it is the sole provider of digital license plates to the states of California, Arizona, Michigan, and Texas.
Reviver’s digital license plates are legal to drive on public roads across the United States. They are also allowed to cross American borders into Canada and Mexico.
In the US, the Reviver company has led the way in providing digital license plate technology. As of 2022, it is the sole provider of digital license plates to the states of California, Arizona, Michigan, and Texas.
Reviver’s digital license plates are legal to drive on public roads across the United States. They are also allowed to cross American borders into Canada and Mexico.
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Digital License Plate FAQ
How do I personalize my digital plate?
You may customize your digital plate via the mobile app (for Android and iOS) or rconnect.reviver.com. Simply tap on the plate symbol in the iOS app to explore customization choices. Select the "Customize Plate" menu option on Android. Choose "Customize Plate" from the desktop site.
You can upload an image of your choosing, select a pre-set image or color scheme, or use the design tool to create a unique look for your digital plate. You can also add an optional message to display above your plate number.
Whether you want to show off your personality, support a cause, or promote your business, customizing your digital license plate is a fun and easy way to do it!
You can upload an image of your choosing, select a pre-set image or color scheme, or use the design tool to create a unique look for your digital plate. You can also add an optional message to display above your plate number.
Whether you want to show off your personality, support a cause, or promote your business, customizing your digital license plate is a fun and easy way to do it!