How to Transfer License Plates in Puerto Rico: Fee, Forms & Timeline

If you're buying a new vehicle or replacing your current one, you may be able to keep your existing plates. Here's exactly how Puerto Rico handles plate transfers.

Quick Reference

Transfer FeeTypically $4–$20 plate transfer fee

Time LimitTypically 30–60 days from vehicle acquisition

Class Match Required?Same vehicle class typically required

Where to FileState DMV office or authorized agent

Forms You Need

State registration application form
Title transfer documents
Insurance verification (most states)

Vehicle Class Restrictions

Same vehicle class typically required

Most states require plate class to match vehicle class (auto, truck, motorcycle).

Specialty & Personalized Plates

Personalized plates typically transfer with the owner; specialty plates may have restrictions

Verify with your state DMV — some specialty plates are vehicle-specific or class-restricted.

Puerto Rico Standout Rule

Always verify current plate transfer rules with your state DMV before disposing of your old vehicle — losing your plates means buying new ones at full cost.

Puerto Rico-Specific Facts for Plate Transfer

Puerto Rico Vehicle transfer fees and requirements

In Puerto Rico, the title transfer fee is $50 and registration costs Varies by vehicle weight and type; administered through CESCO offices. Vehicle sales are subject to 11.5% IVU (Impuesto de Venta y Uso) on vehicle purchases — one of the highest rates among US jurisdictions; administered by the Departamento de Hacienda. Notarization is required for vehicle bill of sale documents in Puerto Rico. Emission testing is required in Puerto Rico — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.

Notarial intervention required — PR notaries (notarios públicos) are licensed attorneys; a notario público abogado must authenticate vehicle transfer deeds, unlike mainland US notary publics
Official bill of sale form: DTOP-DIS-260 (Acta de Traspaso de Vehículo de Motor), issued by the Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas (DTOP)
Vehicle transfers are processed at CESCO (Centro de Servicios al Conductor) offices across the island
Federal odometer disclosure (49 CFR Part 580) applies to all Puerto Rico vehicle sales, same as US states
IVU sales tax of 11.5% applies to the sale price; exemptions may apply to certain commercial transactions
Governing law: Ley de Vehículos y Tránsito de Puerto Rico (Law No. 22 of January 7, 2000, as amended)
Official documents are bilingual (Spanish and English); the DTOP-DIS-260 form is issued in Spanish — confirm you understand all terms before signing
USCG documentation applies to vessels in PR territorial waters under the same federal rules as US states
Title transfer must be completed at a CESCO office; online transfer not available for private party sales

Official Puerto Rico bill of sale form

The official Puerto Rico bill of sale form is DTOP-DIS-260 (Acta de Traspaso de Vehículo de Motor (Motor Vehicle Transfer Deed)). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Puerto Rico requirements and can be used in place of the official form.

Puerto Rico bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,148 bill of sale documents for Puerto Rico transactions, with 31 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

More Puerto Rico Vehicle Guides

Each guide is written specifically for Puerto Rico laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my license plates to a new vehicle in Puerto Rico?

Most states allow plate transfer between vehicles of the same owner. Specific rules vary by state. Some states keep plates with the vehicle; others keep plates with the owner.

How much does it cost to transfer plates in Puerto Rico?

Typically $4–$20 plate transfer fee. In addition to the transfer fee, regular registration fees apply on the new vehicle.

Can I transfer my plates to any vehicle in Puerto Rico?

Same vehicle class typically required. Most states require plate class to match vehicle class (auto, truck, motorcycle).

How long do I have to transfer plates in Puerto Rico?

Typically 30–60 days from vehicle acquisition. Late transfers usually incur a penalty or require new plates at full cost.

Where do I file for a plate transfer in Puerto Rico?

State DMV office or authorized agent. Some states allow online transfers; most require in-person visit for plate transfer.

Selling Your Old Vehicle?

Generate a Puerto Rico bill of sale to document the transfer of your old vehicle before transferring your plates to the new one.

Generate Bill of Sale

Source: State DMV. Plate transfer rules and fees change occasionally — verify current requirements before filing.