What Are Temp Tags? 5 Mil vs 8 Mil and Tear-Off Styles for Dealers
A temporary tag is a dealer-issued tag a vehicle displays until permanent plates are issued. The difference between 5 mil and 8 mil is thickness: a mil is one thousandth of an inch, so 8 mil synthetic paper is thicker than 5 mil. Dealer Depot USA sells 8 mil temporary tags at $107.99 per box of 100 and 5 mil tags at $96.99 per box of 100.
Temp tag rules vary by state. Check your state DMV. This guide covers the materials, tear-off layouts, sleeves and tag bags we sell, and what they cost. To keep track of tags once they are issued, see our post on tracking temporary tag expirations. The products are in the License Plates and Tag Bags collections.
What Is the Difference Between 5 Mil and 8 Mil Temporary Tags?
Thickness is the only spec that differs. Both are tear-resistant synthetic paper, water and grease proof, 11" x 8-1/2" per sheet with an 11" x 6" tag area, and packaged 100 per box.
- 8 mil: the listings describe weather- and tear-resistant tags that stand up to outdoor exposure without tearing, smearing or degrading. $107.99 per box.
- 5 mil: the listings describe tags that resist tearing, moisture and grease and hold their shape through handling and display. $96.99 per box.
The 8 mil tag costs $11.00 more per box of 100. The listings do not give lifespan numbers for either thickness, so choose based on how much handling and weather exposure your tags see.
What Is the Difference Between Top/Bottom and Middle Tear-Off?
It is the number of record stubs on the sheet:
- Top/Bottom: the 11" x 6" tag sits at one end of the sheet with a single tear-off stub for your records.
- Middle: the tag is centered on the sheet with tear-off stubs above and below, giving two record copies.
Each thickness comes in both layouts at the same price, so the choice is about how many record copies your process needs.
What Other Temporary Tag Options Are There?
Heavy duty paper tags
The Heavy Duty Paper Dealer Plates are 11" x 6" on 90# paper stock, 100 per box, for $23.99. Full color custom printing is available with no setup charge, with a minimum custom quantity of 500. The Heavy Duty Coated Paper 5-Day Tag is also 11" x 6" on coated 90# paper, water resistant, with two holes drilled at the top for mounting. It is listed as intended as a 5-day temporary tag, 100 per box, for $32.99. The same custom printing terms apply.
Sleeves and tag bags
- License Plate Protector: a heavy-duty clear plastic sleeve, 12-1/2" x 6-3/4", 100 per box, that protects a temporary tag from weather and wear. $174.99.
- Tag Bags, 7" x 11-1/2" Adhesive: 2 mil plastic bags with an adhesive strip on the flap to seal the tag inside, two holes for the rear plate and two more adhesive strips for mounting on the rear window. $26.99 per 100.
- Tag Bags, 6-3/8" x 15": 2 mil plastic bags whose extra length folds over the tag to help keep out rain and road spray. $10.99 per 100.
How Do You Choose and Use Temporary Tags?
- Check your state first: temp tag rules vary by state. Check your state DMV.
- Pick a material: synthetic paper (5 mil or 8 mil) is water and grease proof. Heavy duty paper is lower cost and can be custom printed.
- Pick a tear-off layout: one stub (top/bottom) or two (middle).
- Protect the tag: put it in a sleeve or tag bag before it goes on the vehicle. The bag listings describe protection from rain, snow, road spray and sun fading.
- Store flat: the listings say to keep tags flat in the original box in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Log every tag: record each tag you issue and when it expires. Our expiration tracking post covers a system.
Temporary Tag Prices at Dealer Depot USA
Dealer Depot USA sells temporary tags from $23.99 per box of 100, 5 mil and 8 mil synthetic tags at $96.99 to $107.99, and tag bags from $10.99. The table lists all nine products.
Free shipping on most orders of $200+.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 8 mil versus 5 mil mean?
A mil is one thousandth of an inch, so 8 mil is 0.008" thick and 5 mil is 0.005" thick. The 8 mil tag is the thicker of the two.
How many temporary tags come in a box?
All four synthetic tags and both heavy duty paper tags are packaged 100 per box.
What size is a temporary tag?
The synthetic tags are 11" x 6" on an 11" x 8-1/2" sheet. The heavy duty paper tags are 11" x 6".
Where do I check my state's rules?
Temp tag rules vary by state. Check your state DMV.
Do I need a sleeve or tag bag?
Dealer Depot USA sells them to protect a tag from weather and wear. Whether one is required or allowed for your tags is a question for your state DMV.
Conclusion
Choose 8 mil for a thicker tag or 5 mil to pay less per box, then pick one stub or two, and protect the tag with a sleeve or bag. Confirm your state's rules with your DMV before you buy. Browse license plates and temporary tags and tag bags to stock your sales office.