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New 'Smart' License Plate Could Help You Avoid DMV Lines, Announce Your Car's Been Stolen, But Is It Worth The Cost?

STUDIO CITY (CBSLA) — Drivers say one of the most frustrating parts of owning a car is dealing with the DMV, but a new, digital license plate might make that a whole lot easier.

"Sexy. This is not clunky and chunky like a big piece of metal," says Allan Cooper, whose company Reviver Auto makes the plates. He says the future is now when it comes to tags, and he's leading the way with the Reviver Plate, which is being tested on cars across California.

"When your registration becomes renewable, you pay online, and these just click over to the next year," Cooper says, pointing to the corner where the car tags would be.

The California legislature approved testing the "e-ink" license plates in 2013, and the company said it's talking to dealerships to get the plates on new cars soon.

"Testing for just the viability and the functionality of the plate. I mean this is just the next big advancement," said Cooper.

The plate has several features: it displays the word "STOLEN" on the plate in the event the vehicle is stolen, it would be able to change to show charitable causes, or even show full Amber Alert messages.

Consumers also would have full control over their privacy and the plate, which cannot be removed from the vehicle.

"I can't pull that off," said Cooper, trying to jar it loose.

It also is wired to pull power from the car, meaning it doesn't need to be recharged.

Cooper said Reviver Auto is in touch with dealerships to get it on lots now.

"You want the coolest iPhone, you want the coolest plate, make my car look great — that's what it is," he said.

The cost: $699, plus a monthly $7 fee for the service.

The state said the pilot program for the smart plates should be over by New Year's Day.

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