I think that it all depends on the state. On my Year of Manufacture plate (we only need the rear plate) they gave me an expiration sticker, but the YOM plates and registration are permanent here and no sticker is required. Back in the day, a small plate for the current year would be bolted over the year on the plate, using one of the license plate bolts. Possibly as long as it's fastened with a stovebolt, they won't give you any trouble.
