In California, you can obtain a license plate for your car without a driver's license or permit by following the steps outlined by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). First, you will need to obtain a Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) from the DMV, which can be done in certain circumstances when all registration fees have been paid but license plates or registration stickers haven't been issued. The TOP allows you to legally operate your vehicle while you await your license plates. Once you have the TOP, you can take it to a DMV office and exchange it for a permanent license plate.
Alternatively, you can also consider obtaining a digital license plate for your car. Digital license plates are now available in California, and they come in two models: battery-powered and wired. With a digital license plate, you can choose to pay for registration on a monthly basis instead of paying for a full year upfront. Additionally, digital license plates can be easily renewed online, and you can even transfer your plate to a new vehicle if you sell your current car. Overall, obtaining a license plate without a driver's license or permit is possible in California, but it may require some additional steps and documentation.