What California Custom Plates Are and How to Order Them
California custom plates let you choose your own combination of letters and numbers instead of receiving a random assignment from the DMV. You can request up to seven characters on a standard plate, and the DMV checks your request against existing plates and against words they have flagged as inappropriate. If your combination is available and passes review, you pay a one-time fee of $50 in addition to your standard registration fees, then receive your plate in the mail.
The order process happens entirely through the California DMV website or by mail. You do not need to visit a DMV office. Most requests are reviewed within two to four weeks, though some take longer if the DMV needs clarification on your request.
Key Takeaways
- Custom plates cost $50 on top of your regular registration fees and are a one-time purchase that stays with your vehicle until you request a change.
- You can request up to seven characters using letters, numbers, or a combination, but the DMV rejects requests that spell out words they consider inappropriate.
- The fastest way to order is through the DMV website at dmv.ca.gov, where you can check availability before you submit your request.
- If your first choice is taken, you can request up to two backup combinations on the same order form so the DMV can approve one of them if your first choice is unavailable.
- Once approved, your plate arrives by mail within two to four weeks in most cases, and you install it yourself on your vehicle.
Ordering Custom Plates Online Through the DMV Website
The online ordering system is the fastest route. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Plates" from the main menu, then choose "Custom Plates." You will enter your vehicle information and your desired plate combination. The system checks availability in real time and tells you when ready whether your choice is taken or available.
If your first choice is available, you can add up to two backup combinations on the same order. This increases your chances of approval — if your first choice is rejected for any reason, the DMV will review your second and third choices automatically. You then pay the $50 custom plate fee plus any registration renewal fees due, and submit your order. The DMV sends your plate by mail once your request is approved.
You will need your vehicle registration number and your driver's license number to complete the online order. Have these ready before you start.
Ordering by Mail if You Cannot Use the Website
If you prefer to order by mail, read the process for Custom License Plates form (Form DL 44) from the DMV website or request it by phone. Fill out the form with your vehicle information and your desired plate combination or combinations. Include a check or money order for $50 payable to the California DMV, plus any registration renewal fees.
Mail the completed form and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing takes longer by mail — typically four to six weeks — because the DMV must receive your form, review it, and mail your plate back to you. Include a return address on your envelope so the DMV can contact you if they need clarification on your request.
What the DMV Will and Will Not Approve
The DMV maintains a list of words and phrases they will not approve on custom plates. These include profanity, slurs, and references to drugs or alcohol. The system also rejects combinations that could be confused with official government plates or that spell out words the DMV considers offensive in any language.
Combinations that are already in use on another vehicle in California are automatically rejected. The online system checks this in real time, so you will know when ready if your choice is taken. Numbers-only plates and letter-only plates are both allowed, as long as you stay within the seven-character limit.
If your request is rejected, the DMV will mail you a notice explaining why. You can then submit a new request with a different combination. There is no limit to how many times you can request a new combination, but you pay the $50 fee each time you submit a new order.
Transferring Custom Plates to a Different Vehicle
Once you own a custom plate, you can transfer it to a different vehicle you own without paying the $50 fee again. You will need to update your vehicle registration to reflect the new vehicle, and the DMV will reassign the plate to that registration. This process can be done online or by mail using the same channels as a new custom plate order.
If you sell your vehicle, the custom plate stays with you — it does not transfer to the new owner. You can keep it for your next vehicle, or you can surrender it to the DMV if you no longer want it. Surrendering a plate does not refund the $50 you paid.
Timeline and What to Expect After You Order
After you submit your order online or by mail, the DMV reviews your request within two to four weeks in most cases. During this time, they check that your combination is available, that it does not violate their content guidelines, and that your vehicle registration is current. If everything is in order, they approve your request and send your plate by mail.
Your plate will arrive in a padded envelope with installation instructions. California plates use two fasteners per plate, and you install them yourself using a screwdriver. You do not need to visit a DMV office or have anyone else install them. Once your plate arrives, you can remove your old plate and install the custom plate when ready.
If the DMV needs more information from you — for example, if they want clarification on why you chose a particular combination — they will mail you a notice asking for your response. Respond within 30 days to keep your request active. If you do not respond, your request may be closed and you will need to submit a new order.
Costs and Renewal
The $50 custom plate fee is separate from your vehicle registration renewal fee. You pay it once when you order the plate. When your vehicle registration renews each year, you pay only the standard registration renewal fee — the $50 custom plate fee does not renew annually.
If you decide you no longer want your custom plate, you can request a standard plate from the DMV at any time. The $50 you paid for the custom plate is not refunded. You will pay a fee to receive a new standard plate, which varies depending on your vehicle type and registration status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check if a custom plate combination is available before I order?
Yes. The DMV website has a search tool where you can type in your desired combination and see when ready whether it is available. This does not reserve the plate — you still need to submit an order to claim it — but it lets you check multiple options before you decide which one to order.
What if the DMV rejects my custom plate request?
The DMV will mail you a notice explaining why your request was rejected. Common reasons include the combination being already in use, the combination spelling a word the DMV does not approve, or an error in your vehicle information. You can submit a new request with a different combination. Each new request requires a new $50 fee.
How long does it take to receive my custom plate after it is approved?
Most custom plates arrive within two to four weeks after approval. Delivery time depends on mail processing and your location within California. The DMV will mail your plate in a padded envelope, and you install it yourself using a screwdriver.
Can I transfer my custom plate to someone else?
No. Custom plates are tied to the vehicle owner's registration. If you sell your vehicle, the plate stays with you. You can transfer it to another vehicle you own, but you cannot give it to another person. If you no longer want the plate, you can surrender it to the DMV.
Do I have to renew my custom plate every year?
No. You pay the $50 custom plate fee once. When you renew your vehicle registration each year, you pay only the standard registration renewal fee. The custom plate itself does not expire or require renewal as long as you keep your vehicle registration current.