How to Order Custom License Plates at the DMV

What custom plates are and how to order them

Custom license plates let you choose letters and numbers on your plate instead of accepting a random combination from the DMV. You pay an extra fee — usually between $25 and $100 per year depending on your state — and the plate is yours to keep as long as you renew it annually. The DMV processes the order, checks that your chosen combination is not already taken, and mails the plate to you or lets you pick it up at a local office.

Every state runs its custom plate program differently. Some states call them "vanity plates," others use "personalized plates" or "custom plates." The process is the same: you pick a combination, pay the fee, and wait for production and delivery. Most states allow 2 to 8 characters, though some permit more. You can use letters, numbers, or both, and some states let you add a space or a single hyphen.

Custom plates are not a separate registration. They replace your standard plate and are tied to your vehicle registration. When you renew your registration, you renew the custom plate at the same time. If you sell the vehicle, the plate stays with you — you can transfer it to another vehicle you own, or let it expire.

Key Takeaways

• Custom plates cost extra each year and must be renewed along with your vehicle registration, not separately.
• You choose the letters and numbers yourself, but the DMV rejects combinations that are already in use, offensive, or against state rules.
• Processing time ranges from two weeks to three months depending on the state and how busy the DMV is.
• Most states let you keep a custom plate when you sell your vehicle and transfer it to another car you own.
• You order through your state DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local office — the method varies by state.

Where to order and what information you need

Start by visiting your state DMV website and looking for the custom plates section. Most states now let you order online, which is the fastest route. You will need your vehicle registration number, driver's license number, and the plate combination you want to try. Have a backup choice ready — your first choice may already be taken.

If your state does not offer online ordering, you can order by mail or in person at a local DMV office. By mail, you typically fill out a form (often called an process for Personalized Plates or similar), include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address listed on the DMV website. In person, you bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and payment, and staff will check availability and process the order on the spot.

Some states let you check availability before you order, so you can test multiple combinations and pick one you know is open. Others only tell you if your choice is taken after you submit and pay. Checking first saves money if you have a specific combination in mind.

Restrictions on what you can choose

Every state has rules about what letter and number combinations are allowed. The most common restriction is that you cannot use a combination that is already assigned to another vehicle in that state. You also cannot use combinations that spell offensive words, slurs, or drug references — the DMV staff review submissions and reject them if they violate the state's decency standards.

Some states do not allow certain combinations because they look too much like standard plates or could confuse law enforcement. For example, many states ban combinations that look like they could be government or official plates. A few states restrict plates that resemble emergency vehicle markings or that could be mistaken for temporary tags.

Character limits vary. Most states allow 2 to 8 characters total, but some go up to 10. Spaces and hyphens are usually allowed but count as a character. Numbers and letters can be mixed in any order unless your state has specific rules — check the DMV website for your state's exact character policy.

How long it takes and what happens after you order

Processing time depends on your state and the time of year. In most states, you will wait two to four weeks from the time you order until the plate arrives in the mail. During busy seasons — around registration renewal time — wait times can stretch to six to twelve weeks. A few states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, usually $10 to $25.

After you order, the DMV will send you a confirmation by email or mail, depending on how you ordered. This confirmation includes your order number and an estimated delivery date. Once the plate is produced and shipped, you may receive a tracking number so you can monitor delivery. Do not remove your old plate until the new one arrives.

When the custom plate arrives, remove your old plate and install the new one. Keep the old plate — some states require you to return it to the DMV, while others let you keep it or dispose of it. Check your state's rules on the DMV website or the paperwork that came with your new plate.

Cost and renewal

The base fee for a custom plate is set by your state and typically ranges from $25 to $100 per year. Some states charge a one-time setup fee in addition to the annual fee. A few states offer different price tiers — for example, a basic custom plate might cost $50, but a plate with a special design or theme costs $75 or more.

When your vehicle registration expires, your custom plate expires at the same time. You renew both together. The renewal fee is usually the same as the original custom plate fee, though some states charge less for renewals. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, just like your regular registration.

If you do not renew your registration and plate, the custom plate combination becomes available for someone else to order. If you want to keep the same combination, you must renew before the expiration date. Some states offer a grace period of 30 to 60 days, but do not rely on it — renew on time to avoid losing your plate.

Transferring a custom plate to a different vehicle

If you sell the vehicle that has a custom plate, you can transfer the plate to another vehicle you own. The process varies by state. Some states let you transfer the plate when ready when you register the new vehicle. Others require you to surrender the old plate first and then order a transfer, which takes a few weeks.

To transfer, contact your state DMV and provide the registration number of the new vehicle. You may need to fill out a form or do this online. There is usually a small transfer fee, often $10 to $25. The plate itself does not change — it stays the same and moves to the new vehicle.

If you do not want to transfer the plate to another vehicle, you can let it expire when your registration expires. You do not have to do anything — just do not renew. The combination will then become available for someone else to order.

What to do if your chosen combination is already taken

If the combination you want is not available, the DMV will tell you during the ordering process. At that point, you have two choices: pick a different combination and resubmit, or cancel the order and try again later. You cannot put in a request to be notified if a plate becomes available — you have to check back yourself.

If you are set on a specific combination, check back periodically. Plates become available when someone lets their registration expire or transfers the plate to a different vehicle. There is no way to know when this will happen, so checking every few months is your best option.

Some people try slight variations on their first choice — for example, if "MYNAME" is taken, you might try "MYNAME1" or "MY NAME" (with a space). Keep in mind that spaces and hyphens count as characters and reduce the number of letters or numbers you can use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a custom plate without a vehicle registration?

No. You must have an active vehicle registration to order a custom plate. The plate is tied to that specific vehicle and registration number. If you are buying a new vehicle, register it first, then order the custom plate using that registration number.

What happens if I move to a different state?

Custom plates are state-specific and do not transfer between states. If you move and register your vehicle in a new state, you will need to order a new custom plate through that state's DMV. Your old plate becomes invalid once you register in the new state.

Can I use numbers and letters in any order I want?

Most states allow any mix of letters and numbers, but check your state's specific rules on the DMV website. A few states have restrictions — for example, some require at least one letter or at least one number. The DMV will reject your order if it violates the state's format rules.

Do I have to renew my custom plate every year?

Yes. Custom plates renew along with your vehicle registration. You pay the custom plate fee each year when you renew your registration. If you do not renew, both your registration and custom plate expire, and the plate combination becomes available for someone else.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after ordering?

Refund policies vary by state. Some states allow cancellations within a certain window — often 30 days — for a full or partial refund. Others do not offer refunds once the order is submitted. Check your state DMV's policy before you order, or contact them when ready if you need to cancel.