What Virginia vanity plates are and how to order one
A vanity plate in Virginia is a custom license plate where you choose the letters and numbers instead of receiving a random combination from the DMV. Virginia allows you to request up to seven characters — letters, numbers, or a mix of both. You order through the Virginia DMV website or by mail, and the plate arrives at your address within two to four weeks after approval.
The process is straightforward: you search for your desired combination to confirm it is not already taken, pay a one-time fee, and submit your request. Virginia does not charge an annual renewal fee for vanity plates beyond your regular registration renewal, though the initial setup costs more than a standard plate.
Vanity plates work on any vehicle registered in Virginia — passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and trailers all have vanity options. You can transfer a vanity plate to a different vehicle you own, or keep it reserved if you sell the car it was on.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia vanity plates let you choose up to seven characters and cost a one-time fee of $35 plus your regular registration renewal fee.
- You must check availability on the Virginia DMV website before ordering, because the system will reject combinations already in use.
- Approval takes one to two weeks, and the physical plate arrives within two to four weeks after that.
- You can order online through your DMV account, by mail with form VSA 17, or in person at a DMV customer service center.
- Vanity plates renew on the same schedule as your vehicle registration and do not require a separate annual fee.
How to check availability and search for your plate combination
Start by visiting the Virginia DMV website and using the vanity plate search tool. Type in the exact combination you want — up to seven characters, using letters A through Z and numbers 0 through 9. The system shows you when ready whether that combination is available, reserved, or already assigned to another vehicle.
Keep in mind that Virginia blocks certain combinations: plates that spell profanity, slurs, or offensive terms are rejected automatically. Combinations that look too similar to standard plates (for example, all numbers that could be confused with a regular sequence) may also be denied. If your first choice is taken, the search tool usually suggests similar available options.
You can search as many combinations as you want before you commit to ordering. There is no charge for searching, and availability does not expire — if a plate is available when you search, it stays available until someone else orders it or you place your order.
Ordering online through your DMV account
The fastest route is to order through the Virginia DMV website using your online account. Log in with your Virginia driver's license number and date of birth, navigate to the vehicle registration section, and select "Order Vanity Plate." Enter your desired combination, confirm it is available, and proceed to payment.
You will need your vehicle registration number and current vehicle information on hand. The system asks you to confirm which vehicle the plate will go on, though you can transfer it later if you sell that car. Pay the $35 vanity plate fee plus any applicable registration renewal fees if your registration is expiring soon.
After you submit, you receive a confirmation number by email. The DMV reviews your request within one to two weeks. If approved, you will receive another email, and the physical plate ships to your address. If the combination is rejected (usually for content reasons), the DMV notifies you and you can search for a different one.
Ordering by mail or in person
If you do not have an online DMV account or prefer to order by mail, read form VSA 17 from the Virginia DMV website. Fill in your desired plate combination, vehicle information, and current registration details. Include a check or money order for $35 payable to the Virginia DMV, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes longer — typically three to four weeks for review, plus two to four weeks for the plate to arrive. Mail your request to the DMV address on the form, and keep a copy of your form and check number for your records.
You can also order in person at any Virginia DMV customer service center. Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and payment ($35 cash, check, or card, depending on the location). Staff will search availability while you wait and process your order on the spot. In-person ordering is useful if you want to confirm availability when ready or if you have questions about what combinations are allowed.
Fees and what they cover
The one-time vanity plate fee in Virginia is $35. This covers the cost of creating and issuing your custom plate. You pay this fee only once, when you first order the vanity plate.
Your regular vehicle registration renewal fee still applies on top of the vanity plate fee. If your registration is expiring within the next few months, you may pay both at the same time. If your registration is current, you pay only the $35 vanity plate fee now and your regular renewal fee when registration comes due.
When you renew your registration in future years, you pay the standard renewal fee — there is no additional annual charge for keeping the vanity plate. If you transfer the vanity plate to a different vehicle you own, there is no transfer fee; you straightforward update the vehicle information with the DMV.
Timeline from order to receiving your plate
The total time from placing your order to receiving the physical plate is typically three to six weeks. The DMV reviews your request within one to two weeks. If approved, the plate is manufactured and mailed to you, which takes another two to four weeks depending on mail volume and your location.
During the review period, you can continue driving on your current plate. Once the new vanity plate arrives, you install it yourself — Virginia does not require you to visit a service center to swap plates. Keep your old plate; you do not need to return it to the DMV.
If your order is rejected, the DMV contacts you by email or mail with the reason. You can then search for a different combination and resubmit. There is no additional fee to resubmit, but the review and shipping timeline starts over.
Transferring or keeping a vanity plate when you sell your vehicle
If you sell the vehicle your vanity plate is on, you have two options: transfer the plate to another vehicle you own, or place it on hold so you can use it on a future vehicle.
To transfer to another vehicle, contact the Virginia DMV and provide the new vehicle's registration number. The transfer is processed within one to two weeks, and you do not pay an additional fee. You keep the same plate number.
To place a plate on hold, notify the DMV that you are selling the vehicle and request to reserve the plate. It stays reserved under your name for up to one year. When you buy a new vehicle, you can reactivate the plate and have it transferred to the new registration. If you do not reactivate within one year, the plate becomes available for other drivers to order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spaces or special characters on a Virginia vanity plate?
No. Virginia vanity plates allow only letters (A–Z) and numbers (0–9). You cannot include spaces, hyphens, periods, or symbols. The seven-character limit is the maximum length, and you must use only alphanumeric characters.
What happens if someone else orders the plate I want while I am deciding?
Availability does not lock while you search. If you find a combination you like, order it as soon as you are ready. If someone else orders it first, the system will tell you it is no longer available when you try to submit. Search again and choose a different combination.
Can I put a vanity plate on a motorcycle or trailer?
Yes. Virginia offers vanity plates for motorcycles, trailers, and all other vehicle types registered in the state. The process is the same — search availability, pay the $35 fee, and wait for approval and delivery. Motorcycle plates are smaller, so you have fewer characters available; check the DMV website for motorcycle-specific character limits.
Do I have to renew my vanity plate every year?
No. Your vanity plate renews automatically with your vehicle registration. You pay your regular registration renewal fee, but there is no separate annual charge for the vanity plate itself. The plate stays yours as long as you own the vehicle and keep the registration current.
What if the DMV rejects my plate combination?
The DMV rejects combinations that contain profanity, slurs, or content it considers offensive. If your request is denied, you will receive notice by email or mail explaining why. You can then search for a different combination and submit a new order at no additional cost.