What New York Custom Plates Are and How to Order Them
New York custom plates let you choose a combination of letters and numbers (up to eight characters) instead of receiving a random plate from the DMV. You order them through the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, and they arrive by mail after your request is processed. The plate itself looks like a standard New York plate but displays your chosen combination instead of the state-assigned one.
Custom plates cost more than standard registration — the exact fee depends on which type of custom plate you want. You can order them when you first register a vehicle, renew your registration, or at any point while your vehicle is registered. The process takes place either online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
Key Takeaways
- You choose up to eight characters (letters, numbers, or both) for your plate, but the DMV rejects combinations that are offensive, too similar to existing plates, or spell out profanity.
- Custom plates cost between $20 and $100 extra per year depending on the plate type you select, on top of your regular registration fee.
- You can check whether your desired combination is available before you pay, through the DMV's online plate search tool.
- Processing time is typically four to six weeks after the DMV approves your request, and your new plate arrives by mail.
- If your chosen combination is taken, the DMV will reject it and you will need to submit a different one.
Types of Custom Plates Available in New York
New York offers several custom plate categories, and the one you choose affects both the cost and the design. The standard custom plate is the most common option and costs $20 extra per year. Specialty custom plates — such as those supporting specific causes, professions, or organizations — cost between $25 and $100 per year depending on the category.
Some specialty plates direct a portion of the fee to a designated organization or fund. For example, certain environmental or veteran-themed plates may contribute to related programs. Check the DMV website to see which specialty categories are currently available and what portion of the fee goes to each cause, since these offerings change periodically.
You can also combine a custom plate with a vanity registration if you want both a personalized combination and a specialty design. The costs stack — you pay the base custom plate fee plus the specialty plate fee.
Checking Availability and Reserving Your Combination
Before you submit a formal request, use the DMV's online plate search tool to check whether your desired combination is available. Go to the New York DMV website, find the custom plate section, and enter the letters and numbers you want. The tool will tell you when ready whether that combination is taken or available.
If your combination is available, you can reserve it for a set period (usually 30 to 60 days, depending on the DMV's current policy). A reservation holds the combination while you complete your registration or renewal paperwork. If you do not complete the order within the reservation period, the combination becomes available again.
The DMV automatically rejects certain combinations: those that are already assigned to another vehicle, those that spell profanity or slurs, those that are too similar to existing plates (which could confuse law enforcement), and those that violate DMV policy. If your combination is rejected, you will receive notice by mail explaining why, and you can submit a different one.
How to Order Custom Plates Online
Ordering online is the fastest route. Log into your account on the New York DMV website using your driver's license number and date of birth. Navigate to the vehicle registration section and select the option to add or change a custom plate.
Enter your desired combination and check availability. If it is available, add it to your cart along with any other registration changes you need to make. Pay the custom plate fee (plus any registration renewal fees if applicable) by credit or debit card. The DMV will send you a confirmation email with a reference number.
After the DMV processes your order — typically within one to two weeks — you will receive a second email confirming approval or rejection. If approved, your new plate will ship within two to four weeks. If rejected, the email will explain why and you can submit a different combination.
Ordering Custom Plates by Mail or In Person
If you prefer not to order online, you can request a custom plate by mail. read the appropriate form from the DMV website (usually Form MV-44 for registration or Form MV-82 for renewal), fill it out with your desired plate combination, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your payment.
Processing by mail takes longer than online ordering — typically three to four weeks for the DMV to review your request, plus additional time for mail delivery both ways. Include a check or money order for the custom plate fee. Do not send cash.
You can also visit a DMV office in person to request a custom plate. Bring your vehicle registration, proof of ownership, and payment. An agent will check availability on the spot and process your request when ready. You will still wait four to six weeks for the plate to arrive by mail, but you avoid the mail processing delay.
What Happens After Your Plate Arrives
When your new custom plate arrives, remove your old plate and install the new one. New York plates are secured with two bolts (one at the top and one at the bottom). Use a wrench or socket set to remove the old plate, then attach the new one using the same bolt holes.
Keep your old plate. You do not need to return it to the DMV, but some people keep it as a memento or recycle it. Your vehicle registration document will be updated to reflect the new plate number, and that updated registration is what you carry in your vehicle.
If your custom plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the DMV to request a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee (typically $20 to $30) and receive a new plate by mail within four to six weeks.
Costs and Renewal
The cost of a custom plate varies by type. A standard custom plate costs $20 extra per year on top of your regular registration fee. Specialty custom plates range from $25 to $100 per year depending on the category. These are annual fees — you pay them every time you renew your registration.
When your registration is up for renewal, you can renew your custom plate at the same time. If you renew online, the custom plate fee will be included in your renewal notice. If you renew by mail or in person, specify that you want to keep your custom plate and include the appropriate fee.
If you decide you no longer want a custom plate, you can switch back to a standard plate at your next renewal. You will not receive a refund for the unused portion of your custom plate fee, but your renewal fee will drop to the standard registration rate going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my custom plate to a different vehicle?
Yes. Contact the DMV and request a plate transfer. You will need the registration for both vehicles and proof of ownership. There is typically a small transfer fee. The plate will be reassigned to your new vehicle, and your registration documents will be updated accordingly.
What if someone else has the combination I want?
The DMV will reject your request and notify you by mail. You will need to choose a different combination and resubmit. The availability search tool shows you in real time whether a combination is taken, so check before you pay to avoid this delay.
How long does it take to get a custom plate?
Processing typically takes one to two weeks if you order online, three to four weeks if you order by mail. After approval, the plate itself ships within two to four weeks. Total time from order to arrival is usually four to six weeks.
Can I get a custom plate with special characters or symbols?
No. New York custom plates allow only letters (A–Z) and numbers (0–9). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, asterisks, or other symbols. The maximum length is eight characters total.
Do I need to inspect my vehicle before ordering a custom plate?
No. A custom plate is purely cosmetic and does not require a vehicle inspection. You can order one at any time during your registration period, whether your vehicle is brand new or has been registered for years.