How to Get a Personalized License Plate in Arizona

Tired of road raging? Take the high road and switch to road phrasing! Get a personalized license plate in Arizona, express your individual personality and make your presence known wherever the road of life may take you.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Credit card, check or money order
• SSL-supported brower
• Computer
• Vehicle's registration

Instructions

1. Log on to Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division Web site (see Resources below) and download an official application for a personalized license plate.

2. Print the application.

3. Record your name, mailing address and your vehicle's year, make, current plate, VIN and registration expiration date.

4. Select a plate style. Note the differences in cost and characters that are allowed on each type of plate while making your selection.

5. Enter three different choices for your personalized plates using capital alphanumeric character combinations and considering the number of characters allowed on your preferred plate style. Observe all spacing, punctuation and lettering rules on the form.

6. Write out the meaning of your personalized license plate message so the department may make a decision on its appropriateness.

7. Sign and date your application. Include your daytime telephone number.

8. Include your check or money order. Make it payable to Motor Vehicle Division.

9. Mail your completed application and payment to: Mail Drop 801Z, Special Plates Unit, Motor Vehicle Division, PO Box 2100, Phoenix, AZ, 85001-2100.

10. Receive your personalized license plates in the mail within three to four weeks along with new month and year tabs and/or a new registration.

11. Affix the month and year tabs on your permanent personalized plates upon receipt.

12. Or, place an order for a personalized license plate electronically at Arizona's EZ Plate Web site (see Resources below) and enter the same information that is requested on the paper form. This lets you check for personalized license plate availability in real time. The only payment methods allowed are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards.

Tips & Warnings

• Permanent personalized license plates usually arrive within three to four weeks. If you move or do not receive your plates within this time frame, contact the department with your concerns.

• The address on your vechile's registration must be correct. If your personalized license plates are sent to an incorrect address, you may be charged a reissuing fee.

• The department will not honor requests for personalized license plates that contain prohibited characters, offensive or misleading messages or alphanumeric combinations that are already in use.

• Personalized license plates cost more than a standard license plate. Be aware that additional fees will likely apply.

• If your vehicle is sold, traded or its ownership transferred after the issuance of the personalized license plates, you must contact Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division to report the transaction. You must also follow the appropriate guidelines to release the plate to the new owner, transfer the plate to your new vehicle or return the plate to the MVD. Be advised that additional paperwork may be required.

• Once your order has been placed, all requests for order changes, cancellations and refunds will be denied. You may only request a plate change or refund if your plate has not gone into manufacturing.