How to Get a Personalized License Plate in California

Tired of road raging? Take the high road and switch to road phrasing! Get a personalized license plate in California, express your individual personality and make your presence known wherever the road of life may take you. It's as simple as A-B-C, and 1, 2, 3.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet access
• SSL-supported browser
• Vehicle's registration
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, check or money order

Instructions

1. Logon to California's Department of Motor Vehicles Web site and download a Special Interest License Plate Application.

2. Print the application.

3. Mark the box next to the type of license plate you are requesting.

4. Record your name, mailing address and your current license plate's number.

5. Indicate what type of vehicle for which you will be ordering a personalized license plate.

6. Select "Personalized".

7. Choose your preference in plate pick-up location.

8. Enter three different choices for your personalized plates using capital alphanumeric character combinations. The number of alphanumeric characters on your plate may be between two and six; if all characters are numerical, you are allowed seven characters. Use a slash to indicate a half-space and an asterisk to indicate a full space.

9. Provide the meanings of your personalized license plate messages so that the department may make a decision on their appropriateness. Applications will be automatically rejected without them.

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

11. Include your check or money order. Make it payable to DMV.

12. Mail your completed application, payment and current registration card to DMV, P.O. Box 932345, Sacramento, CA, 94232-3450.

13. Receive notification that your personalized license plate, along with new month and year tabs and/or a new registration, are available for pick up within 8 to 12 weeks.

14. Pick up your personalized license plates at the preferred location specified on your application.

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

Tips & Warnings

• Permanent personalized license plates usually arrive within 8 to 12 weeks. If you move or do not receive your plates within this time frame, contact the department with your concerns.

• Be advised that if your plate is approved, it may undergo some changes during manufacturing. Certain characters' widths may cause the spacing specified to be reduced or eliminated.

• You can place an order for a personalized license plate electronically by accessing California's DMV Web site and entering the same information that is requested on the paper form. Opting to use the electronic version of the application offers drivers the opportunity to check for personalized license plate availability in real time. Be advised that the only payment methods allowed are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards.

• The address on your vechile's registration must be correct. Contact the DMV and make all changes to your address before placing your order. 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. Keep this in mind while choosing your plate message.

• Personalized license plates cost more than a standard license plate. Be aware that additional fees will likely apply on top of the standard license plate fees that you are accustomed to paying.

• If your vehicle is sold, traded or its ownership transferred after the issuance of the personalized license plates, you must contact California's DMV 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 DMV. 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.