How to Get a Personalized License Plate in Texas

Everything's bigger and better in Texas--even personalized license plates! The Lone Star State offers personalized license plates with up to 6 characters, plus the option of including a silhouette of Texas on your plate. With all these options, the possible combinations of your personalized license plate message are as limitless as the highways.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer
• Vehicle's registration

1. Log on to the Texas Department of Transportation Web site (see below).

2. Access an official application for personalized license plates by following the "Services" link, clicking on the "Vehicle Titles and Registration" link, clicking on "Personalized" under "License Plates," scrolling down and downloading Form # VTR-35-A.

3. Read the instructions section on the first and second pages of the form before proceeding to the application portion of the form. Keep all rules, regulations, policies and class designations in mind while filling out the application.

4. Write your name as shown on your current registration form, address, county and daytime telephone number.

5. Select a plate type.

6. List three choices for your personalized license plates in order of preference using capital alphanumeric character combinations. You are allowed a maximum of six characters in your personalized license plate message; follow the rules for personalized message options outlined on the application portion of the form. You may use periods, spaces and dashes. Use an asterisk where you would like to display a silhouette of Texas.

7. Determine your fees and make a personal check, money order or cashier's check payable to Texas Department of Transportation.

8. Mail your application and check to Texas Department of Transportation, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division (SPB), Austin, TX 78779-0001.

9. Call your local county tax office in 2 weeks to verify that your plates are ready to be picked up.

10. Pick up your personalized license plates at your local county tax office. Affix any new decals on your permanent personalized plates upon receipt and use.

Tips & Warnings

• If you move, be sure to contact Texas' Vehicle Titles and Registration Division and give them your new address. If you do not advise the VTRD of your move, receipt of your personalized license plates may be complicated or delayed.
• 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, eliminated or altered.
• The address on your vehicle's registration must be correct. Contact the VTRD and make all changes to your address before placing your order for personalized license plates.
• You may keep your personalized license plates for as long as you wish, as long as you renew the special registration of your plates before their expiration date and pay all fees associated with them.
• The VTRD 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 fees will likely compound on top of the standard license plate fees that you are accustomed to paying.
• Blank or incomplete areas on your application will cause the application process for your personalized license plate to be delayed. Be sure to fill in all requested information completely and truthfully.
• If your vehicle is sold, traded or its ownership transferred after the issuance of the personalized license plates, you must contact Texas' VTRD 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 department. Be advised that additional paperwork may be required.
• If Texas' VTRD approves your personalized license plate and later finds that your message is offensive or inappropriate, your personalized license plate may be recalled.
• Your vehicle's registration must be current for your application to be approved.
• No refunds will be issued once your order for personalized license plates has been placed.
• If your current registration's expiration date for your plates does not correspond to the new personalized plates' expiration date, you may be required to pay extra fees.