How to Get a Personalized License Plate in Virginia

Obtaining personalized license plates in Virginia is the first step to truly personalizing your vehicle's exterior. With the convenience of an online plate checking system and a quick, simple application form, getting personalized license plates in Virginia is a snap!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer
• Vehicle's registration

1. Log on to Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles Web site (see below).

2. Access an official application for personalized license plates by selecting "Forms and Publications" and downloading Form # VSA-10.

3. Read the instructions section on the third page 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. Mark "Vehicle License Plate."

5. Check "Personalized License Plate."

6. List four choices for your personalized license plates in order of preference using capital alphanumeric character combinations. The number of allowable characters on your personalized license plate is dependent on your vehicle's type and plate selection; follow the rules for personalized message options outlined on the application portion of the form. Spaces and dashes count only as half spaces.

7. Write the registered owner's name, address and telephone number. Print your vehicle's information, including its current plate number, type and expiration date, vehicle title number and vehicle identification number.

8. Indicate whether your vehicle is insured or not. Sign and date your application to signify its truthfulness. You must be the registered owner of the vehicle.

9. Determine your fees and make a personal check or money order out to DMV.

10. Mail your application and payment to Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Post Office Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269-0001.

11. Receive your personalized license plates within 60 days. Affix any new decals on your permanent personalized plates upon receipt and use.

Tips & Warnings

• Personalized license plates are usually mailed within 60 days. If you move, be sure to contact Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles and give them your new address. If you do not advise the DMV 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 DMV 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. If you do not renew your personalized license plates, your personalized license plate message will become available to the general public after their expiration.
• The DMV 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 Virginia'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 department. Be advised that additional paperwork may be required.
• If Virginia's DMV 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.