How to Get a Vanity License Plate

Personalized vanity plates display your personality to the world (or, at least, to other drivers and pedestrians) and adds some visual pizzazz to your vehicle. Read this article to learn how to get them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Contact your state department of licensing to obtain the application form and learn about any restrictions. Restrictions often apply to the number of characters that can fit on the plate, certain symbols(such as the pound sign or an exclamation point) and vulgar or offensive messages.
2. Figure out what you want your vanity plates to say. Confirm that the wording you want is available and not already in use. Verify that your combination of letters and numbers is acceptable to the department of licensing. Some state websites have online search engines to check these criteria. If not, contact the office directly and ask.
3. Decide if you want a special design background or emblem on your plate. Common design options include mascots or mastheads for local colleges and universities, insignia for different military branches and service organizations, themes including sports, hobbies and nature scenes and other miscellaneous designs. Expect an additional cost beyond the standard licensing fee.
4. Complete a vanity plate application and submit it to your department of licensing. Pay the fee, which will depend on the type of vehicle to be licensed. The application may require you to submit the meaning of your proposed plate and a couple of alternate wording choices in case your first choice is rejected.
5. Wait several weeks for your new vanity plates to arrive.