How to Get a Personalized License Plate

Personalized (also referred to as “vanity”) and special license plates are becoming more popular with drivers. Personalized license contain language that you choose. Special license plates are plates that the state issues regardless of the license plate’s numbers and letters and promote special social or community issues. These vary by state but common special license plates are for purple heart recipients, historical vehicles, disabled drivers, war veterans, various college and university plates and many more. The costs for a personalized or special plate vary among states but are generally higher than traditional license plates.California’s rules for issuing personalized and special license plates are good examples of nationwide laws and regulations for such plates. California’s personalized plate application requires that the meaning of language on the plate be explained.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vehicle registration
• Vehicle tags

1. Acquire a new or used motor vehicle. If you already have a license plate, you will need to return the existing plate to your motor vehicle department prior to issuance of a special or personalized plate.

2. Review the website maintained by your state’s motor vehicle department. This will provide a list of special plates that are available as well as rules regarding personalized license plates.

3. Select a special license plate or submit your request for a personalized license plate and note the cost of acquisition.

4. Complete your state’s form for requesting a special or personalized plate. Then, either take the application in person or mail it to the proper motor vehicle department address. Include payment along with your application.

5. Await approval of your personalization request. If your application is denied, the MVD (or DMV) will provide you the reasons that the plate was denied. You may appeal the decision. If approved, return your old license plate to your nearest MVD/DMV office either in person or by mail.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared to request several options for your personalized plate since the specific letter and numerical combinations may already be in use.
• Motor vehicle departments run a series of extensive searches in order to prevent issuance of personalized license plates which contain potentially offensive, foul or racist language. In their searches, they will also screen numbers that may contain the same prohibited inferences when decoded.

[jimdris]

on 2/19/2009 Check the price too - some states are rather expensive!