The basic process: order through your state's DMV

Custom license plates are ordered through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, either online, by mail, or in person at a local office. The process takes four to eight weeks from approval to delivery. You will need to own or lease the vehicle, have a valid driver's license, and pay a one-time custom plate fee plus an annual renewal fee — both amounts vary by state, ranging from $25 to $100 for the initial order.

Most states require you to check whether your desired plate text is available before you pay. This search is free and takes seconds on the DMV website. Once you confirm the text is not taken, you submit your order with payment. The state then reviews it for offensive language or trademarked content. If approved, the plates are manufactured and mailed to you or held for pickup.

You cannot use a custom plate until it arrives and you install it on your vehicle. Some states allow you to keep your old plate temporarily while waiting; others require you to use a temporary registration sticker. Check your state's rules before ordering so you know what to expect.

Key Takeaways

  • Custom plates are ordered through your state DMV online, by mail, or in person, and take four to eight weeks to arrive.
  • You must check availability for free on your state's DMV website before paying the one-time custom plate fee and annual renewal fee.
  • The state reviews your chosen text for offensive language or trademark conflicts and may reject it without refunding your fee.
  • Some states allow temporary use of your old plate while waiting for the custom plate; others require a temporary registration sticker.
  • Custom plates renew annually at the same time as your vehicle registration, and renewal fees are typically lower than the initial order cost.

Where to order: online, mail, or in person

Most states now offer online ordering through their DMV website. You log in with your driver's license number, select the vehicle, choose your text, pay by credit card, and receive a confirmation number. This is the fastest route and takes 10 to 15 minutes. The DMV then mails the plates to your address on file.

If your state does not offer online ordering, you can order by mail. read the process form from the DMV website, fill it out, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes longer this way — typically six to ten weeks — because the form must be received, processed, and reviewed by hand.

In-person ordering at a local DMV office is also an option in most states. Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and payment. You can check availability and submit your order the same day, though you will still wait four to eight weeks for the plates to be manufactured and mailed to you. Some offices allow you to pick up plates instead of having them mailed, which can save a week or two.

Text restrictions: what you cannot use

Every state bans certain words and phrases on custom plates. Most prohibit profanity, slurs, and sexually explicit language. Many also block text that mimics government plates, emergency vehicle plates, or disabled parking plates. Some states reject plates that reference illegal drugs or weapons.

Trademark and brand names are often rejected if they are too recognizable or if the state believes you are impersonating a company or government entity. For example, a plate reading "FBI" or "TESLA" will likely be denied. Text that could be confused with a real license plate format — such as a plate that looks like it belongs to law enforcement or a government agency — is also blocked.

The state's review process is not transparent, and rejection reasons are sometimes vague. If your plate is denied, you will receive a notice explaining the reason, but you may not be able to appeal. Most states allow you to resubmit a different text choice, though you may have to pay the fee again. Check your state's specific banned words list on the DMV website before ordering to avoid rejection.

Fees and renewal: what it costs each year

Initial custom plate fees range from $25 to $100 depending on your state. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge more for certain text lengths or special characters. A few states offer discounted custom plates for military veterans or disabled drivers.

Annual renewal fees are typically lower than the initial order — often $15 to $50 per year. You renew your custom plate at the same time you renew your vehicle registration, usually once every one to two years depending on your state. If you do not renew, the plate reverts to the state and becomes available for someone else to order.

If you sell your vehicle, your custom plate does not transfer to the new owner. You can keep the plate and transfer it to another vehicle you own, or you can return it to the DMV. Some states charge a small fee to transfer a plate between vehicles; others do it for free. Check your state's transfer rules before selling your car if you want to keep the plate.

How long it takes: from order to installation

The timeline breaks into three stages: approval, manufacturing, and delivery. Approval usually takes one to two weeks. The state reviews your text for banned content and trademark conflicts. If approved, your order moves to manufacturing.

Manufacturing takes two to four weeks. The plates are made to order, not pulled from stock. During this time, you can use your old plate or a temporary registration sticker, depending on your state's rules. Some states send you a temporary sticker in the mail with your confirmation; others require you to visit a DMV office to get one.

Delivery takes one to two weeks after manufacturing is complete. The plates are mailed to your address on file. Once they arrive, you remove your old plate and install the new one yourself — no visit to the DMV is required. Keep your old plate or destroy it according to your state's instructions.

Special characters and design options

Most states allow numbers, letters, and spaces on custom plates. Some allow hyphens, asterisks, or other symbols, though availability varies. Check your state's character guide on the DMV website to see what is permitted.

Many states offer design options beyond the standard white plate with blue state header. You may be able to choose a background color, add a state flag or emblem, or select a specialty plate design — such as a military, environmental, or sports team theme. Each design option may have its own fee, usually $10 to $25 more than a standard custom plate.

Specialty plates often support a cause or organization. For example, a state may offer a "Save the Whales" plate where part of the fee goes to a marine conservation group. These plates have fixed text or limited customization, so you cannot choose your own text. If you want both a custom message and a specialty design, check whether your state allows combining them.

What happens if your plate is rejected

If the state denies your custom plate text, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining the reason. Common reasons include offensive language, trademark conflict, or text that mimics a government plate. The notice will tell you whether you can resubmit a different text choice.

Most states allow one free resubmission. You can choose new text and resubmit your order without paying again. If you resubmit and are denied a second time, you may have to pay the fee again to try a third choice, depending on your state's policy. Some states do not allow resubmission at all and keep your fee as non-refundable.

If you disagree with the rejection, some states have an appeal process, but it is limited. You can contact the DMV to ask for clarification, but you cannot force the state to approve text it deems inappropriate. The safest approach is to choose text that is clearly not offensive, does not reference a brand or government agency, and does not mimic a real plate format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a custom plate on a leased vehicle?

Yes, in most states. You will need the leasing company's permission and proof of the lease. Some leasing companies charge an extra fee or require you to remove the plate when you return the vehicle. Contact your leasing company before ordering to confirm their policy.

What if someone else has already ordered the text I want?

The text is no longer available. You must choose different text. The availability check on the DMV website will tell you when ready if your choice is taken. You can try variations — such as adding a number or using a different spelling — but the exact text you want cannot be used.

Do I have to install the custom plate myself, or can the DMV do it?

You install it yourself. Custom plates are mailed to your home, and installation takes five minutes — you remove the old plate and bolt on the new one. The DMV does not install plates. If you need help, a tire shop or auto repair shop can install it for a small fee.

Can I transfer my custom plate to a new vehicle?

Yes, in most states. Contact your DMV to request a transfer. Some states charge a small fee; others do it for free. The transfer usually takes one to two weeks. You will keep your old plate temporarily or use a temporary sticker until the transfer is complete.

What happens to my custom plate if I do not renew it?

The plate reverts to the state and becomes available for someone else to order. You will receive a renewal notice before your plate expires, usually 30 to 60 days in advance. If you miss the important date, you can renew late, but you may owe a penalty fee depending on your state.