How to Get a Personalized License Plate in Texas

Co-authored by Jason Shackelford and Caroline Heiderscheit

Last Updated: November 15, 2022 References

Vanity plates can be hilarious, heartfelt, or a great way to pay homage to your favorite sports teams—but how can you get a personalized plate in Texas? The process is actually beyond simple, and luckily, we're running you through the entire process below. To learn how you can display your favorite message on your car for the world to see, read on!

1

Choose your text.

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Come up with your personalized, 6-7 letter plate message. Note that while all other cars use 6-7 letter plates, motorcycles use 5 and passenger trucks use 4. Have a clever or heartfelt message in mind? Use it for your plate! Just be sure to follow these state guidelines:^{[1]
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- Use any letter, A-Z
- Use any number, 1-9
- Use spaces, hyphens, stars, hearts, and silhouettes of the shape of Texas
- Six-character plates must use at least 1 number
- The DMV can reject crude or inappropriate messages
- The international symbol of access counts as two letters’ spaces

2

Confirm your text is available on MyPlates.com.

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Check MyPlates.com to make sure the plate message is available. Simply type your message into the license plate generator and click "check." If it's already being used, you'll just receive “unavailable” in response.^{[2]
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3

Pick out your plate’s background design.

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Select your top background choice from over 500 options. When you’re looking through your choices on the MyPlates site, jot down notes when a design might require special application add-ons. You can tweak plate designs by speaking to a customer service rep; call them at (888) 769-7528. Choose from categories like:^{[3]
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- Sports teams
- Universities
- Occupations
- Military & Veterans
- Charities
- Businesses

4

Choose the length of your plate’s term.

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Request specialty plates for 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years. MyPlates will ask you to specify how long you want your custom plates for. So, take a moment to think it over and decide—1 year means less commitment, but 5 years saves you a little bit of money. Prices change depending on your background, messaging, and plate choices, but they’ll hover around these prices:^{[4]
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- 5 years: $495.00
- 3 years: $445.00
- 1 year: $195.00

5

Pay for your plates.

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Once you've input all of your design choices on MyPlates.com and the payment goes through, you're all set! If you have any questions about your purchase, you can reach a customer service rep by calling (888)769-7528.^{[5]
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6

Pick up your finished plates in 3-4 weeks.

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Once you’re notified that your plates are ready for pickup, you’ll travel to the office in person. Then, your tax office will help you update your registration information. Finally, you’re ready to bring your new plates home!^{[6]
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7

Submit an app to the state for special custom plates.

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Military, disability, classic car, and farm trailer plates need approval first. If your situation is unique, then your plates will require extra consideration from the state. You’ll need to submit an app and get approval before ordering your personalized plates. To find out whether you need to submit a special application, call your local tax or DMV office.^{[7]
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- If you need special approval from the state of Texas, your local office will tell you which application to fill out and where to send it.
- If you're getting disability specialty plates, visit your doctor first. You'll need a signed disability statement to attach to your application.
- Note that there will likely be a $30-40 application fee as well.

8

Renew custom plates within 60 days of expiration.

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You’ll receive your registration renewal notice by mail. This renewal notice will include your renewal deadline, your renewal fee, safety inspection requirements, and contact info for your county tax office. You can satisfy this renewal request in person, by mail, or online.^{[8]
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- Visit your county tax office and present your registration renewal request. Provide proof of insurance and pay.
- Provide documentation that covers the renewals request, include your payment and a photocopy of your proof of insurance, and mail to your county tax office.
- Visit your county tax office’s online site to renew.

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Question

How can I find out online whether the plate I want is taken?

CamelHey73

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Log onto your local DMV website, and check its requirements.

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Can I use the plate on a different vehicle if I sell one?

Community Answer

These plates follow the same laws as regular plates.

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Do I have to pay a fee each year for personalized license plates in Texas?

Community Answer

Yes, you do.

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