Related Questions from DMV Answers

• How much do personalized license plates cost?

  • Registration > License Plates

  Personalized license plates, otherwise known as vanity, courtesy, custom, or prestige license plates, have become very popular in the United States as automobile owners seek individuality. Every state offers personalized license plates for an additional fee. Getting vanity plates is fun. It makes a personal statement about the owner of the vehicle. Another benefit is that your personalized plates make your vehicle very easy to identify when parked in a crowded lot. Coming up with a unique license plate can be somewhat difficult. It’s time to give your creative side a workout. Make sure that your message isn’t offensive or something that will send the wrong message to other drivers. For safety reasons, you may want to avoid using your first name on your license plate. Try to..

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• Can I order vanity license plates for my motorcycle?

  • Registration > License Plates

  Ordering Vanity Plates and Personalized Plates for Motorcycles Contact your DMV for assistance in ordering personalized or vanity license plates for your motorcycle. Restrictions exist in number of characters, letter and number combinations, punctuation marks, license plate backgrounds and availability. And, even after you decide on a license plate combination, there's still no guarantee that your first, second, or even third choice will be accepted. Depending on your state, you may be able to check license plate availability online before ordering. When dealing with personalized and vanity applications for motorcycle license plates, each one, regardless of state, must be reviewed. Some states even require explanations or meanings behind combination requests for specialty plates. Anything..

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• What is the cost of license plates?

  • Registration > License Plates

  The cost of license plates is usually included in the fees you pay when you register a vehicle for the first time (you can’t just randomly order a license plate, after all), and first-time registration fees are notorious for being much higher than renewals. So, the amount you see in the grid will most likely reflect the total cost of registration; however, most states charge additional fees for taxes (hence the much higher first-time registration fees), so you might end up paying more than what the grid states. Note that this grid deals with regular license plates for regular passenger vehicles (think of a typical car or pickup truck). It doesn’t reflect the cost of license plates for vehicles like motorcycles, heavy-duty trucks and tractors, buses, or taxis, and it..

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• Must I return license plates and cancel registration when I move out of state?

  • Registration > License Plates

  Each state maintains different requirements regarding license plates. Some mandate that you must return license plates along with a registration cancellation notice. Others require no notification from the registered owner. See the grid below for state-by-state information.  If you live in a state that does not require surrendering your plates, you're free to keep them as souvenirs. If you don't plan on keeping them, be sure to protect yourself against possible identity theft or criminal involvement by disposing of properly.  ..

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• Am I required to have license plates on the front and back of my car?

  • Registration > License Plates

  Currently 31 states and the District of Columbia require all registered vehicles to display two license plates. Nineteen states mandate only one license plate. Consult the grid below to see state-by-state plate requirements.  Drivers in states that require only one license plate must display the plate on the rear of the vehicle. Most of those states will allow the vacant front slot to be used for a novelty and/or customized plate. For more information regarding license plate rules and regulations, contact your state's DMV office. ..

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