California Personalized License Plates
California calls its personalized license plates "Special Interest License Plates." These plates often feature unique designs that support various causes and organizations.
Already have a plate in mind? Check it against the official California availability tool.
Different state? See every state's availability checker.
Get California plate ideas
Describe yourself — name, job, hobbies — and we'll suggest personalized plate ideas you can preview on a California plate.
Stuck for an idea? Browse our plate lists for nurses, teachers, jeep owners, dog lovers and fishing, or all plate idea lists. Every idea fits California's character limit or can be trimmed to it.
Process:
You can apply for a California vanity plate online or by mail. Here's how to apply online:
- Visit the DMV website: Go to the California DMV website and find the personalized plates page.
- Choose your design: Select a plate design from the available options.
- Enter your message: Type in your desired combination of letters and numbers.
- Check availability: Make sure your message is available and doesn't violate any rules.
- Submit and pay: Complete the application and pay the fee online.
Rules:
- You can use up to six or seven characters (letters and numbers) on your personalized plate.
- You cannot use numbers to substitute for letters or vice versa if it creates a confusing or similar plate. For example, if "NICE" is already taken, you can't use "N1CE."
- California has strict rules against offensive or inappropriate plates. The DMV has the right to reject any configuration it deems offensive, and there's even a system for reporting inappropriate plates.
Fees:
| State | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee | Other Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $50-$103 | $40-$83 | Varies by plate type |
Important notes for California residents:
- Personalized plates are often tied to the owner, not the vehicle. This means you can usually keep your personalized plate even if you sell your car.
- Personalized plates take about 8-12 weeks to be produced, while sequential (randomly assigned) plates arrive in about 4-6 weeks.
- You can add a symbol to kids-themed plates for an extra touch of personalization.