California
California calls its personalized license plates "Special Interest License Plates." These plates often feature unique designs that support various causes and organizations.
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.