New Jersey Personalized License Plates
In New Jersey, residents can personalize their license plates—referred to as "Personalized Plates"—for various vehicle types, including passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and certain commercial vehicles. Personalized plates allow for a combination of letters and numbers, subject to specific character limits and guidelines.
Already have a plate in mind? Check it against the official New Jersey availability tool.
Different state? See every state's availability checker.
Get New Jersey plate ideas
Describe yourself — name, job, hobbies — and we'll suggest personalized plate ideas you can preview on a New Jersey 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 New Jersey's character limit or can be trimmed to it.
How to Get a Personalized New Jersey Plate
- Check Plate Availability: Before applying, verify if your desired plate combination is available using the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC)'s Personalized Plates page.
- Submit an Application:
- Online: Use the MyMVC Personalized Plate Application to select your plate design, enter your desired combination, and complete the application process.
- By Mail: Complete the Personalized License Plate Application (Form SP-1) and submit it, along with the appropriate fees, to the address listed on the form.
- Await Approval: The MVC will review your application to ensure the requested plate combination adheres to state guidelines. Once approved, the personalized plate will be manufactured.
- Receive Your Plate: You will be notified when your personalized plate is ready for pickup at your local MVC office. Processing times may vary.
Important Notes for New Jersey Residents
- Character Limits:
- Standard Plates: Up to 7 characters for passenger vehicles.
- Motorcycle Plates: Up to 5 characters.
- Prohibited Content: Plates must not contain offensive or inappropriate language. The MVC reserves the right to deny any combination deemed offensive to good taste and decency.
- No Punctuation: Punctuation marks or special characters are not permitted. Spaces are allowed and count as characters.
- Plate Ownership: Personalized plates are generally tied to the vehicle owner, not the vehicle itself. If you sell your vehicle, you may transfer the personalized plates to another vehicle registered in your name.
- Renewal: Personalized plates must be renewed annually, along with your vehicle registration.
Fees:
| State | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $50 | $50 |
These fees are in addition to standard vehicle registration fees.
New Jersey MVC - Personalized Plates