Ever felt your car deserved a little more personality? A custom Florida license plate can turn heads, show off your interests, or simply make your vehicle truly yours. But figuring out how to get one can be confusing, especially with so many options and requirements.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about ordering a Florida DMV custom plate. You’ll get step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and insights to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.
Related Video
How to Get a Custom License Plate from the Florida DMV
Custom license plates, also known as personalized or vanity plates, are a great way to express your personality, interests, or support a cause right on your vehicle. In Florida, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV) makes it relatively simple to order custom plates, whether you want your initials, a clever phrase, or a specialty design. Here’s a comprehensive guide to how the process works, what you’ll need, cost considerations, and tips for making your personalized plate uniquely yours.
What Is a Custom License Plate in Florida?
A custom license plate in Florida either contains:
– Personalized characters chosen by you (within specified guidelines), or
– A specialty background supporting a cause, organization, or university, which may be combined with a personalized message.
There are two main types:
1. Personalized Plates: You pick the combination of letters and numbers (subject to availability and guidelines).
2. Specialty Plates: Feature unique designs representing charities, universities, sports teams, or special interests—often available with personalization.
Step-by-Step: How to Order a Florida Custom License Plate
Getting your custom Florida plate is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
1. Decide on Your Customization
- Personalization: Think about what you want your plate to say—whether it’s your name, a nickname, a business, or a fun message.
- Plate Type: Choose between a standard personalized plate or a specialty plate. Specialty plates support various causes, universities, or groups and often cost more but let you show support for what matters to you.
2. Check Availability
- Use the DMV’s Personalized Plate Check tool online to see if your desired plate configuration is available.
- Remember, the DMV restricts certain words and phrases for appropriateness, and each type of vehicle plate has its own character limit (commonly 7 characters for most vehicles).
3. Gather Required Information
Before heading to your local tax collector’s office, make sure you have:
– Your current Florida vehicle registration.
– Valid photo ID (Florida driver’s license or state-issued ID).
– Payment for all applicable fees (see below).
4. Visit Your Local Tax Collector’s Office
Ordering custom plates in Florida typically requires you to apply in person at your county tax collector’s office. Here’s what you’ll do:
1. Fill out the personalized or specialty plate application form.
2. Submit your chosen plate message/design for approval.
3. Pay the necessary fees and taxes.
5. Pay Fees and Submit Your Application
- Fees include an initial issuance fee for personalized or specialty plates, annual plate fee, and standard registration or renewal fees.
- Specialty plates may have an extra contribution to the associated organization or cause.
- Save your payment receipt—your new plate will either be issued immediately or mailed to you, depending on local office inventory.
6. Wait for Delivery (if needed)
- Some plate types are made to order and will be mailed to your address or tax collector’s office for pickup.
- Standard processing takes several weeks, so plan accordingly if you’re ordering for a specific event or deadline.
Costs: What to Expect
When ordering a Florida custom plate, the cost depends on your selections:
- Personalized Plate Fee: $15 annually (plus standard registration fees).
- Specialty Plate Fee: Usually $25 per year (some plates may charge more, due to contributions to organizations).
- Initial Issuance Fee: $28 (one-time for new specialty or personalized plates).
- Shipping/Processing Fee: Some counties may add a nominal shipping or clerical fee if the plate is mailed to you.
Tip: All fees must be paid upfront. If you renew your registration early to get a custom plate, you may need to pay for the next registration term.
Important Rules and Best Practices
Plate Message Guidelines
The Florida DMV sets strict rules:
– No profanity, obscenity, or offensive language.
– No duplication of existing plates.
– Some combinations (like “911,” “GOV,” or combinations implying law enforcement) may be restricted.
If your requested combination is denied, you’ll need to choose an alternate.
Character Limits
- Standard plates: Usually up to 7 characters (including spaces, hyphens may count as characters).
- Specialty plates: Sometimes fewer characters due to design.
- Motorcycle plates: Fewer characters (often only 6).
Renewal
- Personalized and specialty plates must be renewed annually, along with your vehicle registration.
- If your specialty plate ends support for a cause or is discontinued, you’ll need to choose a new plate when renewing.
Benefits of Florida Custom License Plates
Why do so many Floridians opt for custom plates? Here are some of the perks:
- Personal Expression: Your car becomes an extension of your identity.
- Support a Cause: Specialty plates can fund education, environmental efforts, health awareness, and more.
- Gift Idea: Personalized plates make memorable gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations.
- Business Promotion: Small businesses often use custom plates as a subtle way to advertise.
Potential Challenges to Be Aware Of
Ordering and keeping a custom plate does have a few hurdles:
- Rejections: The DMV may reject plate messages for suggestive or trademarked content.
- Wait Times: Custom plates take longer to manufacture and deliver—sometimes several weeks.
- Higher Cost: Ongoing fees are above standard registration.
- Switching or Surrendering Plates: Moving out of state or transferring ownership means you may have to surrender your plate.
Tips for Getting the Perfect Custom Plate
- Double-Check Availability: Use the online tool before heading into the office to avoid disappointment.
- Be Creative—But Civil: Try abbreviations, letter/number swaps, or unique phrasing while keeping within guidelines.
- Consider Future Renewal Costs: Specialty plate fees are annual and required as long as you have the plate.
- Apply Early: If the plate is a gift or needed by a certain date, order several weeks in advance.
- Keep Documentation: Always save your original receipts and confirmation in case there’s a mail or processing issue.
Best Practices for Handling Costs and Shipping
- Combine Renewal & Plate Ordering: Align your vehicle registration renewal with your custom plate order to streamline fees and prevent overlap.
- In-Office Pickup Saves Shipping Fees: If possible, pick your plate up from the tax collector’s office to avoid extra mailing costs.
- Military or Out-of-State Needs: If you’re a Florida resident stationed elsewhere, ask if you can apply by mail or if special accommodations are available.
Summary
Getting a custom license plate in Florida is both fun and practical. With dozens of specialty backgrounds and millions of possible combinations for personalized plates, you can find the perfect way to make your vehicle stand out. While the process requires in-person application, adherence to state guidelines, and a willingness to pay extra fees, most find the experience straightforward and rewarding. Remember to renew annually and follow all Florida DMV regulations to keep your message on the road for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many characters can I have on a Florida custom plate?
Most Florida personalized plates allow up to 7 characters for cars and passenger vehicles (including letters, numbers, spaces, and some punctuation). Motorcycle plates typically allow 6 characters.
2. Can I order a custom plate online in Florida?
You can check availability and browse specialty plate options online. However, initial orders for personalized or specialty plates must usually be completed in person at your local county tax collector’s office.
3. What happens if my custom message is denied or unavailable?
If your first choice is denied (due to appropriateness or duplication), you’ll need to submit alternative choices on your application. Prepare a few options in advance just in case.
4. Are there additional renewal fees for custom or specialty plates?
Yes. In addition to your standard vehicle registration fees, you must pay the annual renewal fee for personalized ($15) or specialty plates (usually $25 or more, depending on the plate).
5. Do I keep my custom plate if I sell my car or move out of Florida?
If you sell your vehicle but stay in Florida, you can usually transfer your custom plate to your new car. If you move out of state or give up your registration, Florida law requires you to surrender your license plate.
Thinking about showing off your style, supporting an important cause, or simply making your ride memorable? Florida’s custom license plate process is your ticket to standing out on the road. Just follow the steps, mind the rules, and enjoy cruising with a plate that’s entirely your own!