How to buy a personal number plate in Maryland

Maryland offers a variety of styles of personalized license plates (also known as "cosmetic badges"), from personalized car tags to license plates associated with organizations such as universities/colleges, nonprofits, and more.

Maryland offers many different styles of personalized license plates (also known as vanity license plates), from personalized car tokens to license plates associated with organizations such as universities/colleges, nonprofits, and charities.

If you qualify, Maryland also offers military plates and classic car tags for classic cars that meet certain criteria. Each category has an associated fee, and some categories require a renewal fee, which is repeated biennially or annually.

If you are a Maryland resident and would like to apply for a personalized license plate, follow these steps so you can travel the way you want.

Part 1 of 1. Apply for an individual license plate

The application process for a personalized license plate requires you to go through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Authority (MVA). You can apply online, in person or by mail.

Step 1: Visit the MVA website. If you are applying for a vanity plate online, go to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Authority website and click on the License Plate Personalization link.

This link will be marked with a marker on the left side of the screen under the "Automobile Services" section.

Step 2: Enter your email address and phone number. On the Personalized Nameplate page, enter your email address and phone number.

Step 3: Confirm the uniqueness of the number. Before filling out the online application, enter the characters you want your license plate to read to confirm that it does not already exist.

Plates for full-size vehicles consist of only seven characters. Motorcycle and handicap numbers are only six characters long.

If the characters you want exist, you'll have to try again until you find a unique one.

• AttentionA: If you would like to apply for a personalized license plate in person or by mail from Maryland, please contact your local Department of Transportation office to verify the uniqueness of your personalized license plate and receive a purchase application.

Step 4. Confirm your vehicle type. Then, on the application form, you will be required to confirm what type of vehicle you own (vehicle class), whether it is a car, truck or motorcycle, a heritage vehicle, a utility vehicle, or something else.

Step 5: Check the type of plate you want. You should also check what type of personal license plate you want to purchase, whether it be a standard license plate, a handicapped license plate, or an amateur radio license plate.

Step 6: Fill in your personal information. You will need to include the usual list of personal information, including your name, address, and phone number.

Step 7: Fill in the vehicle information. Enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Make, Model, Year of Manufacture, Title Number, and Vehicle Identification Number, as well as the sticker number and year.

• Attention: If the title has multiple owners, the names of both owners must be specified.

Step 8: Fill in your insurance information. To provide proof of insurance, you will need to provide the name of the insurance company, policy number, and, if applicable, the name of the insurance agent.

Step 9: Enter your personalized license plate details. Enter your license plate information, including up to four character options for your personalized license plate.

You can use any combination of letters and numbers, and you can also put spaces between them if you like. Be sure to list the verified license plate first, as well as include the other options in order of preference.

• Attention: Listing other options helps prevent your application from being rejected. You will have to pay again to reapply.

Step 10: Print and sign the application When you are done filling out the application online, print it out and sign it. If you filled it out by hand, ask all legal owners to sign the document.

Step 11: Have the proper documentation. To apply, make sure you have a completed application, any specific documentation for your specific plate, and payment.

Payment must be made in full by check or cash (personal payments only). Money orders and travelers checks are not accepted.

• AttentionA: When paying by check, the check must include your bank routing number, current account number, driver's license number, and your date of birth. For other information, including payment requirements and answers to frequently asked questions, go to the Maryland Department of Transportation registration site.

Step 12: Get Your Plates. After you submit your application by mail or in person, wait at least four to six weeks to receive your numbers in the mail.

The process of getting a Maryland nameplate may seem complicated, but it doesn't have to be. As long as you carefully follow the directions and take note of the restrictions and regulations, there is no reason why this process cannot be helpful. Make sure your license plate stands out and avoid fines and fees by making sure your license plate is properly lit. One of our mobile mechanics will gladly change your light bulb.