How to buy a personal license plate in Virginia

One of the most popular ways to personalize the look of a car is with a personalized license plate. Personalized license plates are popular because they allow you to share a message or emotion with the world that is unique to you. You can use a personalized plate to promote a business or organization, support a sports team or school, show love to a spouse or child, or simply proclaim a word or short phrase.

In Virginia, you can choose from over 200 specialized license plate designs in addition to a customized license plate message. These designs range from organizations to sororities to colleges, so you're sure to be able to find the right one for you. Combined with a personalized license plate message, you can create the perfect license plate for both you and your vehicle.

Part 1 of 3. Choose your custom license plate

Step 1. Go to the Virginia plate making page.. Visit the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Step 2: Choose a Plate Design. Choose a special plate design.

Click on the "Special Inserts" link to view a large selection of available insert designs.

Use one of the available methods to browse through all the options and find the one you like best.

Step 3: Select a license plate message. Choose a personalized license plate message.

Return to the "Create Nameplate" page and click on the link "Create a personal combination of characters for your vehicle".

Find the plate design you have selected from the list and click on it.

Select the box that says "I want a plate with a personalized combination of characters."

Write your own message in the available fields.

• Functions: Your nameplate can contain letters, numbers, spaces, dashes, and ampersands. If you use all seven characters, at least one of them must be a special character.

• A warning: License plate message must not be rude, offensive or inappropriate. If your submission relates to one of these items, it may appear as available on the website, but your application will be rejected.

Step 4: Check availability. Check for a message about your chosen license plate.

Click the button labeled View Plate to see a sample of your plate and see if it's available.

If a plate is not available, keep trying until you find the right one.

Part 2 of 3: Order Personalized Plates

Step 1: Click to buy. Click the button that says "Buy a plate now" to start the ordering process.

Step 2: Accept the License Plate Rules.. Click "Continue" to confirm that your license plate message does not violate the personalized license plate rules.

Step 3. Enter your vehicle information.. Enter the required vehicle information.

Enter your vehicle title number and the last four digits of your vehicle identification number.

Choose if the address on your vehicle registration card is accurate.

Click Submit.

• FunctionsA: If you don't know your vehicle identification number, you can find it on the driver's side of the dashboard where the dashboard connects to the windshield. The number is easily visible from the outside of the car, looking through the windshield.

• A warningA: Your vehicle must be registered in your name and your registration information must be current and accurate.

Step 4: Enter your information. Enter all your details in the form.

When prompted, enter your personal information and information about your vehicle.

• Functions: Always double check your information before proceeding to make sure it is correct.

Step 5: Pay for the plate. Pay for your personal license plate.

Pay fees with any major credit or debit card. The fee for a personalized plate is $10, and the fee for a special plate design can vary depending on the plate, but is usually $10.

• FunctionsA: If you don't want to pay by credit or debit card, you can pay by check or money order if you visit your local Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

• A warningA: Personalized and special license plate fees in addition to your standard annual registration fees.

Step 6: Confirm your purchase. Confirm and complete your personal license plate purchase.

Part 3 of 3. Set up your personal license plates

Step 1: Get Your Plates. Get new plates in the mail.

After your application for personalized plates has been reviewed, processed and accepted, your new plates will be manufactured and shipped to you at the address you provided.

• FunctionsA: This process can take up to three months.

Step 2: Install the plates. Set your personal license plates.

Once you get the new plates, install them on both the front and rear of the vehicle.

• Functions: If you are not comfortable removing old license plates or installing new ones, feel free to call a mechanic to help you with the job.

• A warning: Be sure to stick stickers with current registration numbers on new license plates before driving.

Virginia has some of the most affordable personalized license plates in the country and is very easy to order. So if you're looking for a fun new addition to your car, a personalized license plate might be perfect for you.