How to buy a personalized license plate in New York

Content

Part 1 of 3. Choose your custom license plate
Part 2 of 3. Order your personal license plates
Part 3 of 3. Set up your personal license plates

A personalized license plate is one of the most popular ways to spice up a New York car. With a personalized license plate, you can show support for your favorite team or your alma mater, showcase your business or…

In New York City, you can order specially designed plaques in addition to the personalized messages on the plaques. The combination of these two elements allows you to create a truly unique license plate that displays your personality on the front of the car.

Ordering a custom NYC license plate is simple and easy, so if you're looking for a way to personalize your car, a new license plate could be the perfect addition.

Part 1 of 3. Choose your custom license plate

Step 1. Go to the Customized New York License Plate page.. Visit the New York City Department of Motor Vehicles personal license plate website.

Step 2: Choose a Plate Design. Select a license plate design by clicking on one of the available categories.

This will allow you to see all the license plate designs in that category, and you can scroll through the options in your chosen category to select the license plate design you would like to use for your vehicle.

Some license plate designs have restrictions and you will need to prove you qualify to receive a license plate.

For example, you can't choose a fishing license plate design if you don't have a New York fishing license. After choosing a plate design, check the area labeled "Requirements" to make sure you are eligible for the chosen plate.

Step 3: Click the "Make it Online Now" button.. Once you have found the plate you would like to use, click the "Make it Online Now" button.

If you don't need a unique license plate design, you can order a standard license plate with a personalized message by clicking the "Make It Now Online" button on the right side of the page.

If you choose the standard nameplate, you will have eight characters for a custom message, as opposed to the six that come with the custom nameplate design.

Step 4: Enter the license plate message. Enter a message about your personal license plate by entering it in the New License Plate field.

Your message must be at least two characters, but no more than six, unless you are using a standard sign. You can use letters, numbers, and spaces, and on some license plates, you can use the New York state symbol (if you can use the state symbol, it will be listed on the right).

Your license plate message must contain at least one letter, but cannot contain six numbers followed by only one letter. You cannot use the letter "O" between numbers to make the number "0", and you cannot use the number "0" between letters to make the letter "O".

Similarly, you cannot use the number "0" next to the letter "O" to form a word or number. You also cannot use the letter "I" at the beginning or end of a license plate message when all other characters are digits.

A warning: Rude or offensive messages about license plates will not be accepted. They may appear as available on the website, but your application will be rejected.

Step 5: Check Availability. Check the availability of your license plate message by clicking the "Search for this license plate" button.

If the message is not available, keep trying until you find an available message.

Part 2 of 3. Order your personal license plates

Step 1: Decide whether to order online or mail order. Decide if you prefer to order plates online or by mail order.

AttentionA: If you prefer to order your license plates by phone, you can call the New York City License Plate Department between 8:00 am and 4:00 am any weekday at 1-518-402-4838.

Step 2: Order plates by mail. If you prefer to order plates by mail, you can download the form and fill it out, including payment.

Step 3. Submit your application by mail. You can send the completed application to:

New York State DMV Custom License Plate Division

Mailbox 2775

Albany, NY 12220

Attention: If you decide to order your plates by mail order, skip to part 3.

Step 4: Order plates through the online portal. Get started by clicking the "Order Online" button.

Step 5: Explain Your Plate. Give a clear explanation of the meaning of your plaque.

Step 6: Enter registration information. Provide the required registration information.

You will need to provide your current license plate, the three-letter vehicle class code, and the first three letters of the vehicle owner's name.

Step 7. Enter your zip code.. Please provide your current zip code and address information when prompted.

AttentionA: Your current address must match the address on your vehicle registration.

Step 8: Enter your email address. Please include your email address as part of your contact information.

Step 9: Pay the fee. Pay the personal license plate fee using any credit card for your purchase.

FunctionsA: If you want to pay by check, you'll have to order the plates by mail.

Step 10: Confirm the application. Confirm and complete the plate order.

Part 3 of 3. Set up your personal license plates

Step 1: Get Your Plates. Get your personalized plaques in the mail.

Once your application has been processed and accepted, you will receive a notification. Then your plates will be made and mailed to you.

AttentionA: Your personalized plates can take up to three months to arrive.

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

Once you receive your custom decals, install them on both the front and rear of your vehicle.

FunctionsA: If you are not comfortable installing license plates yourself, you can hire a mechanic to help you with the job.
A warning: Before driving a car, be sure to stick stickers with current registration numbers on new license plates.

Ordering personalized New York license plates does not take much time, effort or money and they will add character to your car. There are many options to choose from to make anyone happy. If you need more help with the installation process, be sure to ask your mechanic for some helpful advice, or if your license plate lights need replacing, have a certified technician do the job for you.