What you need to do to get a custom plate in Texas

To get a custom license plate in Texas, you order it through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or by mail, choose your custom characters (up to six letters, numbers, or a combination), pay the one-time personalization fee on top of your regular registration renewal fee, and wait for the plate to arrive by mail. The whole process takes about two to four weeks once approved. You do not need to visit a DMV office — everything happens online or through the mail.

Texas allows you to customize plates for most vehicle types, but the state reviews your character choice to make sure it does not contain offensive language or impersonate an official plate. If the state rejects your first choice, you can submit another one at no extra cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Custom plates are ordered through the Texas DMV website (texas.gov/motor-vehicles) or by mail; you do not visit an office in person.
  • You can use up to six characters — letters, numbers, or both — and the state will reject combinations that are offensive or look like official government plates.
  • The personalization fee is separate from your regular registration renewal fee and is a one-time charge that does not renew each year.
  • Processing takes two to four weeks after approval, and the plate arrives by mail to the address on your vehicle registration.
  • If your first character choice is rejected, you can submit another one without paying again.

Ordering online through the Texas DMV website

The fastest way to order a custom plate is through the Texas DMV website at texas.gov/motor-vehicles. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then navigate to the "Personalized License Plates" section. You will need your vehicle registration number and the current registration expiration date. The system will show you whether your chosen characters are available in real time.

Once you confirm your character choice, you will pay the personalization fee by credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on the plate design you select — standard personalized plates cost less than specialty designs like collegiate or military plates. After payment, you will receive a confirmation number. The plate will be mailed to the address on your vehicle registration within two to four weeks.

Ordering by mail if you prefer not to use the website

If you do not have internet access or prefer to order by mail, you can request a personalized plate process form from the Texas DMV by calling 1-888-368-4689. Ask for form VTR-130 (process for Personalized License Plate). Fill out the form with your vehicle information, desired characters, and payment method, then mail it to the address provided on the form along with a check or money order for the personalization fee.

Mail orders take longer than online orders — expect four to six weeks total from the time the DMV receives your form. Keep your confirmation number or a copy of the form for your records in case you need to follow up on the status of your order.

Character rules and what the state will reject

Texas allows up to six characters on a personalized plate. You can use uppercase letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), or a combination of both. Spaces and punctuation marks are not allowed. The state will reject character combinations that are obscene, offensive, or that could be mistaken for an official government plate (such as one that looks like a law enforcement vehicle plate).

The state also rejects combinations that spell out profanity or slurs, even if they are abbreviated or use numbers in place of letters (like "4SS" or "DAMN"). If your first choice is rejected, the DMV will notify you by mail with the reason. You can then submit a second choice at no additional cost. There is no limit to how many times you can resubmit, but each resubmission adds time to the overall process.

Personalization fees and renewal costs

The personalization fee is a one-time charge that you pay only when you first order the custom plate. Standard personalized plates typically cost between $25 and $50 as a one-time fee, depending on the plate design. Specialty plates — such as those supporting a university, military branch, or charitable organization — may cost more. Check the Texas DMV website for the exact fee for the design you want.

After the first year, your registration renewal fee stays the same whether you have a custom plate or a standard plate. You do not pay the personalization fee again. When you renew your registration, the custom plate itself renews automatically unless you request a different plate.

What happens if your character choice is taken or rejected

If someone else already has the exact character combination you want, the Texas DMV system will tell you when ready when you search online. You will need to choose a different combination. If your choice is rejected for content reasons, the DMV will mail you a notice explaining why and invite you to submit another choice.

There is no penalty for resubmitting. The DMV does not charge you again for a second or third attempt. However, each resubmission restarts the processing clock, so if you submit a new choice after being rejected, you will wait another two to four weeks for that new choice to be reviewed and approved.

Timeline from order to receiving your plate

If you order online and your character choice is approved on the first try, expect the plate to arrive within two to four weeks. If you order by mail, add an extra one to two weeks for the DMV to receive and process your form. If your character choice is rejected and you resubmit, add another two to four weeks for the new choice to be reviewed.

The plate is mailed to the address on your vehicle registration. If you have moved recently, update your registration address before ordering to make sure the plate arrives at the correct location. Once the plate arrives, you can install it yourself — Texas does not require a visit to a DMV office to set up or register a custom plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my custom plate to a different vehicle?

Yes. You can transfer a personalized plate to another vehicle you own by updating your registration through the Texas DMV website or by mail. There is no additional fee to transfer the plate itself, though you will pay your regular registration renewal fee for the new vehicle. The plate remains yours as long as you keep renewing it.

What if I want to go back to a standard plate after getting a custom one?

You can request a standard plate at any time during your registration renewal. You do not have to keep the custom plate. The personalization fee you paid is not refunded, but you will not pay it again if you switch back to a standard plate.

Do I need to visit a DMV office to pick up my custom plate?

No. The plate is mailed directly to your address. You do not need to go to an office. Once it arrives, you can install it on your vehicle yourself without any additional steps or paperwork.

What if my custom plate arrives damaged or with a mistake?

Contact the Texas DMV at 1-888-368-4689 with your confirmation number and photos of the damage or error. The DMV will send you a replacement plate at no charge. Keep the damaged plate until you receive the replacement, then return it to the address the DMV provides.

Can I order a custom plate for a motorcycle or trailer?

Yes. Personalized plates are available for most vehicle types in Texas, including motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles. The character limit and ordering process are the same. Check the Texas DMV website to confirm that your specific vehicle type is may be able to access.