What a "Back to the Future" plate is and where you can get one
A "Back to the Future" license plate is a specialty or vanity plate that references the movie franchise, usually featuring the DeLorean car or the year "2015" (the future date from the second film). These plates are not available in every state — only a handful of states have created them as official options through their motor vehicle departments.
The plates that do exist are typically sold as specialty plates, meaning they cost more than a standard registration plate and the extra revenue usually goes to a specific fund or organization. Some states donate proceeds to film preservation, automotive museums, or science education programs. You order them through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, either online, by mail, or in person.
Availability changes by state and sometimes by year. A few states have offered them in the past but discontinued them, while others may add them in the future. Your first step is to check your own state's DMV website to see if the option currently exists where you live.
Key Takeaways
- Only certain states offer "Back to the Future" specialty plates, and availability varies year to year.
- These plates cost more than standard registration plates because the extra fee funds a specific program or organization.
- You order them through your state's DMV website, by mail, or in person — the same way you renew or change your regular plates.
- You will need your current vehicle registration and driver's license to order, and the plate must meet your state's character limits and rules.
- Processing time is typically two to four weeks after your order is approved and payment is received.
Which states currently offer "Back to the Future" plates
As of now, California has offered a "Back to the Future" specialty plate, and Illinois has had versions available. However, state programs change frequently — some plates are discontinued, others are reintroduced, and new ones are added. The safest way to know what is available in your state right now is to visit your state's DMV website directly and search for "specialty plates" or "vanity plates."
When you search your state's site, look for a section called "Specialty Plates," "Personalized Plates," "Custom Plates," or "Vanity Plates." Most states list all available designs with photos, the cost, and what organization receives the extra fee. If you do not find a "Back to the Future" option listed, it either is not currently offered in your state or may have been discontinued.
Some states allow you to check availability online before you commit to ordering. Others require you to call the DMV or visit in person. If the plate you want is not listed on the website, a phone call to your state's DMV can confirm whether it was recently discontinued or if there are plans to bring it back.
How much a specialty plate costs and where the money goes
Specialty plates cost more than standard registration plates. The exact price varies by state — it may be $25 to $50 more per year, or it could be a one-time fee of $100 or more, depending on your state's structure. Your state's DMV website will show the exact cost before you order.
The extra money does not go to the state's general fund. Instead, it is typically donated to a specific cause. For example, some "Back to the Future" plates have benefited film preservation organizations, automotive museums, or science and technology education programs. The DMV website will tell you where your money goes if you choose that plate.
You pay the specialty plate fee along with your regular vehicle registration renewal or when you first order the plate. If you switch from a standard plate to a specialty plate mid-registration cycle, you may owe a prorated fee. Check with your state's DMV about timing and cost if you are thinking of making the change.
How to order a "Back to the Future" plate in your state
The ordering process depends on your state, but most follow these steps. First, go to your state's DMV website and find the specialty plates section. Look for the "Back to the Future" design and confirm it is currently available. Click on it to see the full details, cost, and what organization receives the donation.
Next, you will either order online, by mail, or in person. Online ordering is fastest — you will enter your vehicle information, driver's license number, current registration number, and payment method. By mail, you fill out a form (usually available on the DMV website), include a check or money order, and send it to the address listed. In person, you visit your local DMV office with your registration and driver's license.
After you submit your order, the DMV will process it and mail the new plate to you. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive a confirmation email or letter with a tracking number if you ordered online. Keep that confirmation until the plate arrives — you may need it if there are questions about your order.
Rules and character limits for specialty plates
Even though specialty plates have a unique design, they still must follow your state's character limits and content rules. Most states allow 6 to 8 characters (letters and numbers combined), though some allow up to 10. You cannot use spaces, punctuation, or special characters — only letters A–Z and numbers 0–9.
Your state also has rules about what text you cannot use. Offensive language, references to drugs or alcohol, and impersonation of government agencies are typically banned. Some states also prohibit plates that look too similar to existing government or emergency vehicle plates. The DMV website usually lists these rules, and the ordering system will reject any combination that violates them.
If you are ordering a standard "Back to the Future" design plate (not a personalized version), the design itself is set by the state, and you do not choose the characters. You straightforward order the design and receive the next available plate number. If your state offers a personalized version, you can request specific letters and numbers within the rules above.
What to do if your state does not offer the plate
If your state's DMV does not currently offer a "Back to the Future" specialty plate, you have a few options. Some states allow residents to request new specialty plate designs through a formal petition or suggestion process. Check your state's DMV website for a "Suggest a Plate" or "Request a Design" link, or call the DMV to ask how to submit a suggestion.
Another option is to order a personalized vanity plate with your own custom text that references "Back to the Future" — for example, "OUTATIME" or "DELOREAN." Vanity plates are available in all 50 states, though the cost and character limits vary. You design the text yourself (within your state's rules), and the DMV produces a standard plate with your custom characters.
Vanity plates typically cost $25 to $100 more per year than a standard plate, depending on your state. The ordering process is the same as for specialty plates — you go through your state's DMV website, by mail, or in person. This gives you a way to show your love for the movie even if an official "Back to the Future" design is not available where you live.
Renewing and replacing a specialty plate
Once you have a specialty plate, you renew it the same way you renew any registration — by paying the annual or biennial registration fee. The specialty plate fee is included in that renewal cost. You do not need to reorder the plate design each year; the DMV straightforward renews your registration and the plate stays on your vehicle.
If your specialty plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, contact your state's DMV to request a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee (usually $10 to $25) and receive a new plate in the mail within two to four weeks. Bring your registration and driver's license if you are replacing it in person at a DMV office.
If you want to switch back to a standard plate, you can do that at your next renewal or by visiting the DMV. You will no longer pay the specialty plate fee, but you may owe a small administrative fee to change the plate type. The DMV can tell you the exact cost when you call or visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my "Back to the Future" plate to a different vehicle?
Yes, in most states you can transfer a specialty plate to another vehicle you own. Contact your state's DMV with your current registration and the new vehicle's information. There may be a small transfer fee, and the plate must be reassigned before you sell or dispose of the old vehicle. Some states require the transfer to happen within a certain timeframe.
What if the "Back to the Future" plate design I want is no longer available?
If a specialty plate is discontinued, you cannot order it new, but you can usually keep the one you have and renew it each year. If you lose or damage it, the DMV may not be able to replace it with the same design. Call your state's DMV to ask about replacement options if your plate is damaged.
Do I need to change my plate if I move to a different state?
Yes, you must register your vehicle in your new state within the timeframe required by that state (usually 30 to 90 days). Your old specialty plate will no longer be valid. You can order a new specialty plate in your new state if it is available there, or switch to a standard plate.
How long does it take to receive my specialty plate after I order it?
Most states mail specialty plates within two to four weeks of receiving your order and payment. Online orders are usually processed faster than mail-in orders. You will receive a confirmation with a tracking number if you ordered online. If you do not receive your plate within six weeks, contact your state's DMV with your confirmation number.
Can I use a "Back to the Future" plate on a motorcycle or trailer?
Specialty plate availability depends on vehicle type. Some states offer them only for passenger cars, while others allow them on motorcycles, trailers, or commercial vehicles. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm whether the "Back to the Future" design is available for your vehicle type.