What Pennsylvania custom plates are and how to order one

A custom license plate in Pennsylvania is a plate with a combination of letters and numbers you choose yourself, instead of the random sequence the state assigns. You can order one through PennDOT (the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) either online at www.dmv.pa.gov, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Center. The plate becomes yours once PennDOT approves your chosen combination and you pay the fee—currently $61 for a standard custom plate, though some specialty plates cost more.

The process takes about two to four weeks from approval to delivery. Your custom plate replaces your current registration plate, and you'll keep the same registration number and expiration date. You can order a custom plate when you renew your registration, or at any time during your registration period.

Key Takeaways

  • Custom plates cost $61 for a standard design, with specialty options (like environmental or military themes) running higher, and you pay this fee on top of your regular registration renewal cost.
  • Your chosen letter and number combination must be between 2 and 7 characters, cannot contain spaces or special characters, and PennDOT will reject it if another vehicle already has it or if it violates content rules.
  • You can order online at www.dmv.pa.gov, by mail using Form MV-44, or in person at any Driver License Center, and the plate arrives in your mailbox within two to four weeks.
  • Once approved, your custom plate stays with your vehicle registration until you choose a different one or let your registration expire.

Character limits and what PennDOT will reject

Your custom plate can be 2 to 7 characters long, using only letters (A–Z) and numbers (0–9). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or any other symbols. PennDOT will not approve combinations that are already in use on another vehicle in Pennsylvania, so if someone else has "MYPLATE," you cannot order it.

The state also rejects combinations that are obscene, offensive, or that spell out words or phrases considered inappropriate. This includes slurs, explicit language, or references to illegal activity. What counts as inappropriate is PennDOT's call, and they do not publish a full list—you find out only if you submit a combination and it gets denied. If your first choice is rejected, you can submit another combination at no extra charge.

Ordering online through the PennDOT website

Go to www.dmv.pa.gov and select "Custom Plate" from the registration services menu. You'll enter your vehicle information (registration number, VIN, plate type), then type in your desired combination. The system checks when ready whether it's available. If it is, you proceed to payment and confirm your mailing address. PennDOT charges the $61 fee to your credit or debit card.

After you submit, you receive a confirmation number by email. Your plate is manufactured and mailed to the address on your registration. You should receive it within two to four weeks. Once it arrives, remove your old plate and install the new one yourself—no trip to PennDOT is required. Keep your old plate; you do not need to return it.

Ordering by mail with Form MV-44

read Form MV-44 (process for Custom Registration Plate) from www.dmv.pa.gov or pick one up at a Driver License Center. Fill in your vehicle information, registration number, and your desired plate combination. Include a check or money order for $61 payable to "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form—this is typically the PennDOT office in Harrisburg.

Processing by mail takes longer than online ordering, usually three to six weeks total. You will not receive a confirmation email, so keep a copy of your form for your records. If your combination is rejected, PennDOT will mail you a letter explaining why, and you can resubmit with a different combination and another $61 payment.

Ordering in person at a Driver License Center

Visit any Driver License Center in Pennsylvania with your vehicle registration, proof of identification, and payment. Tell the clerk you want to order a custom plate. They will help you check availability and submit your request. You pay $61 at the counter by cash, check, or card. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you leave with a receipt and confirmation number.

In-person ordering is useful if you want to verify your combination is available before paying, or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. The plate still takes two to four weeks to arrive by mail. Find your nearest Driver License Center and hours at www.dmv.pa.gov.

Specialty custom plates and higher costs

Pennsylvania offers themed custom plates beyond the standard design—including environmental plates, military veteran plates, and plates supporting specific causes. These specialty plates often cost more than the standard $61. For example, some environmental or organizational plates run $75 to $85. The ordering process is the same (online, by mail, or in person), but you select the plate type before choosing your custom combination.

Check www.dmv.pa.gov for the full list of available specialty plates and their individual costs. The fee you pay covers both the custom combination and the specialty design.

What happens if your combination is rejected or becomes unavailable

If PennDOT rejects your combination because it violates content rules, they will notify you by mail (if you ordered by mail) or email (if you ordered online). You can then submit a new combination. There is no additional charge to resubmit—you only pay the $61 fee once, when you first submit.

If your combination is rejected because another vehicle already has it, try a variation: add a number, use a different spelling, or shorten it. Availability changes as other drivers order plates, so a combination you cannot get today might open up later. You can check availability as many times as you want before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my custom plate to a different vehicle?

Yes. When you buy a new vehicle and register it, you can request to keep your custom plate on the new registration. You'll pay the standard registration renewal fee but not the custom plate fee again. Contact PennDOT or do this during your registration renewal process.

What if I want to go back to a regular plate?

You can order a standard registration plate at any time during your registration period. Contact PennDOT online, by mail, or in person. You'll pay a new registration fee, but you do not pay the custom plate fee again.

How long does a custom plate last?

Your custom plate stays active as long as your vehicle registration is current. When your registration expires and you renew, your custom plate renews with it at no extra charge—you only pay the standard registration renewal fee. If you do not renew your registration, the plate becomes inactive and may become available for someone else to order.

Can I reserve a combination before I'm ready to order?

No. PennDOT does not hold combinations. You can check if a combination is available, but you must pay and submit your order to find it. Once approved and paid for, it is yours.

What if I move out of Pennsylvania?

If you register your vehicle in another state, your Pennsylvania custom plate is no longer valid. You would need to register with your new state and order a custom plate through that state's DMV if they offer them.