What a Texas custom plate is and how to order one
A custom license plate in Texas is one where you choose the letters and numbers instead of receiving a random combination from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). You can pick up to six characters — letters, numbers, or a mix — as long as no one else in Texas currently holds that exact combination. The plate still displays the standard Texas design and your vehicle registration information; you are straightforward personalizing the character sequence.
You order a custom plate through the TxDMV website, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office. The process takes a few weeks once approved. You pay a one-time personalization fee on top of your regular registration renewal fee. The custom plate remains yours as long as you renew your registration and keep it on an active vehicle in Texas.
Key Takeaways
- Custom plates in Texas let you choose up to six characters, but the combination must not already be in use by another vehicle in the state.
- You can order online through the TxDMV website, by mail with a completed form, or at your county tax assessor-collector's office.
- A personalization fee applies on top of your standard registration renewal cost, and the amount varies depending on the plate type you choose.
- The TxDMV will reject character combinations that are offensive, too similar to existing plates, or that violate state rules — you can request a second choice when you order.
- Once approved, your custom plate takes two to four weeks to arrive; you can drive with your old plate until the new one reaches you.
Character rules and what the TxDMV will reject
Texas allows letters A through Z and numbers 0 through 9 on custom plates. You can use spaces between characters, but spaces count toward your six-character limit. The TxDMV will not approve combinations that are offensive, profane, or that could be mistaken for an official government plate. They also reject plates that are too similar to existing ones — for example, if someone already has "TEXAS1", you cannot order "TEXAS 1" (with a space) because they look nearly identical on the road.
The state maintains a list of blocked words and phrases that will be automatically rejected during the ordering process. These include profanity, slurs, and references to illegal activity. If your first choice is denied, you can submit a second choice when you place your order. The TxDMV will review both and let you know which one, if either, is approved.
How to order online through the TxDMV website
Go to the TxDMV website and navigate to the custom plate section. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and driver's license number. Enter your first choice of characters and check availability in real time. If it is taken, the system will tell you when ready and you can try another combination.
Once you find an available combination you want, you can add a second choice as a backup. The system will then ask you to choose your plate type — standard custom, specialty (such as military, conservation, or university-themed), or prestige designs. Each type has a different personalization fee. Complete the payment with a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number and an estimated delivery date. Your new plate will arrive by mail within two to four weeks.
Ordering by mail or at your county office
If you prefer not to order online, you can complete a custom plate process form (available on the TxDMV website or at your county tax assessor-collector's office) and mail it to the address listed on the form along with payment. Include your first and second character choices, your vehicle information, and your registration details. Processing by mail takes longer than online ordering — typically four to six weeks from the time the TxDMV receives your form.
You can also walk into your county tax assessor-collector's office with the same form and information. Staff there can submit your process on the spot and take your payment. This method gives you the fastest feedback on whether your character choices are available, though the plate itself still takes two to four weeks to arrive by mail.
Personalization fees and plate type options
The personalization fee for a standard custom plate is a one-time charge that you pay when you order. The exact amount varies by plate type and is set by the TxDMV; as of recent years, standard custom plates cost between $25 and $50 for the personalization fee, though this can change. Specialty plates — such as those supporting a university, military branch, or conservation cause — often have higher personalization fees, sometimes $75 or more, because a portion of the fee goes to the organization or cause the plate supports.
You also pay your regular vehicle registration renewal fee on top of the personalization fee. If you are renewing your registration at the same time you order a custom plate, both fees will be due together. If your registration is not due for renewal yet, you can still order a custom plate and pay only the personalization fee; your registration renewal fee will be due at your normal renewal date.
What happens after approval and how to use your old plate
Once the TxDMV approves your custom plate order, they will mail it to the address on your registration. You do not need to do anything while you wait. You can continue driving with your current license plate until the new custom plate arrives. There is no gap in your registration or legal driving status.
When the custom plate arrives, remove your old plate and install the new one. Keep your old plate — you do not need to return it to the state. If you ever want to switch back to a standard plate or order a different custom plate later, you can do so by renewing your registration and selecting a new plate type at that time.
Renewing and keeping your custom plate active
Your custom plate stays yours as long as you renew your vehicle registration on time each year. When your registration renewal notice arrives, you can choose to keep the same custom plate by selecting that option during renewal. You will pay the standard registration renewal fee, but you will not pay the personalization fee again — that is a one-time charge.
If you do not renew your registration and let it lapse, your custom plate becomes available for someone else to order. If you sell the vehicle or transfer it to another person, the custom plate goes with the registration. The new owner can keep it or request a standard plate during their first renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check if a character combination is available before I order?
Yes. The TxDMV website has a search tool where you can type in your desired characters and see when ready whether that combination is already in use. You can check as many combinations as you want at no cost before you decide to place an order.
What if the TxDMV rejects both of my character choices?
You will receive a notice explaining why each was rejected. You can then submit a new order with different character choices. There is no limit to how many times you can try, though each new order requires a new personalization fee.
Can I transfer my custom plate to a different vehicle?
Yes, but only if both vehicles are registered to you. When you register the new vehicle, you can request to move the custom plate from your old vehicle to the new one. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office or the TxDMV to arrange the transfer.
Do I have to renew my custom plate every year?
You renew your vehicle registration every year, and your custom plate comes with it. You do not pay the personalization fee again — only the standard registration renewal fee. If you do not renew your registration, your custom plate becomes available for others to order.
How long does it take to get a custom plate after I order it?
Online orders typically take two to four weeks from the time you place the order. Mail-in orders take four to six weeks from when the TxDMV receives your form. You can drive legally with your old plate the entire time you are waiting.