Personalized license plates are custom vehicle license plates that allow car owners to pick their own characters instead of numbers. People customize their plates with messages or names they choose in Florida.
Have you ever seen a funny license plate driving in Florida? A personalized plate can really catch your eye with a clever phrase or nickname for the car. From ILVDMYV6 to GR8SCOTT, Florida drivers get creative with what they display on their rear bumpers.
Personalized license plate requests go through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. There is an extra fee for custom plates, but many see it as worthwhile for the personalized touch. Plates can have up to 7 characters including letters and numbers to represent the car’s owner.
Personalized And Specialty License Plates
Florida offers residents a variety of options when it comes to license plates for their vehicles. In addition to the standard issue plates, drivers can choose from personalized and specialty plates. Personalized plates allow car owners to select their own unique alphanumeric combination, while specialty plates support different causes or organizations.
Personalized license plates in Florida provide a way for drivers to customize their plate with a special mix of letters and numbers. Through the state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, residents can submit applications with proposed combinations. If approved, the personalized plate can then be used on a vehicle. This offers residents a fun, individualized way to uniquely identify their car.
Specialty License Plates
Specialty license plates in Florida feature colorful designs that promote different causes, organizations, or special interests. Over 130 specialty plate designs are available for drivers to choose from. Some examples include plates for universities like the University of Florida or Florida State University. Others support environmental initiatives, disease research, and youth programs.
Applying for a specialty plate is similar to the process for personalized plates. Drivers select the desired design and pay an annual use fee that helps fund the featured cause or organization. The specialty plates offer visible support while also helping raise money for important charities and non-profits in Florida. They allow residents to proudly display their passions and priorities with their vehicle license plates.
Specialty License Plate Gift Certificate Program
In 2008, Florida introduced the Specialty License Plate Gift Certificate Program. This program allows residents to purchase gift certificates for specialty license plates. The certificates can then be gifted to friends or family members.
The gift certificates clearly show the specialty plate design that will be issued. When redeemed, they allow the recipient to obtain the selected specialty plate for their vehicle. This eliminates the need to know a person’s license plate number as a gift. Instead, the certificate introduces them to a new plate design they may want to support.
Special Requirement License Plates
Some specialty plates in Florida have additional requirements beyond just payment of the annual use fee. For example, plates supporting universities like the University of Florida require that the applicant confirm graduation from that school.
Other specialty plates may require the driver to be a member of a specific organization. For instance, a Conquistador 500 plate requires membership in the Conquistador Council. These plates with added conditions allow stronger affiliation with the supported cause or group.
Personalized License Plates
As mentioned, Florida’s personalized license plate program is very popular. Drivers work with the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to submit proposed plate combinations. If approved, the personalized plates can then display up to seven characters, including both letters and numbers.
There is an initial application fee paid to set up the customized plate. Then each year, a renewal fee keeps it active on a vehicle. For many Florida residents, having a unique personalized plate is an enjoyable way to customize their vehicle with a special message or nickname.
Applying For Plates And Plate Costs
To apply for either a personalized or specialty license plate, Florida residents complete an application form from the state website. For personalized plates, proposed combinations are reviewed and approved or denied. Specialty plate designs are predetermined.
Initial fees are charged based on plate type. Personalized plates are typically most expensive up front but cost less annually. Specialty plates involve moderate setup costs but higher yearly renewal fees that help designated causes.
Overall Florida offers a nice selection of options beyond basic plates. Residents can display support, creativity, school spirit and more through the specialized tags available.
Personalized License Plate Florida Cost
Getting a personalized license plate in Florida has an initial cost and annual renewal fees. The first step is applying to the DMV with your chosen character combination. If approved, there is a one-time application fee of $60 to set up the personalized plate. Then yearly, drivers must pay a $28 renewal when registering their vehicle. The costs help cover administration of the program. Many residents feel the personalized plates are worth the fees.
For those on a budget, the yearly renewal is most important to keep the special plates active. But the initial investment allows residents to drive with their custom message for many years. Others see the upfront application as a one-time purchase. Overall, the fees charged by Florida are comparable to other states offering personalized licenses.
Florida Personal License Plate
To get a personalized Florida license plate, the process starts on the DMV website. Drivers propose their desired character combination of up to 7 letters or numbers. The site features a search tool to check availability before applying. If the combo is not yet taken, drivers fill out an application providing their preferred sequence.
Applications are reviewed by the state. If approved, residents will be notified and can visit a local DMV office to receive their personalized plate. The new tag can then be displayed on a vehicle for many years of use with annual renewals. Having that unique identification makes some drivers feel their car stands out in a fun, personalized way.
Florida Dmv Personalized License Plate Search
Before finalizing a license plate combination, Florida drivers can search for currently used options on the DMV website. This helps avoid requesting a combo that is already taken. The search tool is quick and easy to use from any internet-connected device like a computer, tablet or phone.
Drivers simply enter their proposed character sequence to check availability instantly. If another vehicle has already been assigned that plate, an alternate option can then be considered. Searching avoids disappointment and wasted application costs that come with submitting a duplicated request.
Florida Dmv License Plates Personalized
All activities related to Florida’s personalized license plate program are managed through the DMV. Along with applications and renewals, this includes the approval review process. Proposed combinations are checked by DMV staff for appropriateness before being fabricated and issued on new plates.
Sequences cannot contain offensive words or meanings unacceptable for public display. If a request is denied, drivers are informed and asked to submit an alternate choice. This vetting helps maintain a family-friendly experience on Florida’s roads while still allowing customized options.
How Many Letters Can You Have On A Florida Personalized Plate?
Florida allows for personal license plates with a maximum of 7 characters, including both letters and numbers. So a combination could be all letters, all numbers, or a mixed mix. This gives drivers plenty of flexibility to spell out a word or message to display proudly on their vehicle.
Having 7 character spaces allows for creative expressions that still meet state size guidelines to fit on standard license plates. It is one of the higher limits compared to other states offering personalized plates. The additional characters give Florida residents more room to convey uniqueness through their chosen plate configuration.
Buy Florida Specialty License Plates
Florida offers over 130 specialty license plate designs that can be purchased from the DMV. Drivers choose designs that match their interests like universities, hobbies, or causes. Plates are available for purchase at any local DMV service center in person. You can also buy specialty plates online through the FLHSMV website.
After selecting a design, buyers pay an additional fee each year with vehicle registration. These funds help sponsor charities and organizations related to the plate cause. Specialty plates are an easy way to support good causes from the back of your vehicle in Florida.
Florida License Plate Lookup
The Florida DMV provides a convenient online license plate lookup tool. Simply enter a plate number to retrieve registration details like the owner name and address. This information is considered public record unless the owner has requested private data.
Plate lookups can be used for various reasons like locating the owner of a vehicle seen on the road. Insurance companies also use the tool when processing claims. The quick search helps provide ownership details to both individuals and businesses as needed. It’s an easily accessible resource on the DMV website.
Transfer License Plate To Another Person Florida
When selling a registered vehicle in Florida, the old plate can sometimes be transferred to a new owner. The seller must first sign the registration paperwork assigning it to the buyer. As the new owner, they then go to any local DMV and file for a name and address change. A small fee is paid and new paperwork issues listing the buyer as the current owner. Properly transferring plates in this way saves buyers from obtaining brand new ones.
Here are some bullet points on transferring license plates to another person in Florida:
- Transfer License Plate To Another Person Florida
- To initiate a license plate transfer, the current owner must sign over the vehicle’s registration to the new owner.
- The new owner will need to provide proof of insurance for the vehicle.
- The buyer then goes to any local Florida DMV office to apply for a name and address change on the registration.
- A small fee applies to process the registration change and update the vehicle owner information.
- The plates can remain on the car rather than requiring new plates to be issued.
- Transfers are an easier option than getting new plates if the plates are still valid and in good condition.
- Ownership must match the individual or business listed on the new registration and insurance.
- DMV will verify the seller has signed over all rights to the plates before completing the buyer’s application.
- Plates cannot be transferred if lost, stolen, destroyed, expired or eligibility requirements change.
How Long Does It Take To Get Personalized Plates In Florida?
Once an application is approved for personalized Florida plates, the typical production time is 4-6 weeks. During peak registration periods like the new year, there may be slightly longer waits due to higher volume. For those in a rush, expedited service is available but comes with an extra fee. With standard processing though, most Floridians receive their personalized plates within 1-2 months after applying. Notifying the DMV of an address change could prolong delivery.
Those who wish to expedite the process and receive their personalized Florida license plates sooner can do so by paying an additional fee. Expedited service aims to complete plate production within 2 to 3 weeks. This can be useful if plates are needed quickly, such as for a new vehicle purchase. Otherwise, Florida residents can expect to wait the standard 4 to 6 weeks.
Notifying the DMV of an address change after submitting your application could also prolong receipt of the specialized license plate. Having realistic expectations for production times will help applicants plan accordingly.
Applying For Specialty And Personalized Plates
Both specialty and personalized plates are obtained by first submitting an application to the Florida DMV either online, by mail, or at a local Tax Collector’s office. Applications for specialty plates simply require selection of a pre-set design. Personalized applications enter a proposed custom configuration and undergo review. Approved plates are then produced and mailed. Renewal costs keep tags active annually.
Those looking to apply for a personalized Florida license plate go through a slightly different process. They must propose a unique combination of letters and/or numbers not currently being used. Applications are then reviewed by DMV administrators to ensure appropriate content before being approved.
If approved, the applicant pays an initial application fee and additional yearly renewal costs. Within a few weeks, the customized license plate will be received in the mail. Both specialty and personalized plates can be renewed each year when vehicle registrations are due.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are custom plates legal in Florida?
Are custom plates legal in Florida? Yes, Florida allows residents to purchase both specialty license plates designed by the state as well as fully customized personalized license plates.
How long does it take to get personalized plates in Florida?
How long does it take to get personalized plates in Florida? Once approved, it typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive personalized plates in the mail. During busier times it may be slightly longer. Expedited service is available for an extra fee if needed sooner.
How many letters can you have on a Florida personalized plate?
How many letters can you have on a Florida personalized plate? Florida allows up to 7 characters including both letters and numbers on a personalized plate.
What is required for a Florida license plate?
What is required for a Florida license plate? All vehicles driven in Florida must properly display a current state license plate at the rear of the vehicle. Registration and license plate must match the vehicle VIN and be renewed annually.
How do I get a custom FL plate?
How do I get a custom FL plate? You can apply in-person at your local DMV office or online through the FLHSMV website. For a personalized plate, you’ll propose a combination which is then reviewed. Specialty plates just require selecting a pre-made design. Fees apply.
Conclusion
Florida offers residents many options when customizing their license plates. Through the DMV, drivers can choose from over 130 specialty plate designs or apply for a personalized plate. This allows people to showcase support for causes, schools or have a unique message.
Whether buying a specialty plate, applying for a personalized one, or doing a license plate lookup, the DMV makes the process straightforward. Florida license plates provide a fun way for residents to customize their ride while also contributing to important organizations across the state.
