How To Get Custom License Plates in Texas

Custom license plates are a simple way to add a little personality to your vehicle. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to get custom license plates in Texas. Whether you’re personalizing your car, promoting a business, or supporting a cause, Texas makes the process straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know about custom license plates in the Lone Star State. 

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How to Get a Custom License Plate in Texas

Texas custom plates fall into two main categories:

• Personalized plates: You choose the lettering (within state guidelines)
• Speciality plates: You choose from over 500 pre-designed plates that support colleges, military service, charities, sports teams, or causes. Some of these can also be personalized. 

Here’s how to get a custom license plate in Texas:

1. Start by deciding what type of plate you want. You can browse MyPlates.com and order plates online. You can look at all available specialty plate designs, see pricing for each plate, and preview personalized lettering options. 
2. If you’re personalizing your plate, Texas has a few guidelines, including no offensive language and no misleading messages (such as impersonating law enforcement). Different plate designs also come with different character limits. You can check the availability of your desired personalized message at the MyPlates website. 
3. Once you’ve selected your design and message, you can place your order online. You’ll need your VIN or license plate number, registration details, and a form of payment. 
4. Custom license plates are not issued immediately. Production can take up to 6 weeks, depending on the type of plate and the demand. You will receive notification when your plates are ready, either by mail or through your local county tax office. 
5. Once you receive your new plates, you can remove your old plates and install the new ones securely. Before disposing of your old plates, you should deface the front with permanent ink or something similar so the plates cannot be used fraudulently. 

Texas General License Plate Options

While Texas offers over 500 specialty plates to choose from, there is only one general issue license plate that doesn’t cost extra. When you register a vehicle in Texas, you will receive the standard plate unless you choose otherwise. 

The current design, called the “Texas Classic,” includes a light blue background with black text and graphics, including a star in the upper left corner and an outline of Texas between license plate lettering. The design also includes two high-visibility security threads that make it easy for law enforcement officers to verify that a plate is authentic. 

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Texas License Plate Fee

Texas issues general license plates when you register your vehicle. The cost of registration depends on the type of vehicle as well as the county you live in. The base fee is typically $50.75 for passenger vehicles, with local fees of between $10 and $20. 

Texas requires you to renew your registration annually, which covers your Texas license plate fees. If your plates become unreadable or are lost or stolen, you can replace them for a fee of $6.50. 

Texas Custom License Plate Fees

Texas custom license plate fees depend on the specific type of license you’re choosing. Specialty license plates with no personalization range between $30 and $50 per year. Some custom plates give you the option to register for 1, 3, or 5 years at a time, while others are renewed annually. You can save money in the long run by purchasing a longer term. Although the upfront cost is more, it will cost you less per year. 

Personalizing your plates costs more than just buying a specialty design. If you want to choose the text on your plate (within the Texas guidelines), you will typically pay between $70 to $114 per year. This covers both the cost of the plate and the personalization.  

It’s important to note that custom license plate fees are in addition to your annual vehicle registration. Plate pricing doesn’t replace the basic registration fees.

How to Transfer License Plates to a New Vehicle

If you’ve purchased a personalized license plate, chances are you’ll want to keep it when you purchase a new vehicle. Luckily, in Texas, you can transfer your existing license plates to your new car or truck instead of buying a new design. 

To transfer your plates to your new vehicle, go to your local tax assessor-collector’s office. If you purchase a new vehicle from a dealership, they will handle the license plate transfer for you. There is no cost to transfer your license plates to a new vehicle that you own. 

You will need to bring the following to the local tax collector’s office: 

• Your current license plates
• Proof of ownership, such as the title or bill of sale
• A valid Texas registration
• Proof of insurance
• A completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration 

While you can transfer your plates from one car you own to another car that you own, plates cannot be transferred to a different owner. For example, if you sell your truck to someone in a private sale, the plates on the truck cannot be transferred to the new owner.  

How to Get Custom License Plates in Texas: Conclusion

Custom license plates are a simple way to personalize your vehicle. The state of Texas makes it easy to buy specialty or personalized plates. All you need to do is go to the MyPlates website. There, you can order specialty designs, check the availability of personalized messages, and purchase your custom license plate. 

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