To get a personalized vanity or specialty license plate in Louisiana, you must navigate a hybrid process: reserving your text online, then mailing physical paperwork and a physical check. Here is exactly how to secure your plate without triggering an automatic rejection from the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).
Who Can Get a Custom Plate in Louisiana? (Eligible Vehicles)
Your vehicle must already be titled and registered in your name in Louisiana before you can apply.
| Eligible Vehicle Type | Maximum Character Limit |
| Cars, Trucks (under 16,000 lbs), Motor Homes | 7 characters |
| Motorcycles | 6 characters |
How to Apply for a Louisiana Personalized License Plate
- Reserve Your Plate Online: Visit the Louisiana ExpressLane portal and use the “Personalized Plate Inquiry” tool. If your exact configuration is available, the system will temporarily reserve it for exactly two weeks.
- Complete the Paperwork (Form DPSMV 1619): Download and print the Request for Personalized (Prestige) License Plate. Gather a photocopy of your current vehicle registration and proof of active auto insurance.
- Mail Your Payment and Documents: Louisiana does not accept online credit card payments for initial vanity plate orders. Before your two-week reservation expires, you must mail your completed form, documents, and a check or money order covering the fees to the OMV Specialized Vehicle Unit in Baton Rouge.
- Wait for Manufacturing: Custom plates are manufactured to order. Expect a 12-week wait (up to 4 months in some cases) for the plate to arrive by mail.
Louisiana Vanity Plate Rules & Character Limits
The OMV manually reviews all applications. To avoid automatic rejection, your configuration must adhere to these strict guidelines:
- Allowed Characters: Only numbers (0-9), letters (A-Z), spaces, periods, and hyphens. You must include at least two letters.
- Prohibited Characters: No special symbols (
@,#, etc.). You cannot substitute the number “1” for the letter “I”, or the number “0” for the letter “O”. - Restricted Formats: Do not use standard plate sequences (e.g., three letters followed by three numbers).
- Restricted Prefixes: You cannot start your plate with government codes: LSP, DPS, OMV, NOLA, HQ, SP, TS, or LA.
- Content Restrictions: Any request with ethnic, racial, vulgar, indecent, or otherwise offensive connotations will be denied.
How Much Does a Custom License Plate Cost in Louisiana?
Louisiana passenger plates renew on a two-year cycle. You must pay two years of the annual “prestige” fee upfront when you order.
| Fee Type | Cost | Description |
| Prestige Royalty Fee | $50.00 | $25 per year, paid upfront for the standard 2-year cycle. |
| Standard Handling Fee | $8.00 | Required administrative fee for the transaction. |
| Initial Admin Fee | $3.50 | One-time administrative fee for initial plate issuance. |
Note: These fees are in addition to your vehicle’s standard base registration cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your old standard plate is automatically cancelled in the OMV system once the new one is issued. You do not need to surrender it; simply destroy it.
No. Utility and boat trailers are not eligible. Personalized plates are restricted to automobiles, trucks under 16,000 lbs, motor homes, and motorcycles.
Not directly. The vehicle must be registered in the exact name of the applicant. You cannot order a custom plate for a car you do not legally own.
Conclusion:
Securing a Louisiana vanity plate is simple if you are prepared for the offline payment step. Ensure you have your current vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a checkbook ready before you start your online inquiry so you do not miss your two-week reservation window.
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