Texas has one of the most robust and flexible personalized license plate programs in the country. Since 1965, Texans have had the option to put their personality on their plates—and today, with hundreds of design backgrounds, up to 7-character personalization, and a seamless online ordering process through MyPlates.com, getting a custom plate in Texas has never been easier.
This guide walks you through every step: what types of custom plates exist, the rules, the fees, how to apply, and what to expect after you order.
Types of Texas Custom License Plates
For most drivers, getting a custom plate starts and ends at MyPlates.com, the state’s official specialty plate vendor.
- My Plates Select: Premium designs with up to 7-character personalization and optional embossed (raised) lettering.
- State Sponsored Plates: Plates benefiting universities, charities, or military causes. While anyone can order charity or university plates, military and veteran plates require proof of eligibility.
How to Apply for a Texas Custom License Plate: Step by Step
Step 1: Decide What You Want
Start with your message. Think through multiple combinations in case your first choice is taken. Also decide if you want a My Plates Select design or a State Sponsored plate, whether you prefer standard flat-print or Premium Embossed, and what term length works for your budget.
Step 2: Check Availability on MyPlates.com
Before committing to a message, visit myplates.com to verify availability. Enter your desired combination and the site will tell you immediately whether it’s available. You can also preview how your message will look on different plate designs.
Step 3: Choose Your Application Path
- Path A – Order Online via MyPlates.com (Most Common): Most My Plates Select designs and many State Sponsored plates can be ordered entirely online. Browse designs, select your background, enter your message, choose your term, and complete payment. You’ll need your VIN or current license plate number and your vehicle registration details.
- Path B – Apply by Mail or In Person (Qualifying/Specialty Plates): Plates with eligibility requirements (military, veteran, disability, agricultural) cannot be ordered online. Download the appropriate application form from txdmv.gov (Form VTR-999 or Form VTR-214 for accessibility plates), include proof of eligibility if required, and submit it with payment to your local county tax assessor-collector’s office.
Step 4: Await Approval and Manufacturing
TxDMV reviews every personalized message. If approved, your plate moves into manufacturing. Processing and delivery usually take about 3–4 weeks for online orders. If ordering by mail, contact your county tax assessor-collector’s office about three weeks after mailing to confirm your plates have arrived.
Step 5: Pick Up Your Plates
Texas custom plates are not mailed to your home—they are delivered to your local county tax assessor-collector’s office, where you must pick them up in person. Bring:
- A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or military ID).
- Your VIN or current license plate number.
Proxy Pickup: If you cannot pick up the plates yourself, a trusted person can do so on your behalf. They must bring a completed Form VTR-271 (Limited Power of Attorney), their original photo ID, a copy of your photo ID, proof of insurance, and payment for any prorated registration fees.
Important Next Steps After Pickup:
- Apply your new sticker: You will receive a new windshield registration sticker displaying your new plate number. Scrape off the old one and apply the new one.
- Update your toll tags: Log into your TxTag, EZ TAG, or TollTag account immediately and update your vehicle information to avoid mailed toll violations.
- Handle your old plates: TxDMV recommends removing your old plates and surrendering them to the tax office, permanently defacing them with a marker, or recycling them so they aren’t stolen.
Texas Personalized Plate Rules & Character Limits
Texas gives you significant flexibility with your personalized message:
- Up to 6 characters on standard custom plates (at least one must be a letter on six-character plates).
- Up to 7 characters on My Plates Select designs and certain specialty plates like Freedom plates and T-Plates.
- Allowed characters: Letters A–Z, numbers 0–9, spaces, hyphens, periods, hearts, stars, and Texas silhouette symbols.
- Logo spacing: Some plates include a fixed logo (such as a university seal, military emblem, or the International Symbol of Access wheelchair logo) that reduces available character space by up to two characters.
- No duplicates: No two Texans may have identical alphanumeric characters on their plates.
The TxDMV reviews every personalized message before manufacturing to ensure it meets content guidelines. Your plate will be rejected if it:
- Conflicts with current or proposed standard plate patterns.
- Could be considered vulgar, offensive, or threatening.
- Could mislead someone into thinking the vehicle is an official government or emergency vehicle.
- Promotes illegal activity.
How Much Do Custom License Plates Cost in Texas?
Custom plate fees are charged in addition to your standard vehicle registration.
Non-Refundable: TxDMV does not offer refunds. Because plates are custom-made, verify your spelling and design carefully before paying.
Pricing: Fees generally range from $30 to $115 per year depending on the design and whether you personalize the text. Multi-year terms (3 or 5 years) offer discounts.
Texas Custom Plate Term Options and Transfers
Renewals: Your custom plate fee will be added to your annual vehicle registration renewal notice.
Transfers: Personalized plates are tied to you, not the vehicle. You can easily transfer them to another car you own at your county tax office for free. If you sell your car, keep your custom plates!
(Exception: My Plates Select Auction plates are the only Texas specialty plates that are fully transferable between owners—they can be passed to family, friends, or sold.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. However, because the leasing company is technically the legal owner of the vehicle, you may need an additional form or a letter of permission from the leasing company when picking your plates up at the county office.
Yes—myplates.com lets you check availability instantly and preview your message on plate designs before purchasing.
TxDMV will notify you. Because plates are not refundable, it is critical to review your combination carefully against the content guidelines before submitting payment.
Yes. Many Texas specialty and personalized plates are available for motorcycles, trailers, and private buses—availability is indicated on each plate’s listing at myplates.com.
Yes. State Sponsored plates donate a portion of the fee to the sponsoring organization or cause. For example, university plates support higher education, and conservation plates fund wildlife programs.
Conclusion
Texas makes it genuinely fun to personalize your vehicle. With hundreds of design options, flexible term lengths, and a fully online ordering process through MyPlates.com, the hardest part is deciding what your plate should say. Check availability early, review the content guidelines carefully, and you’ll be driving your one-of-a-kind Texas plate within a month.
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