N
Fame Shock News

custom license plate california

Author

Olivia Hensley

Updated on June 21, 2026

Fee: The fee for a personalized license plate in California is $49 in addition to any other regular renewal and registration fees. Other special interest plates (like the California Memorial or Coastal Commission plates) are extra.

Are custom license plates legal in California?

There is a decent amount of selection available for vanity plate backgrounds, and you’re allowed to choose customized text as long as it doesn’t violate state requirements. In California, vanity license plates are called Special Interest License Plates.

How do you see if a personalized plate is available in California?

Checking the Availability of California License Plates
Call the California Department of Motor Vehicles at 1-800-777-0133. Ask to speak to an associate regarding the availability of a vanity plate. Tell the associate the exact combination of letters and numbers that you wish to check.

How do I customize my license plate in California?

Yes, you can keep your personalized or vanity license plates in California. However, you must complete the Special Interest License Plate Application to notify the CA DMV that you intend to keep the plates.

How long do CA personalized plates take?

How Long Does It Take to Get the License Plates? Personalized license plates are available for pickup in about 8-12 weeks after being ordered online or mailed and processed by DMV.

How much does it cost to have a black license plate in California?

The new plates, which will cost $50, can be ordered by anyone, regardless of their car’s age. Black plates can be personalized, like other plates, and plates will also be available for motorcycles.

What do black license plates mean in California?

The black license plate with yellow lettering was used in California in the 1960s. It’s the first plate to reach the minimum number of preorders needed to make it available to motorists under the state’s new legacy license plate program.

Can you put cuss words on a license plate?

California can’t enforce a ban vanity license plates it considers “offensive to good taste and decency” because that violates freedom of speech, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

Can you still get black license plates in California?

Currently CA has 10 Select Plates and the black license plates are the newest addition. You may be noticing them on new cars, but the good news is anyone can order these iconic plates. The new plates cost $50 and anyone can order them, regardless of your car’s age.

Can I keep my personalized license plate when I sell my car in California?

Do I remove my license plate when I sell a car in California? Usually, no. Most vehicles have sequentially issued “standard” license plates that remain with the vehicle when ownership is transferred. If the vehicle has a special interest or personalized license plate, these plates belong to the seller, not the vehicle.

How much is it to customize your license plate?

Two characters cost R6,000, three characters cost R4,000, and others to a maximum of seven letters or numbers cost R1,750. Gauteng has the second most expensive personalised plates, but charges much less for its low-character plates. In GP three characters cost R5,950 and between four to seven characters cost R3,450.

How many letters can be on a license plate in California?

Since you live in California, you can choose a custom or vanity plate with up to seven characters. Across the U.S. license plates come with a different number of characters as follows: 23 states have six letters or numbers, as does the District of Columbia. 15 states have seven letters or numbers.

What happens when you sell a car with Personalised plates?

Yes, whenever you change cars, you have the choice to take your personalised number plate with you. You don’t have to leave it on your car. You must remove the registration number from your car before selling it. If you don’t, ownership of the registration number will pass with ownership of the vehicle.

How do I get the black California license plate?

Want to buy one? Mail an application with a $50 check, money order or cashier’s check payable to the DMV, Special Processing Unit MS D238, P.O. Box 932345, Sacramento, CA, 94232–3450. More details about these plates can be found on the DMV website,

How long can I keep a Personalised number plate?

Your V778 retention document proves that you still have the right to assign the private number for the next 10 years. You must renew your right to use a private number before the V778 expires. You can give up your right to use the private number if you decide not to assign it.

Can you transfer license plates from one car to another California?

California license plates are issued to vehicles and not individuals and they are usually transferred to the new owner if the vehicle is sold. In some cases, the owner may wish to retain his license plates. He or she will be required to visit one of the DMV offices and submit a written application for this to occur.

Where are CA license plates made?

Since 1947, inmates at Folsom State Prison have manufactured California’s license plates for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Originally, the factory was located in a surplus airplane hanger near the original granite quarry.

How long does it take to get license plates from dealer in California 2020?

On average, license plates are received between 14 and 30 days after the sale goes through.