How to Check Available License Plates

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Last Updated: March 20, 2024 References

When you register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state or region, you will often have the option to choose from a variety of different license plate themes and styles. Some states may allow you to choose license plates in particular colors, while other states may allow you to choose license plates with a specific logo or design. In most cases, you should be able to obtain personalized or specialized license plates. For example, if you are a firefighter, you may be able to obtain specialized license plates with a firefighter theme that states you are a firefighter. To review and check on the available license plates you can purchase for your vehicle, you must consult with the DMV in your area, as each state or region has unique laws and restrictions regarding license plates.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choosing Vanity Plate Phrases

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1
Decide on a phrase. Part of the fun in getting a vanity plate is coming up with a personalized or clever phrase to include as the identifying number on the license plate. You should think about what you want it to say, but make sure it is not inappropriate because that probably won’t get approved.
- Come up with several variations, possibly including numbers or alternative spellings, in case your first choice is unavailable.
- For example, if you want your license plate to read “TOOFAST,” you might consider “2FAST,” “TOFAST,” or “2FASST” as alternative options in case someone else already chose the one you originally wanted.
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Check online to see if your chosen phrase is available. Most states will have an online option to enter specific characters that you wish to have on your license plate to see if that option is available for you to choose. Enter your chosen phrase and see if it is available in your state.^{[1]
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- To find your state’s DMV website, you should do an internet search for the phrase “DMV List.” Once you select one of the websites included in the search results, it will take you to a list of all of the states in the US. From there, you can select your state and it will link you directly to your state’s DMV website.^{[2]
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- On the DMV’s webpage, look for options like “Check Plate Availability,” “Vanity Plate Options,” or “Check Personal Plate.” A link like this will lead you to a page where you can enter in your chosen phrase to see if it is available.
- If you are applying for your license plate in person at the DMV, you’ll need to ask the DMV employee to check for the availability of your phrase for you.
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Finalize your purchase. Once you have selected a phrase that is available for your license plate, you should complete your purchase by entering in any required information and paying for your new license plate.
- If you’re placing your order online, you’ll need a credit card to pay for the order. If you’re completing the process in an actual DMV office, you should be able to pay with cash, check, or credit card.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Checking License Plate Design Availability Online

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1
Access your region's DMV website. Most states or regions will have detailed information about different types of license plates on the DMV website.
- Find your state’s DMV website by doing an internet search for "DMV List." This will lead you to a website that links to a list of every single DMV office in the United States. Then scroll down the webpage until you locate the name of your state.^{[3]
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- Click on the blue arrow within the "DMV" column next to your state. You will then be redirected to your state's official DMV website.
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Locate information on available license plates within your region. Navigate through your region's DMV website to locate the section for license plate information. In most cases, license plate information will be located within the registration section of the DMV website.^{[4]
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- Be sure to search specifically for the state you want to get a license plate in because rules and regulations can vary from state to state.
3
Review each license plate style and theme. Most DMV websites will have photographs and samples of different license plate styles and themes you can choose from.
- There will likely be a selection of license plates to pick from with various themes – like religious, agricultural, state pride, etc.
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Consider the fees and requirements for each style of license plate. Some personalized or specialized license plates will require you to pay additional annual fees or have restrictions on the amount of characters you can have displayed on the license plates.^{[5]
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- For example, if you purchase a personalized California license plate bearing a Lake Tahoe logo, you will be required to pay 90 dollars (66 euros) in addition to standard registration fees. You will also be required to choose a number and letter combination of between two and seven characters.
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Order your desired license plates. Some states or regions will allow you to order your license plates online at the DMV website, while other states may require you to complete an application and purchase your license plates in person at your nearest DMV office.^{[6]
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- Read and review the rules and regulations in place for purchasing license plates on your region's DMV website.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Checking License Plate Design Availability In Person

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1
Visit a DMV office in your local area. Most full-service DMV offices will allow you to review each style and theme of license plate at the time of your vehicle registration.^{[7]
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- Locate the nearest DMV office by consulting with your local telephone directory or by visiting your region's DMV website. Your region's DMV website may be listed on the "DMV List" website, but you can do a quick internet search to find the office nearest you.
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View the available options for license plates. In most cases, each theme and style of license plate will be displayed publicly in the DMV office.
- Wait in line and ask a DMV representative about available license plates if samples of license plates are not displayed for you to review at the DMV office.
- You can also view the available options ahead of time online so that you already have an idea of what you want by the time you make it to the DMV.
3
Verify the fees and requirements for each license plate style. At the time of registration, the DMV representative may advise you of any applicable annual fees or requirements for each type of license plate.^{[8]
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- For example, if you want license plates that state you are the alumni for a particular college or university, you may need to provide proof that you are an alumni of that particular school before you can be issued the license plates.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Installing Your License Plate

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1
Wait for your license plate to arrive. If you ordered your license plate online, it may take a few business days to receive it in the mail. If you ordered your license plate in person, it will also take a few days for you to receive your new plate in the mail.^{[9]
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State of Michigan
Official website for the State of Michigan

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- Typically, your new license plate should arrive within 14 days after your order was placed.
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Remove your old license plate. Using a Phillips or flathead screwdriver (depending on which kind of screws were used to initially install the existing license plate), unscrew the screws and pull them out. Set the screws aside so you can reuse them with the new license plate.^{[10]
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- Once the screws have been removed, the old license plate should simply slide off.
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Attach the new license plate. Line up the pre-drilled holes in the license plate with the holes that the screws will go into. Use your screwdriver to turn the screws clockwise so that they tighten into the drilled holes.^{[11]
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- Once the screws are completely tight, your new license plate will be ready to go.
- Make sure you adhere the expiration sticker to the license plate. You should have received this sticker when you registered for your new license plate.

Community Q&A

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Question

How can I find out if a plate is already issued?

Community Answer

You can ask the workers at the DMV, and they should be able to tell you.

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