Get a Personalized License Plate in Louisiana

If you are a resident of Louisiana and are looking to add a statement piece to your vehicle, then consider filing for a personalized license plate. The application process to get a personalized license plate in the state of Louisiana is easy. While the most difficult part may be coming up with a personalized statement that fits on the plate and also fits the rules, seeing the personalized license plate fashioned to your vehicle will make you want to show it off around town.

Steps

Applying for a Personalized License Plate

1. Go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) website. The OMV website will guide you through the process of selecting and ordering a personalized license plate. This will also be your chance to review the current Louisiana regulations regarding personalized license plates. You can access the website at https://expresslane.dps.louisiana.gov/plate/plate.aspx.
2. Think of a personalized message that is 7 characters long. These 7 characters include the letters, numbers and spaces within your personalized message. Think of something that means something to you or will give you a laugh, like “LV4MOM” or “TACOTUE”.
   • If you have a motorcycle or handicap license plate, then you can only use 6 characters for your personalized message.
   • The plate must include at least 2 letters, and cannot be a combination of 3 letters followed by 3 numbers, or vice versa.
   • The only special characters permitted are periods and hyphens, which count as one character each.
   • Any personalized messages that substitutes the number zero for the letter ‘O’ or the number one for the letter ‘I’ will not be accepted.
   • Your message cannot include a patented logo, amateur radio call signs, or any language that would be deemed offensive.
3. Check the availability of your message on the OMV website. This is the first step of the application process. Personal messages are on a first come, first serve basis. So you will not be able to use any personalized message that is already on an active plate.
   • It is good to come up with a few message ideas, this way you are prepared if one of the ideas is already taken. So if “TACOTUE” is taken, then maybe an equal substitute would be “FUNFRI8”.
   • Even if a personalized message was deemed available, this does not mean that another application wasn’t submitted ahead of yours with the same request. If this happens, your application will be rejected and you will be asked to select a new message.
4. Fill out the online application form. Once you have found and selected an available personalized message, the website will then redirect you to fill out a form to finalize the request.
   • You will need your vehicle identification number as well as other information about your vehicle, including its make, model, body style, and year. You will also need to provide your driver's license number and your current license plate number.
   • Once you make your personalized message request, it will be held for a total of 2 weeks. This gives the OMV time to process your application, and for you to pay.

Submitting Your Payment

1. Look for an email from the OMV requesting payment. Once your personalized license plate is approved, you will be emailed a bill and an address to send the payment to. You should get this email within 1 to 2 business days after submitting your initial request.
   • If after a week you have not received a bill, then call the OMV.
   • A personalized license plate will usually cost $25.00 plus the standard registration fees issued by the state of Louisiana. These registration fees can vary greatly in price depending on the value of your vehicle and your location. You will also have to pay an extra $11.50 to cover administrative and handling fees.
   • When it is time to pay your renewal fees, you will also have to pay an extra $25.00 for having a personalized license plate.
2. Mail your payment as soon as possible. Your request will not be processed until your payment is received. As of right now, only checks and money orders are accepted methods of payment. Just make sure to include your driver’s license number on any personal checks you send.
3. Allow 10 to 12 weeks for delivery of the personalized license plate. Once your payment has been received, you will get an email that your personalized license plate has been ordered. The process does take a while, so be patient.
   • If after the 10 to 12 weeks you have not received your new license plate, then contact the OMV.
   • If you currently have a regular license plate, the new personalized license plate will be sent to the mailing address you listed on your application.
   • If you already have a personalized plate on your vehicle, then you must turn in the old plate to the OMV and pick up the new plate.
4. Destroy your old plate, as it is no longer valid. Since regular license plates do not have to be returned to the OMV, it is recommended that you break the plate in half and throw it away.

Warnings

• As per Louisiana law, your vehicle must be registered prior to your application for personalized plates.
• You must abide by certain regulations regarding the transfer of your personalized plates. If you sell your vehicle, then you must notify the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and fill out the appropriate paperwork indicating whether you want the plate to be transferred to the new owner, kept with you and put on a different vehicle, or simply turned in.

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References

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