Get a Personalized License Plate in West Virginia
Do you live in West Virginia and want to show your fun and creative side each time you drive your car, truck or motorcycle? You can, when you add a personalized license plate to your vehicle. Follow the steps below to learn how to get a personalized license plate in West Virginia.
Contents
Steps
- Make sure your vehicle is titled and that you have a Class A license plate.
- Jot down some ideas for your personalized license plate.
- Check for availability by logging on to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicle website, www.dmv.wv.gov.
- Choose "Personalized Plate Search" under the "Vehicle" heading in the column along the left side of the screen.
- Type your choice in the "Search For" box and click on "Search."
- Go to the West Virginia Department of Transportation website at www.transportation.wv.gov.
- Click on "See More" under the first column headed "Citizen."
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Special License Plates" under "Vehicle."
- Click on "Printable Form" under "Regular Personalized" or "Scenic Personalized" to open the West Virginia Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles Application for a Personalized License Plate.
- Fill in the form online, or print a blank application and type or write in the required information.
- Write your name, address and daytime phone number in Section A.
- Supply your vehicle information in Section B. This includes vehicle make, year, title number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and current license plate number.
- Give your insurance information in Section C, including policy number, effective dates, name of insurance company, agent and National Association of Insurance Commissioners number.
- Check the appropriate box beside the type of plate you desire in Section D. Choose from Standard, Scenic, Patriotic, 9/11, Wildlife Bird, Wildlife Deer or Motorcycle.
- Note that the maximum number of characters allowed for a personalized license plate varies depending on type of plate selected.
- Enter up to 4 choices for your personalized license plate in the character boxes provided in Section E.
- List your choices in order of preference, as you will be assigned the first available choice.
- Sign and date Section G, "Applicant's Statement."
- Mail the completed application and payment for appropriate fees to Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 17120, Charleston, WV 25317.
- Return your current license plates to the Division of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of receiving your personalized license plates.
- Renew your personalized license plate registration every year or 2, depending on your registration term.
Tips
- Between 2 and 8 characters can be used for standard and scenic license plates, 2 and 6 characters for 9/11 and Wildlife plates, and 2 and 5 characters for Patriotic plates.
- Personalized license plates for motorcycles use up to 6 characters.
- Personalized license plates in West Virginia are allowed for cars, motorcycles and pickup trucks weighing 8,000 pounds or less.
- The annual renewal fee for personalized license plates in West Virginia is $15. The fee for Wildlife plats is $30.
Warnings
- Do not use offensive or profane language for your personalized license plate choices. Entries deemed offensive will be denied.
- Scenic personalized license plates are not available for motorcycles.
