Specialty Plate Online Ordering

 

Confirmation said truck on vehicle description, vehicle is an SUV.  How do I change to a passenger vehicle?

Vehicle description is based on information provided by the manufacturer; some manufacturers identify SUVs as trucks while others identify SUVs as passenger vehicles.  There is no impact to your specialty plate order if either passenger or truck is displayed.

 

Encountering issues with display and form layout?

This may be caused by accessing via a phone or tablet or by the use of browsers such as Safari.  You may need to switch to another browser to complete your transaction.

 

Why is only one owner name allowed?

Each owner name is stored separately, only one name is required for purchase of specialty plate.

 

Which registration number is required?

Registration number begins with the alpha characters NR or RS.  You may locate on the registration document in the upper, center below the county treasurer’s name.  The red pre-printed audit number found on the registration document is not the registration number.

 

I previously held the message I was attempting to add to my plate but received an error message indicating the message is not available?

Messages are not available until 13 months after registration expires or is invalidates.  If you wish to move your message to another plate type or re-order for the same plate type, you will need to submit a paper application for processing.  Applications may be downloaded by selecting License Plates on our Forms page.

 

Error message states the message entered is invalid.  What does this mean?

Invalid means one may mean the message submitted is already taken or the message conflicts with another plate number schematic (examples 123AB or 1235 which are numbering structures used for numeric specialty plates).

 

Receiving error message after entering address?

You must click on the Validate link to validate your address with USPS data.  If using a tablet or phone to order, you may need to scroll down to locate the Validate link.

 

Why am I receiving an error message when attempting to purchase a military related specialty plate for my vehicle which is in the name of a trust?

Current state law requires the vehicle to be in the name of the person who qualifies for the military related license plate. 

 

Why am I receiving an error message when attempting to purchase a military related specialty plate for my vehicle which is in my spouse’s name?

Current state law requires the vehicle to be in the name of the person who qualifies for the military related license plate. 

 

Why can’t I renew my registration and order a specialty plate at the same time?

Registration renewals are managed by your local county treasurer’s office while specialty plate ordering is managed by the DMV.  In most cases, renewed registrations are mailed within one business day from your county treasurer.  Specialty plates, produced after order placement, are not available at the county treasurer’s office until 4-5 weeks after order.

 

Why do some plates allow seven characters while others only allow five characters?

State law provides for the number of characters allowed for each plate type.  Those plates where only five characters are allowed were intended to contain a logo, emblem, etc. limiting the space allowed for the plate message.

 

Why do I have to wait for my message to be approved?

Messages are reviewed to ensure they meet state law requirements (characters in order used shall not express, connote, or imply any obscene or objectionable words or abbreviations).  Payment is not withheld from your credit card or bank account until message is accepted.  Either a verification or rejection email is sent after the message is reviewed, which, in most cases, is the next business day. 

 

What is a county message plate?

County message plates are only available for vehicles registered in Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster Counties.  The county number (1, 59, or 2) must match the county where the vehicle is registered and be followed with a dash and one or more numbers/letters.

 

I want to change the specialty plate I have to another design, received message stating I already had a plate ordered.  Can I proceed with new order?

Yes, you may order a different specialty plate.  The message is for your information only.  During a plate reissuance year (every six years, 2023, 2029, etc.) existing specialty plates are reordered for the new plate year approximately four months prior to your registration expiration.  The fact the plate has been ordered does not restrict you from ordering a different specialty plate.

 

Will you hold my plate until my registration expires so I may pick it up at the same time I renew my registration?

Yes, your plate will be held until your next renewal if you wish to wait to pick it up.

 

Is the specialty plate fee a one-time charge?

No.  The cost of a Specialty plate is due at the time of initial application and again annually in the same month as the vehicle registration.

 

Are additional fees charged when plates are picked up?

Yes, additional fees, up to $13.70, for production of the license plates and new registration will be charged.