Vanity License Plates in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers its residents the opportunity to personalize their vehicles with vanity license plates. These plates allow individuals to showcase their creativity and express their personality on the road. To obtain a vanity license plate, you must follow the steps outlined below.

First, visit your local Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) office or their official website.
Secondly, complete the application form for a vanity license plate.
Next, submit proof of identity and vehicle title and registration.
Finally, make the payment. The initial application fee is typically $20.

After you have completed all these steps, you will wait for your order. If it is approved, you will receive a notification. When you go to pick up your vanity plate, make sure to bring the necessary inspection certificate. Note that there might be an additional processing fee.

When ordering, you can present your ideas for the vanity license plate. The plate can contain up to seven characters, which can include letters and numbers. The only punctuation allowed is a hyphen. If there is a space, it will count as a character.

To check the availability of your desired combination, you can visit the PennDOT website. Be aware that combinations with offensive language or abbreviations are prohibited.

Renewal and Replacement

You should renew your vanity license plate before the expiration date indicated on your registration sticker. Typically, you will receive a notification or mail at least 45 days before the renewal deadline.

The renewal process may vary by county. Most counties offer renewal online, by mail, or in person. Here are some common requirements:

Submit your previous decals and labels.
Make the required payments (the fee may vary based on vehicle type and weight).
Provide your driver’s ID.

If you lose your vanity plate or it gets stolen, you need to report it to the local authorities and apply for a replacement at your county's DMV office.

Common Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about vanity license plates in Pennsylvania:

How long does it take to receive my vanity plate? Typically, it takes several weeks after your application is approved to receive your plate in the mail.
Can I change my vanity plate? Yes, you can apply for a new vanity plate at any time, but you will need to submit a new application and payment.
What if my desired combination is already taken? You will need to select a different combination, as duplicates are not allowed.