Questions Asked
Personalized Special Background Design Plates

1. Are there any restrictions when personalizing a special background plate?

Yes.  You may get personalized license plates with 1-7 characters (letters, numbers, hyphens, or spaces). Motorcycle and small trailer plates may have up to 6 characters.  License plates cannot contain unusual characters (#, %, &, @, +, !,etc.).  Plates suggesting vulgar, racial, ethnic, or indecent messages will not be issued.

To see if the plate configuration you want is available, look up personalized plates.

2. How much does it cost to personalize a special background plate? 

If you already have a personalized plate, you are required to pay $47.75 plus a service fee may apply.

If you do not have a personalized or special background plate yet, you will pay $87.75. 

3. How much will I pay each year to keep my personalized special plate when I renew my tabs?

In addition to your registration tab fees, each year you must pay the personalized plate and special plate renewal fees. 

Example:  If you have the personalized plate 'MYPL8' on the WSU Cougar background, you will pay:

4. If I already have a personalized plate, can I put that message on a special background plate?

Yes.  If you already have a personalized plate you can pay the appropriate fees and add your message to a special background plate design.

5. If I already have a special plate, what additional fees do I have to pay to get it personalized?

You will have to pay the fee for a personalized plate and the fee for the special background. There is no refund or credit if you've already purchased a special plate with a system assigned number.

6. Where can I purchase a personalized special plate?

If you already have standard personalized plates:
Visit your local vehicle licensing office to add a special background design.

If you do not have a personalized plate or already have special background plate: