Guide to Special License Plates in Texas: Types, Costs, and How to Apply
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Texas special license plates let local drivers personalize their vehicles while supporting special causes or showcasing their favorite affiliations. Like normal plates, personalized plates require plate fees, vehicle registration, and a license plate application. This guide to special license plates in Texas will help you find the plates you are looking for so you can show off some personality, passion, or purpose.
Introduction to Texas Specialty License Plates
Specialty license plates in Texas include specialized plates that require certain qualifications, TX special license plates for colleges and universities or general Texas pride, sports-related license plates, personalized plates, and much more. The Texas Specialty Plate Guide features over 40 pages of plates that go a step beyond standard license plates. There are about 400 specialty Texas license plates available today.
Types of Specialty License Plates in Texas
Special Texas license plates run the gamut from serious to fun and everything in between. The main categories of special license plates in TX are:
- Personalized plates: You can create or customize a personalized license plate in Texas that is related to a particular interest or passion.
- Military plates: Military specialty plates in Texas include 119 license plates to honor service branches, major military events, meritorious medal awards, and service badges.
- Organizational plates: From the Blue Knights to professional firefighters, Ducks Unlimited, and Read to Succeed, various organizations and professions feature specialty plates to show off their work and commitment.
- Collegiate plates: Hook 'em Horns or Go Aggies! Whatever your favorite college or university may be, you can purchase a specialty license plate to show your dedication and fandom.
- Sports plates: Whether you root for the Dallas Cowboys, the Houston Texas, the San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Mavericks, the Dallas Stars, the Texas Rangers, or any other Texas sports team, there is a license plate for you!
Texas has more specialty license plates than any other state in the union, offering an option for nearly every Texas driver.
How to Apply for a Texas Specialty License Plate
You can apply for a specialty plate in Texas at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles or via the MyPlates website. If you prefer to submit your application via mail, you can print the application and mail it to your local county assessor’s office. The vehicle that the license plate will be featured on must be for personal use only and have a Texas title and registration in your name as well.
Required Documentation for Specialty Plates
Acceptable documentation for specialty Texas plates includes a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID, as well as your vehicle identification number (VIN) or your current license plate number. If you are applying for a license plate that features the International Symbol of Access (ISA) for a disability, you will also need to submit a notarized copy of the application.
Fees and Costs for Specialty License Plates
The fees for specialty plates are $30 to $40 per year in addition to annual registration fees. It costs another $40 to personalize a license plate in Texas. You cannot get a refund on specialty plates.
Your application can be rejected if the license plate is deemed offensive, contains inappropriate language, or violates a state law.
Tips for Selecting the Right Specialty Plate
Personalized license plates are not refundable, so take the time to get yours right and ensure that the plate is just what you want before you place your order. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect special license plate for Texas drivers:
- Think about what matters most to you. Do you love music or your dog? The college you graduated from or the organization you currently work for? Is there an inspirational word you’d like to include? You can make your license plate a creative and fun form of personal expression.
- Commemorate the big moments. Whether it’s a military award, a personal milestone, or another major accomplishment, you can use your specialty plate to show the world what you have done.
- Consider different colors and backgrounds. The license plate you want might be so busy that it's hard to read. Take the time to research colors, fonts, and other options to build a license plate that you truly love.
And, of course, make sure you proof and review the final plate before you submit your application to ensure that everything is correct and to your specifications.
Accessing Texas DMV Resources for Specialty Plates
A Texas DMV office can be a helpful resource if you have questions about specialty plates, costs, documents, and other ordering or renewal procedures.
Need Car Insurance? Get a Quote Today
EverQuote can help you review options for car insurance in Texas and find the most affordable coverage for your vehicle, whether it boasts a specialty license plate or not. After completing a simple online form, you can find multiple auto insurance options that suit your budget and needs and compare offers side-by-side to find the best option for driving in Texas.