Create Custom License Plates

Creating custom license plates in Oregon allows drivers to personalize their vehicles with unique combinations of letters and numbers, reflecting individual style and identity. Oregon residents can select from a variety of custom Oregon plates, pairing meaningful alphanumeric sequences with popular state-themed backgrounds such as Crater Lake, Douglas fir, or ocean designs. Personalized plates make vehicles stand out while remaining fully compliant with DMV text formatting rules, character approval guidelines, and customization limits.

The process of creating custom license plates is straightforward through the OR License Plate Portal, which allows vehicle owners to check the availability of their desired plate combination and review Oregon DMV requirements before applying. Using the portal as a starting point, applicants complete the DMV application, pay the required fees, and submit the request online, by mail, or in person. Once approved, the personalized plates can be installed on the vehicle and must be renewed annually to remain valid. By following Oregon’s DMV rules through the OR License Plate Portal, drivers can confidently showcase their personality and make their truck memorable on the road.

What Are Custom License Plates in Oregon?

Custom license plates in Oregon allow vehicle owners to display a unique combination of letters and numbers on their plates. These plates go beyond standard registration tags, offering a personal touch that reflects individual style or interests. Unlike standard plates, https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/vehicle/plates.aspx, which have preassigned alphanumeric combinations, custom Oregon plates let drivers choose their own characters within DMV-approved customization limits. This flexibility enables personalization while still complying with state regulations. Drivers can create a plate that represents a name, hobby, or meaningful word, making their vehicle instantly recognizable.

It’s important to differentiate between custom plates and special or background plates. Special plates often highlight causes, organizations, or Oregon landmarks, such as environmental themes or collegiate designs. While they can be personalized to some extent, they typically follow stricter formatting rules compared to fully custom plates. Custom plates focus on the individual combination of letters and numbers, while specialty plates primarily emphasize the background design.

Owning a custom Oregon plate provides several benefits:

• Personal expression: Showcase a favorite phrase, nickname, or creative combination.
• Easy recognition: Stand out in parking lots or on the road.
• Flexibility within rules: Choose from a variety of letters, numbers, and spacing while following text formatting rules.

By offering a personalized plate option, Oregon gives drivers the chance to combine unique characters with approved DMV options. This balance ensures every plate is distinctive yet compliant with state requirements. For anyone seeking a custom look for their vehicle, understanding these distinctions and limits is the first step toward creating a plate that truly reflects their personality.

Eligibility & Prerequisites

Anyone who wants to create custom plates in Oregon must have a valid Oregon vehicle title and registration. Only vehicles that meet the DMV’s eligibility requirements can receive personalized plates. To qualify for personalized plates, the vehicle must be properly titled and registered in Oregon. This ensures that the DMV can link the plate to the vehicle and maintain accurate records. Applicants need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle title or registration documents, when submitting a custom plate request.

Eligible vehicle types include:

• Passenger vehicles – standard cars and sedans
• Motorcycles – including standard, cruiser, and touring bikes
• Campers and RVs – motorhomes used for personal travel
• Travel trailers – towed trailers that are registered in Oregon

Applicants should check that their vehicle type is accepted for custom plates before applying. The DMV evaluates each request to confirm vehicle title requirements and overall DMV eligibility.

Steps Process to Create Custom License Plates

Creating custom license plates in Oregon is straightforward when drivers follow the proper steps, including checking availability, completing forms, submitting payment, waiting for approval, and installing the plates.

Check Availability

Before applying, drivers should ensure their desired plate combination is available. Some options can be checked online through DMV2U services, which provides real-time availability for certain plate types, while other combinations may need multiple options listed on the DMV application. Applicants should follow character approval rules, avoid offensive or restricted words, and consider spacing or dashes within the allowed customization limits to increase chances of approval.

Complete Application Forms

Applicants must fill out the correct forms to submit a custom plate request. The main forms include:

• Form 735‑205 (Custom Plate Application): Lists requested combinations and vehicle information.
• Form 735‑268 (Registration/Renewal/Transfer): Needed if updating registration or transferring plates to another vehicle.

The application should include:

• Vehicle title or registration number
• Applicant’s full name and contact information
• Desired plate combinations in order of preference

Forms can be submitted by mail or in person at any Oregon DMV office. Using both forms together ensures faster processing and reduces errors that can delay approval.

Submit Payment

Creating custom plates requires payment of application and annual renewal fees. Fees vary depending on the type of plate and background design. Standard fees include:

• $50 for a standard custom plate
• Additional fees for specialty backgrounds (for example, Crater Lake or wildlife themes)

Payment can be made with a check, money order, or credit card, depending on the submission method. Including the correct fees with the application prevents delays in processing.

Wait for DMV Approval & Issuance

Once submitted, the DMV reviews applications to ensure compliance with text formatting rules and character approval. Processing typically takes 6 to 10 weeks, and the DMV may contact applicants if requested combinations violate rules or if additional documents are needed. Approved plates are delivered by mail or can be picked up at a DMV office.

Install Your Plates & Renew

After receiving the plates, drivers should install them according to Oregon law and track annual renewals, as failure to renew can result in fines or suspension. Renewal notices are sent via mail or email, and applicants should keep a copy of the approval letter, update the DMV if transferring the plate, and check renewal fees, which may vary depending on plate design. Following these steps ensures a smooth process for creating custom license plates while respecting DMV rules, customization limits, and character approval, making the process efficient and hassle-free.

Formatting Rules & Character Limits

Oregon custom license plates allow a combination of letters, numbers, spaces, and dashes, but special symbols or punctuation marks are not permitted. Each plate can have up to six characters, with a space or dash possibly extending the total to seven. When applying for a custom plate, applicants must follow specific text formatting rules to ensure their design is accepted. The Oregon DMV reviews each request to confirm that the combination complies with these standards and does not include offensive, vulgar, or confusing sequences. Plates that violate these rules are automatically rejected, so careful planning helps avoid delays.

Allowed Characters

• Letters: A–Z (uppercase only)
• Numbers: 0–9
• Spaces: Can be included but count toward the character limit
• Dashes (-): Allowed as a separator

Special symbols like @, #, !, or punctuation marks such as commas and periods are not allowed.

Character Limits

• Maximum of 6 characters per plate
• Adding a space or dash may increase the total length to 7 characters
• Abbreviations are common, but clarity is key to avoiding confusion

Restrictions

The DMV screens all custom requests for:

• Offensive language (profanity, hate speech, sexual content)
• Confusing combinations (e.g., sequences that resemble emergency vehicles)
• Trademarked names or brand references without permission

Examples of Valid vs. Invalid Plates

Fees Breakdown for Custom License Plates in Oregon

Creating a custom license plate in Oregon comes with several fees, including the base cost, design surcharges, and annual renewal charges. These costs apply to both personalized plates and Specialty License Plates, ensuring each option is properly registered and legally recognized by the state. The base fee for custom Oregon plates is $50, which is added to standard vehicle registration costs and covers the creation and official issuance of the plate. Many Specialty License Plates feature unique backgrounds or causes, and these designs often include additional surcharges. For example, plates displaying Crater Lake, Salmon, or Oregon State University themes may add an extra $15–$50 to the total cost, depending on the selected design.

Annual renewal fees apply to maintain your plate’s validity. While the base registration renewal fee is required for all vehicles, the custom plate surcharge continues annually, ensuring your plate remains active. Renewal notices typically arrive from the DMV before your registration expires, helping you stay on top of payments. If a plate is lost, damaged, or transferred to a new vehicle, additional replacement or transfer fees may apply. Replacements often start around $20, while transferring a plate may involve a small administrative fee.

Common Reasons for Plate Denials

Custom license plates in Oregon can be rejected if they include prohibited content or violate DMV rules. Most denials happen because the combination of characters is offensive, misleading, or does not follow text formatting rules. The Oregon DMV reviews every personalized plate request for character approval. Combinations containing profanity, hate speech, drug references, or alcohol-related terms are automatically denied. Plates that are too similar to existing ones or could confuse law enforcement are also rejected. Recent reports show that nearly 400 custom plates were denied last year due to offensive language or unclear character sequences.

Applicants can appeal a rejection, but success is limited. The DMV provides guidance on how to revise a plate request and resubmit it for approval. To avoid delays, users should carefully follow text formatting rules and check for common rejection triggers before submitting.

Tips include:

• Keep the character count within limits (usually six letters or numbers).
• Avoid symbols, punctuation, or spaces that the DMV does not allow.
• Refrain from using slang, abbreviations, or phrases with double meanings.
• Ensure the combination is unique and not similar to existing plates.

By adhering to these customization limits, applicants increase the likelihood of approval and prevent unnecessary delays in receiving their personalized plates. Using clear, compliant combinations also helps drivers enjoy their unique plates without interruptions.

FAQs About Creating Custom License Plates

Creating custom license plates allows vehicle owners in Oregon to personalize their vehicles with unique combinations of letters and numbers. This section answers the most common questions about the application process, rules, and maintenance of custom plates.

How long does custom plate approval take?

Custom plate approval in Oregon generally takes 6 to 10 weeks after applying. Processing may vary depending on DMV workload and the complexity of the requested plate. Once the DMV receives the application, it reviews the requested combination to ensure compliance with text formatting rules and character approval standards. After approval, the plates are manufactured and mailed. Checking plate availability before applying can prevent delays and reduce the risk of resubmission.

Can custom plates be transferred to another vehicle?

Yes, most custom plates can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same person. To transfer, the owner must complete a custom plate transfer form at the DMV and pay any applicable fees. Transfers cannot occur if the new vehicle type does not support the plate style. Keeping personalized plates active through timely renewal makes the transfer process smoother.

What happens if a custom plate request is rejected?

If a custom plate request is denied, the DMV usually sends a notice explaining the reason. Rejections often occur due to violations of character approval rules, offensive content, or exceeding customization limits. Applicants can modify their combination and resubmit or choose a different combination. Reviewing DMV text formatting rules before applying minimizes the chance of rejection.

Can characters be reserved in advance?

Oregon does not offer long-term reservations for custom plate characters, but early application increases the chance of securing a desired combination. Applicants should check plate availability online or through the DMV. Prompt submission ensures that another person does not claim the same characters. Certain special plate designs may have limited availability, so planning helps ensure the chosen combination is accepted.

Are there restrictions based on plate design?

Yes, restrictions depend on the type of custom Oregon plates selected. All plates must follow DMV text formatting rules, including character limits, spacing, and permitted symbols. Some designs, like commemorative or wildlife plates, may have additional fees or limited issuance. Reviewing design-specific customization limits ensures compliance and avoids processing delays.