While license plate numbers for a new vehicle are normally generated by an algorithm, motorists can pay extra to pick their own sequence of letters and numbers. Known as a 'vanity plate,' every chosen sequence must be unique within the state. For example, only one Illinois-issued license plate can have the number 'GR8 1,' but up to 51 U.S. license plates (i.e., one per state, plus Washington, D.C.) can have this vanity number. To help drivers decide on a vanity plate, each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency offers a searchable database of existing (and therefore unavailable) license plate numbers.

1. Florida Personalized License Plate Status
2. Florida Specialty License Plate Availability
3. Florida Personalized License Plate Search

Apply for Specialty Plates in Florida. You can apply for a specialty plate in Florida when you visit your local tax collector's office to register your vehicle or renew your registration. Below you will find the process for the different kinds of special and custom plates available. In Florida, you must replace your license plates every 10. PLATE CONFIGURATION. License plates with a center logo design such as the basic Florida license plate or the Save the Manatee license plate, may have up to 7 characters plus either a space or a hyphen. License plates, may only have up to 5 characters with no additional space or hyphen.

• To search a license plate number you will need the full license plate number and the state of registration. License plates have the state listed on the plate itself. Once you have the full plate number and state you can search and lookup vehicle information, vehicle specs, possibly owner information, VIN number.
• Personalized License Plates Personalized license plates may be ordered in person at motor vehicle service center throughout Florida. The cost is an additional $15 annual fee for each personalized license plate, and Application for Personalized License Plate (HSMV form 83043) will need to be completed and brought to a local office for processing.

Step 1

Visit your state's DMV or equivalent agency's website (in some states, for example, it's the secretary of state's office that handles automobile registration matters). For a complete, state-by-state directory of DMV websites, click the link in the Resource section.

Step 2

Type 'personalized license plate' in the text field next to the 'Search' button, and press 'Enter.'

Step 3

Locate the personalized license plate finder page in the search results and click on its link to load it.

Type the vanity plate number you want to get into the 'Search' text field and press 'Enter.' If the search results say that the number is already taken, repeat this step until you find one that is available. If the search results say that the number is available, follow the site's instructions for reserving the number for yourself.

• wv license plate image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com

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Updated: September 12, 2019

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Florida Personalized License Plate Status

Florida Specialty License Plate Availability

Florida Personalized License Plate Search

When you register your vehicle with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state or region, you will often have the option to choose from a variety of different license plate themes and styles. Some states may allow you to choose license plates in particular colors, while other states may allow you to choose license plates with a specific logo or design. In most cases, you should be able to obtain personalized or specialized license plates. For example, if you are a firefighter, you may be able to obtain specialized license plates with a firefighter theme that states you are a firefighter. To review and check on the available license plates you can purchase for your vehicle, you must consult with the DMV in your area, as each state or region has unique laws and restrictions regarding license plates.