How much does a vanity plate cost? Every state's fee

A vanity plate's personalization fee runs from $10 a year in Virginia to $195 a year for a 7-character Texas plate - a few states charge it once, most charge it every year. Here's the fee in every state, straight from each state's own DMV.

By Dems, Owner and Founder of VanityPlate · Updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Most states charge a personalization fee on top of your normal registration. In some states that fee is paid once, when you order. In many others you pay it again every year when you renew, so the yearly cost matters more than the first payment. Specialty designs (a college, a cause, a sports team) usually add their own fee on top.

The table below lists the personalization fee only, taken from each state's DMV page, form or law - click the state's source to see it yourself. Where official sources disagree, or we couldn't confirm a current amount, we say so instead of guessing.

Fees are for a standard passenger plate, on top of registration, from each state's own page as of October 31, 2026. "Max characters" is for a standard passenger plate where we've confirmed it; "-" means check your state's rules. "Live" means we check that state's official lookup; "(likely)" means it's a registration lookup. Spot an out-of-date fee? Email [email protected].

What the fee does and doesn't cover

• Registration is extra. Every fee here is added to your regular registration and any title or plate fees.
• Specialty designs cost more. A personalized college or charity plate usually charges both the design's fee and the personalization fee.
• Yearly fees add up. A $15 yearly fee is $150 over ten years; a $50 one-time fee stays $50.
• Fees are usually non-refundable once the plate is made, so make sure it's the one you want.
• Fees change. States adjust them by law or with inflation. Always confirm the amount when you order.

Check that it's open before you pay

Every state issues each plate text only once, and many won't refund the fee if your plate turns out to be taken or refused. Check the plate first - in every state we cover at once with VanityPlate's free checker, or on your state's own site - then order. If it's taken, you can watch it and get an alert the moment it opens up.

Will the state approve it?

Paying the fee doesn't guarantee the plate. Every state reviews requests and can refuse plates it considers offensive or misleading, even when the plate shows as available. See why vanity plates get rejected before you order.

Check by state

Quick answers

How much does a vanity plate cost?

It depends on the state. The personalization fee runs from about $10 a year in Virginia to $174 up front in Washington and up to $195 a year for a 7-character Texas plate. Many states charge it again every year at renewal - all on top of normal registration.

Do you pay for a vanity plate every year?

In many states, yes - the personalization fee is added to each yearly renewal. Some states, like New Jersey, charge it once. The table shows which is which.

Is the vanity plate fee refundable if my plate is rejected?

It varies by state. Some refund it or let you pick another plate; many don't once the plate is made. Check that the plate is open and fits the rules before paying.

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