A plate can show as available and still be turned down when you order it. Every state reviews requests, and these are the reasons that come up most.
The most common reason. Someone else got it first, or the state is holding it after a previous owner gave it up. Check it before you apply, and again right before you submit.
States refuse plates they consider profane, sexual, hateful or derogatory. Reviewers look beyond the obvious, so a plate can be refused for:
Some states publish lists of banned words. Even then, reviewers decide each case, so the same idea can be approved in one state and refused in the next.
Plates that look like police, government, dealer or other special plates are usually refused. So are personalized plates that match the format of the state's regular numbering, because two cars could end up with the same plate.
Too many characters, characters the state doesn't allow, or a layout your state requires (for example, some states only allow numbers at the end). Your state's page lists the rules we've confirmed.
Check your options now, or set a snipe to get told when a plate that fits opens up.
Yes. States can recall a plate later if they decide it breaks their rules, often after a complaint.
Many states have a review or appeal process. Your state's DMV can tell you how to request one.