Picture this: you’re cruising down the open road, wind in your hair and a smile on your face. Your vehicle is an extension of your personality, and what better way to showcase that than with a personalized vanity license plate?
In Massachusetts, you have the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and make a statement with a custom license plate that reflects your unique style.
What are Vanity License plates?
Vanity plates are a way to transform your vehicle into a moving billboard that showcases your creativity and uniqueness. Whether you want to display your name, nickname, or a clever phrase that represents you, vanity license plates provide the perfect opportunity to do so.
They allow you to stand out from the crowd and make a statement on the road. From funny puns and memorable quotes to references related to hobbies or professions, there are endless possibilities for creating an eye-catching vanity plate.
How to avoid having your personalized license plate denied
When it comes to personalized license plates, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to avoid having your desired plate denied.
1. Avoid any offensive, vulgar, or inappropriate language. The RMV has strict guidelines in place to maintain a respectful and appropriate environment on the roads, so it’s important to choose a combination that adheres to these guidelines.
2. Avoid using any combination of letters and numbers that may be deemed misleading or confusing for other drivers. This includes using characters such as “1” for “I” or “0” for “O,” which can cause confusion on the road.
3. Ensure that your requested personalized plate does not infringe upon any trademarks or copyrights. The RMV has specific rules regarding the use of registered trademarks or copyrighted material on license plates. Using logos of popular brands, sports teams, or copyrighted characters may result in your plate being denied.
To avoid potential issues with your personalized license plate request being denied, take some time to thoroughly review the rules and regulations set by the Massachusetts RMV before submitting your application. By choosing a combination that is respectful and clear while avoiding potential trademark infringements, you can increase your chances of getting the personalized vanity license plate you desire without any hiccups along the way.
Design Options
There are plenty of design options to personalize your vanity license plate in Massachusetts. Whether you want to showcase your love for a specific sports team, display a clever pun, or simply personalize your plate with your name or initials, Massachusetts has got you covered.
Charitable Organization Plates
Here are some of the charitable organizations you can support:
- ALS One
- Atlantic White Shark Conservancy
- Cure Breast Cancer
- Bruins/Youth Hockey
Medical / Disability Plates
Here are some of the medical/disability plates they offer:
- Disabled Veteran
- Emergency Vehicle
- Medical Doctor (Md)
- Disability
Military Plates
Here are some of the military plates they offer:
- Bronze Star
- Congressional Medal Of Honor
- Distinguished Flying Cross
For detail information pertaining to price and requirements you can read the Massachusetts Passenger Plate Manual via this link: https://www.mass.gov/doc/passenger-plates-manual-0/download
What are the requirements for a personalized plate in Massachusetts?
To obtain a personalized license plate in Massachusetts, there are certain requirements that you need to fulfill.
- All vanity plates must start with two letters and have a maximum of six characters, or five characters for motorcycle plates. Vanity plates cannot include a combination of letters and numbers.
- Vanity plates cannot have numbers in the middle; they must be placed at the end. For instance, a plate like RRR444 would be acceptable, but RRR44R would not be considered valid. Additionally, the first number used cannot be a zero.
- No periods, spaces, or punctuation marks are allowed.
- Letter and/or number combinations that convey an offensive message or appear to duplicate an existing registration plate are not permitted.
How much does it cost for a custom license plate in Massachusetts?
The fee for a personalized plate is $50, in addition to the regular renewal fee. Checks should be made out to MassDOT.
How to Order
You can order your personalized vanity plates in Massachusetts in three ways.
Online:
Step One: Go to https://atlas-myrmv.massdot.state.ma.us/myrmv/_/#1
Step Two: Verify your identity. You will need your Driver’s License or Permit or State ID + your SSN.
Step Three: Certify the information is accurate and submit.
Step Four: Enter the requested information on the application.
In-person:
If you want to go in person, please bring your fully completed application and payment for the mandatory fee to an RMV Service Center. Most service centers accept cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards. Verifying the accepted payment methods at the specific location you plan to visit is advisable. Use this link to determine which RMV is nearest to you https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-registry-of-motor-vehicles/locations.
By Mail:
If you’d rather go for a more traditional approach, you have the option to apply for a vanity plate through mail.
Step One: Complete steps one through three in step one. Once you get to the application, go to step two.
Step Two: Print it out and complete it in its entirety.
Step Three: Enclose your fee. Make the check or money order payable to MassDOT.
Step Four: Mail your completed application, a completed Registration and Title Application (RTA) including an insurance company stamp, a $50 vanity plate fee, and a $20 registration swap fee to:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
P.O Box 55895
Boston, MA 02205-5895
Attn: Special Plates
How long does it take to get the vanity plate?
All vanity plate applications undergo a thorough review by the Special Plates Department. If your application is approved, you can expect to receive your personalized plate and registration by mail within 12 weeks. If your application is denied, you will be notified and receive a rebate within 4 – 6 weeks.
Getting a personalized vanity license plate in Massachusetts is a cool and special way to show off your own style while driving. Just follow the steps in this article to easily go through the process and avoid any problems that might come up.
Safe travels!
