One of the most popular ways to add customization and personality to a vehicle is by adding a personalized license plate. A personalized license plate allows you to make your car unique and lets you stand out from the crowd.
A personalized license plate can be used to advertise a company or business, share an important sentiment, or simply cheer on your local high school or favorite professional sports team.
In North Dakota, you can order a special license plate design along with a custom license plate message. Between the plate design and the plate message, you can create an amazing license plate that will help your car stand out on the road.
Part 1 of 3: Choose a personalized license plate
Step 1: Go to the North Dakota special plates webpage. Visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation special plates page.
Click the "Search Plates" button to access the Special Letter Plate Search page.
Step 2: Choose a plate message. Type your desired license plate message in the Plate Description box.
Your message can contain letters, numbers, and spaces, but no special characters.
Step 3: Choose a plate design. Select a special license plate design from the Plate Styles section.
Scroll through the available options to see all of the North Dakota special plate designs. Check the plate you would like, and observe the maximum character limit listed under the plate name.
Step 4: Check the plate availability. Click the "Search" button to check the availability of your personalized license plate message. If the plate has not been issued or ordered, then it is available.
If the plate message that you entered is unavailable, keep trying with new messages until you find one that is available.
- Note: Crude, offensive, or inappropriate license plate messages are not allowed. They may appear on the special plates website as being available, but your application will be rejected.
Part 2 of 3: Order your personalized license plates
Step 1: Download the form. Download the personalized plate request form and print it.
- Tip: You can also fill out the form on your computer and then print it.
Step 2: Enter your personal information. Fill out your personal information and provide your full name, address, and phone number.
- Note: You must be the registered owner of the vehicle for which you are purchasing personalized license plates.
Step 3: Provide the vehicle information. Fill out the vehicle information on the form. Enter your vehicle’s title number, or current license plate number.
- Note: The vehicle must currently be registered in North Dakota.
Step 4: Select your personalized plate. Enter your plate message and select the plate design you like.
- Tip: If you are worried that your plate message will no longer be available by the time your application has been received, enter a second plate message and meaning as well.
Under your plate message, describe the meaning of the plate, to help the Department of Transportation process your order and deem your plate message appropriate.
Step 5: Sign and date. Put your signature and date on bottom of the form.
Step 6: Mail the completed form. Send your completed application to the following address:
Motor Vehicle Division
ND Department of Transportation
608 E Boulevard Ave
Bismarck, ND 58505-0780
Part 3 of 3: Install your personalized plates
Step 1: Pick up your plates. After your application has been received, reviewed, and accepted, your plates will be manufactured and delivered to your local Department of Transportation.
The Department of Transportation will notify you when your plates have arrived, at which point you should go pick them up.
Step 2: Pay the fees. Pay the personalized license plate fee, and the special design fee.
Tip: The Department of Treasury always takes checks and money orders. If you would like to pay with cash or a credit or debit card, call the office ahead of time and check with them if that is alright.
Note: The personalized license plate fee and special design fee are in addition to your standard license and registration fees and taxes.
Step 3: Install your plates. As soon as you receive your new personalized license plates, install them on the front and back of your car.
Tip: If you are not comfortable installing plates by yourself, ask someone at the Department of Transportation to help you. If they are unable to help, you can get a professional mechanic to assist you.
Warning: Always add your current registration stickers to your new license plates before driving.
Personalized license plates are a great way to spruce up your car. With a special design and a unique message, you can convey a bit of your personality with your personalized license plate.
In North Purchasing, the process of applying for and obtaining personalized license plates is very easy, simple, and affordable. It won’t take long for you to get a unique new license plate that makes your car stand out from the rest.
