Idaho Personalized License Plates

A personalized plate is one of the more affordable customization options in Idaho, but the state does review every request before it's approved, so it helps to know the rules before you apply.

• Up to seven characters for a standard personalized plate.
• Up to six characters for a motorcycle personalized plate.
• A combination of letters and numbers, arranged however you like within the limit.

Idaho reviews every personalized plate application and will reject combinations that are offensive or inappropriate, that could be read as vulgar even through creative spelling, or that could be confused with an official government or emergency vehicle plate. A combination already assigned to another vehicle is not available regardless of how it's arranged.

Check whether your desired combination is available before applying at your county assessor's office. Confirming availability ahead of time avoids a wasted trip if your first choice is already taken, so it helps to have a backup combination or two in mind.

The initial fee is a one-time charge that covers setting up your custom combination. After that, the $15 renewal fee is added to your regular registration cost every year you keep the plate.

• Confirm your desired combination is available.
• Visit your county assessor's motor vehicle office with your registration information and identification.
• Complete the personalized plate application and pay the initial fee along with your standard registration.
• Wait for your plate to be manufactured if it isn't available immediately, since personalized plates are produced to order rather than kept in general stock.

Some specialty plate designs can be personalized with your own combination, letting you display both a cause or affiliation and your chosen characters on the same plate. Not every specialty design supports this, so confirm with your county office which specialty backgrounds are eligible for personalization before you apply.

Yes. Because Idaho plates stay with the owner rather than the vehicle, you can transfer a personalized plate to a new vehicle you acquire the same way you would transfer a standard plate, using the standard tag transfer fee. You don't need to reapply for the combination since it remains assigned to you.

If your requested combination is rejected for violating the state's content guidelines or because it duplicates an existing plate, you'll need to submit a different combination. Having a few alternatives ready before you apply saves you a return trip.

Can I put my personalized plate on a motorcycle?
Yes, but motorcycle personalized plates are limited to six characters rather than seven.

Does a personalized plate expire differently than a standard plate?
No. It renews on the same schedule as your regular registration, with the $15 personalization fee added each time.

Can I switch back to a standard plate later?
Yes. Visit your county assessor's office at renewal, surrender your personalized plate, and request a standard plate to stop paying the annual personalization fee.