California Vanity Plate Rules & Restrictions
Everything you need to know about what's allowed (and what's not) on Californiapersonalized license plates.
California Plate Requirements at a Glance
Maximum Characters
7
Minimum Characters
2
Allowed Characters
Letters, numbers, and spaces
California Specific Rules
- 2-7 characters maximum
- Letters, numbers, spaces, and half spaces allowed
- Cannot substitute numbers for letters inappropriately
- $103 initial fee for standard plates
- $83 annual renewal fee
- Environmental plates cost $50 extra initially
- California DMV has strict content validation
- No login required to check availability
- Personalized plates issued for 5-year periods
What Will Get Your Application Rejected
California DMV reviews all vanity plate applications. Here's what will definitely get rejected:
California Prohibited Content
- Vulgar, profane, or obscene language
- Sexual references or innuendo
- Discriminatory or racist language
- Drug or alcohol references
- Gang-related terminology
- Government impersonation
- Number-for-letter substitutions that spell banned words
- Combinations deemed offensive in any language
Tips to Get Your Plate Approved
Keep it simple and clear
Plates that are easy to read are more likely to be approved.
Avoid creative spellings of banned words
Reviewers know all the tricks. "A55" isn't fooling anyone.
Have backup options ready
Your first choice might be taken. Prepare 2-3 alternatives.
Check availability first
Use our checker to verify your plate is available before applying.
What If My Application Is Rejected?
If California DMV rejects your application, you typically can:
- 1.Submit a different plate combination at no additional fee
- 2.Request a refund of your application fee
- 3.In some cases, appeal the decision with an explanation
Contact California DMV directly for their specific appeal process.
Ready to Check Your Plate?
Make sure your dream plate is available in California before applying.
Check Availability Now