What Alabama personalized plates cost and how to order them

Alabama personalized plates (called vanity plates) cost $25 per year on top of your regular registration fee. You order them through the Alabama Department of Revenue, either online at alabamavehicleregistration.com, by mail, or in person at a county probate office. The process takes about two weeks once approved.

You can request up to three character combinations in order of preference. Alabama allows 2 to 7 characters — letters, numbers, or a mix. The state reserves certain combinations (like those spelling profanity or containing offensive language), so your first choice may be rejected. If it is, the department moves to your second choice automatically.

Once you receive your new plate, you must physically replace the old one on your vehicle. You keep the same registration sticker and expiration date as your regular plate would have had.

Key Takeaways

  • Personalized plates in Alabama cost $25 per year in addition to your standard registration renewal fee.
  • You can order online at alabamavehicleregistration.com, by mail, or at your county probate office, and the approval process typically takes about two weeks.
  • You choose up to three character combinations (2 to 7 characters each), and the state automatically moves to your next choice if your first is unavailable.
  • Your personalized plate uses the same registration sticker and expiration date as a regular plate, so you renew it the same way each year.

Character rules and what you cannot use

Alabama allows letters A–Z, numbers 0–9, and spaces within your 2 to 7 character limit. You cannot use special characters like hyphens, periods, or ampersands. The state also blocks combinations that spell profanity, slurs, or other offensive language — the exact list is not public, but the department reviews each request and will reject it if it violates this rule.

Common requests like initials plus numbers (JDR 2024) or short words (BEACH, ROLL) are usually approved. The department does not reserve plates for specific people or hold them while you decide; once you submit your request and it is approved, the plate is yours to use or renew annually.

Renewing your personalized plate each year

You renew a personalized plate the same way you renew a regular one — through the mail, online, or at your county probate office. The $25 personalized plate fee is added to your standard registration renewal cost each year. You do not need to reorder the design or resubmit your character choice; the state keeps your plate active as long as you renew on time.

If you do not renew by your expiration date, your personalized plate becomes available for someone else to order. You can always request it again later, but there is no may provide it will still be available.

Ordering online versus by mail or in person

The fastest route is online at alabamavehicleregistration.com. You enter your character choices, pay the $25 fee plus your registration renewal amount, and receive confirmation when ready. Approval still takes about two weeks, after which you receive your plate by mail.

If you prefer to order by mail, read the process from the Alabama Department of Revenue website, fill it out with your three character choices, and mail it with a check to the address listed on the form. In-person orders at your county probate office work the same way — you fill out the form, pay the fee, and wait for approval and delivery by mail. Online is usually faster because there is no mail delay on your end.

What happens if your character choice is taken

When you submit your request, you list up to three character combinations in order of preference. If your first choice is already in use or has been rejected as offensive, the department automatically moves to your second choice. If that is also unavailable, they try your third. If all three are taken or rejected, your entire request is denied and you must resubmit with new character options.

The state does not tell you which specific reason caused a rejection — whether the plate is in use, offensive, or straightforward invalid. If you want to know why a particular combination was rejected, you can contact the Alabama Department of Revenue directly at (334) 242-9000.

Transferring or removing your personalized plate

If you sell your vehicle, you can transfer your personalized plate to a new vehicle you own. You must notify the Alabama Department of Revenue and pay a transfer fee (the amount varies; contact your county probate office for the current fee). The plate stays registered to you, not to the vehicle.

If you want to stop using your personalized plate and return to a regular plate, you can do so at your next renewal. straightforward renew without the personalized plate option, and your regular plate will be issued. Your personalized plate becomes available for someone else to order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a personalized plate for a motorcycle or trailer?

Yes. Personalized plates are available for most vehicle types registered in Alabama, including motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles. The cost and character rules are the same. Order through the same channels as you would for a car.

What if I want to change my personalized plate characters later?

You cannot change the characters on an existing personalized plate. If you want different characters, you must let your current plate expire (by not renewing it) and then order a new one with your new character choice. This means waiting until your renewal date or paying to cancel early.

Do personalized plates cost more to renew than regular plates?

Yes. Your renewal cost is your standard registration fee plus the $25 personalized plate fee each year. The $25 is an annual charge, not a one-time fee.

How long does it take to receive my personalized plate after approval?

Approval takes about two weeks. Once approved, the plate is mailed to you, which typically takes another week or so depending on your location. Plan for three to four weeks total from order to delivery.

Can I use a personalized plate from another state if I move to Alabama?

No. You must order a new Alabama personalized plate through the Alabama Department of Revenue. Out-of-state plates are not valid in Alabama, even if they are personalized.