Nebraska Custom Plates

Your vehicle is more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it is an extension of your personality. While a new set of wheels or a fresh coat of paint can make a statement, nothing says "this is my car" quite like a custom license plate. In Nebraska, the process of creating personalized license plates allows drivers to trade in their standard-issue numbers for a unique message that reflects their identity, humor, or passion.

What Are Nebraska Custom Plates?

Nebraska custom plates, often called "vanity" or "personalized" license plates, are vehicle registration plates that allow the owner to choose their own combination of letters and numbers. Instead of receiving a randomly assigned sequence from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you can create a unique tag that represents a nickname, a special date, a favorite hobby, or a clever pun. This option transforms a functional piece of metal into a personal billboard, adding a final touch of individuality to your vehicle. The program is a popular way for Nebraskans to express themselves while adhering to state registration requirements.

How Do You Apply for a Personalized License Plate?

Getting your hands on a custom plate in Nebraska is a straightforward process, thanks to the state's organized system. While it requires a bit more effort than accepting a standard plate, the result is well worth it for those seeking personalization.

The Online Application Process

Brainstorm Your Message

Before you even log on, have a few ideas ready. Your first choice might already be taken, so having backups is key.

Use the Online Preview Tool

Navigate to the DMV's website and find the personalized plate application section. The tool allows you to select a plate background (such as the standard design or a specialty plate) and type in your desired character combination.

Check for Availability

The system will immediately check its database and tell you if your requested message is available. This instant feedback saves you the frustration of mailing in an application only to have it rejected weeks later.

Submit Your Application

Once you find an available combination you like, you can complete the application form directly online. You will need to provide your personal information, vehicle details, and the custom message you have chosen.

Pay the Fees

The final step of the online application is paying the associated fees. This typically includes the custom plate fee and any applicable specialty plate fees.

Mail-In and In-Person Options

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can download a printable application form from the DMV website. After filling it out with your top choices for a custom message, you can mail it with a check to the Nebraska DMV in Lincoln. Some County Treasurer offices may also be able to assist you with the application, but the central DMV office handles the final approval and manufacturing.

What Are the Design Options and Character Limits?

When designing your Nebraska custom plate, you have a surprising amount of creative freedom, but there are important structural rules and guidelines to follow.

Character Limits

The number of characters you can use depends on the type of vehicle and plate.

• Standard Passenger Vehicles and Trucks: You can use up to seven characters.
• Motorcycles: The smaller plate size limits you to six characters.
• Specialty Plates: Some specialty plate designs might have slightly different limits, so it is important to confirm with the online tool.

These characters can be letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), or a combination of both. You can also include a space, which counts as one of the characters. For example, "GO B1G" uses six characters (four letters, one number, and one space).

Plate Backgrounds

One of the best features of Nebraska's program is that you are not limited to the standard plate design. You can add your personalized message to most of the state's specialty plate backgrounds. This allows you to create a doubly personal statement. For instance, you can:

• Combine your love for the Huskers with a personal message on a University of Nebraska plate.
• Showcase your support for wildlife with a message on the Mountain Lion Conservation plate.
• Honor your military service with a personalized message on a Veterans plate.

Choosing a specialty background will require an additional annual fee, but it offers a much richer canvas for your creativity.

What Are the Rules and Restrictions for Custom Plates?

While the DMV encourages creativity, it has a responsibility to ensure that messages displayed on state-issued plates are appropriate for public viewing. To that end, Nebraska has strict custom plate guidelines to prevent offensive or confusing combinations. Your requested message will be reviewed and rejected if it is found to contain:

Profanity or Obscenity

Any language that is considered vulgar, lewd, or obscene is strictly prohibited. This includes common swear words, slang terms, and acronyms that stand for offensive phrases.

References to Illegal Acts

Plates cannot refer to illegal drugs, criminal activities, or violence.

Hate Speech or Derogatory Language

Messages that are derogatory or hateful toward any race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or other protected group will be denied.

Sexual Connotations

Any message that is sexually explicit or suggestive is not allowed.

Look-Alike Combinations

Your message cannot mimic the format of standard-issue plates. For example, a combination that looks like a standard Douglas County plate (e.g., "1-ABCDE") would be rejected to avoid confusion for law enforcement.

The DMV has the final say in approving or denying applications. If your plate is rejected, you will be notified and will need to submit a new application with a different message.

How Much Do Nebraska Custom Plates Cost?

Opting for a personalized license plate involves additional fees on top of your standard vehicle registration costs. It is important to budget for both the initial application and the annual renewal.

Initial Application Fees

When you first apply for a custom plate, you will pay a one-time fee for the personalization service. As per the latest fee schedules, this is typically around $40. This fee is non-refundable, even if you later decide to switch back to a standard plate.

Annual Renewal Fees

The personalization does not stop after the first year. To keep your custom message, you must pay an annual renewal fee in addition to your regular registration taxes. This fee is also generally $40 per year. If you have combined your custom message with a specialty plate background (like a collegiate or charitable plate), you will also have to pay the annual fee for that specialty plate. For example:

While it adds to the cost of vehicle ownership, many drivers find the annual fee to be a small price to pay for the enjoyment and identity their custom plate provides.

What Happens After You Apply?

Patience is key after submitting your application. Since each plate is made to order, there is a manufacturing and delivery process.

• Approval: Your requested message is reviewed by DMV staff to ensure it complies with all custom plate guidelines.
• Manufacturing: Once approved, the order is sent to the facility where the plate is produced. This process can take several weeks.
• Shipping: The completed plates are shipped from the manufacturing facility directly to your designated County Treasurer's office.
• Notification: You will receive a letter in the mail from your County Treasurer informing you that your personalized license plates are ready for pickup.
• Pickup and Registration: Take the notification letter to your County Treasurer’s office. You will surrender your old plates and officially register the new custom plates to your vehicle. You will receive your new registration document at this time.

It is crucial not to create homemade "placeholders" or drive without plates while waiting for your custom ones to arrive. You must keep your current, valid plates on your vehicle until you have the new ones in hand.

How Do You Transfer or Surrender Your Custom Plates?

Transferring to a New Vehicle

In Nebraska, personalized plates are legally tied to the owner, not the vehicle. This is an important distinction to remember when you sell your car or move.

If you sell your car and buy a new one, you can transfer your custom plates to the new vehicle. Simply remove them from the old car before the new owner takes possession. Then, at the County Treasurer's office, you can file the paperwork to have the plates assigned to your new vehicle. This allows you to keep your unique message for as long as you own a car in Nebraska.

Surrendering Your Plates

If you move out of state, or if you simply no longer want your custom plates, you must surrender them to your County Treasurer. Never leave your custom plates on a car you have sold. If the new owner were to receive traffic tickets or be involved in an accident before re-registering the vehicle, the violations could be tied back to you through the plate number. By surrendering the plates, you officially release your liability.

Nebraska custom plates offer a fun and unique way to make your vehicle your own. By following the application process, adhering to the state's guidelines, and understanding the fee structure, you can create a rolling statement that is sure to turn heads. Whether you choose a funny pun, a tribute to a loved one, or a declaration of your "HUSKER" pride, your personalized plate is a small but powerful way to share your story on the open road.