How Much Does It Cost to Have a Custom License Plate in Texas?

If you’ve ever noticed a clever or meaningful license plate while driving through Texas, chances are it was a personalized one. Custom license plates are popular across the Lone Star State because they let drivers add a personal touch to their vehicles — whether that’s a name, a nickname, a business brand, or a fun phrase.

But before ordering one, most drivers ask the same question: how much does it cost to have a custom license plate in Texas? In this guide, we’ll break down all the fees, explain what affects the price, and show how a Texas personalized license plate lookup can help you plan before applying.

What Is a Personalized License Plate in Texas?

A personalized license plate in Texas allows you to choose a custom combination of letters, numbers, or symbols (within state rules) instead of accepting a randomly assigned plate. These plates are issued by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and can be used on passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, and some specialty vehicles.

Texas offers two main customization options:

Personalized plates — you choose the exact character combination

Specialty plates — themed designs (colleges, causes, sports, military), which can also be personalized for an additional fee

Each option comes with different costs.

Base Cost of a Personalized License Plate in Texas

For standard vehicles, the base fee for a personalized license plate in Texas is typically $75 per year, in addition to your regular vehicle registration fees.

Here’s what that usually includes:

$75 annual personalization fee

Standard plate background (no specialty design)

Custom character selection (subject to approval)

Most Texas personalized plates are issued for one year at a time, although multi-year renewals may be available in some cases.

Important: This $75 fee is on top of your normal registration cost, not a replacement for it.

Specialty Plate Costs: Why Prices Can Be Higher

If you want a specialty plate design — such as a university plate, charity plate, or military plate — the cost increases.

Typical Specialty Plate Pricing

Specialty plate base fee: $30–$70 per year (varies by design)

Personalization fee (if customized): +$40–$75 per year

That means a personalized specialty plate can cost anywhere from $90 to $150+ annually, depending on the design.

Some premium or limited-edition plates may cost even more, especially if part of the fee supports a cause or organization.

One-Time and Additional Fees to Consider

Beyond the yearly cost, there are a few extra fees that may apply.

1. Plate Replacement or Reissue Fee

If your personalized plate is lost, damaged, or stolen, replacement fees usually range from $6 to $10, depending on plate type.

2. New Vehicle Assignment

If you transfer your personalized plate to a new vehicle, there may be a small administrative fee during registration.

3. Configuration Changes

If you want to change the character combination later, you’ll need to submit a new request and pay the personalization fee again.

How Character Limits Affect Cost (Indirectly)

Texas personalized plates have character limits, usually:

Up to 7 characters for passenger vehicles

Up to 6 characters for some specialty or motorcycle plates

While character count doesn’t directly change the price, it can affect availability. Short, simple combinations are more likely to already be taken, which means you may need multiple alternatives when applying.

This is where a Texas personalized license plate lookup becomes extremely useful.

Why You Should Do a Texas Personalized License Plate Lookup First

Before paying any fees, it’s smart to check whether your desired plate combination is available. A Texas personalized license plate lookup helps you:

Avoid rejected applications

Save time and money

Quickly test multiple variations

Understand what combinations are already taken

Using a lookup tool can prevent you from paying for a plate that won’t be approved due to duplication or rule violations.

You can use this tool to explore availability and plate information in Texas:
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Rules That Can Affect Approval (and Cost)

Even if you’re willing to pay, not every plate request is approved. Texas has strict guidelines to ensure plates are appropriate and readable.

Plates may be rejected if they:

Contain offensive, obscene, or profane language

Reference illegal activity

Impersonate law enforcement or government agencies

Are confusingly similar to existing plates

If your request is denied, you may need to resubmit with a new combination, which can delay issuance but usually does not result in an additional fee — unless you cancel and reapply later.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Personalized Plate in Texas?

After approval, most personalized license plates arrive within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on demand and plate type.

Specialty or high-demand designs may take longer, especially during peak registration seasons.

Is a Personalized License Plate Worth the Cost?

For many Texas drivers, the answer is yes. While $75–$150 per year may sound high compared to standard plates, personalized plates offer:

A unique vehicle identity

Easy recognition in parking lots

Branding opportunities for businesses

Personal expression or humor

If you plan to keep your vehicle for several years, the annual cost often feels minimal compared to the long-term enjoyment.

Cost Comparison: Standard vs Personalized Plates in Texas

Plate TypeApproximate Annual CostStandard Texas plateIncluded with registrationPersonalized standard plate~$75/yearSpecialty plate (non-personalized)$30–$70/yearPersonalized specialty plate$90–$150+/year

Final Thoughts

So, how much does it cost to have a custom license plate in Texas? In most cases, expect to pay around $75 per year for a standard personalized plate, with higher costs for specialty designs. While it’s not the cheapest vehicle upgrade, it’s one of the most personal — and visible.

Before applying, always run a Texas personalized license plate lookup to check availability and avoid unnecessary delays. With the right preparation, you can secure a plate that fits your style, budget, and vehicle perfectly.