Way OT: can you exchange car plates?

[mafibisha]

So I know one of you will know the answer to this. Just LOVE the Dis and the wealth of info here!

So oldest DS just got his new plates for his new (to him) car. He doesn't like the numbers / letters ( ) and wants to exchange them for another. Seems like I read somewhere (here?) that it can be done.

Anyone know?
TIA!!!

And yes, I know we could call the DMV but y'all are so smart and way more fun to talk with than the government!

 

[C.Ann]

In NY you can get what they call "vanity" plates - meaning you choose what's on them - but there is a hefty fee involved and there may even be an additional fee since he's turning in plates that he just received..

If you mention the state, maybe someone can pull up the DMV web site for you and check to see if they have vanity plates where your son is..

Good luck!

 

[msmayor]

This is only a guess, but I would imagine its possible....for a price.

Turning in the old plates with the intention of not using them again cancels the current registration. To get new plates means paying a new registration fee. In my state, WITHOUT the cost of vanity plates, that would be about $70 to re-register the vehicle.

I've never seen a situation where you can just change the plates for free like that.

I personally would just live with the plates and keep the $70.

 

[snowy76]

So oldest DS just got his new plates for his new (to him) car. He doesn't like the numbers / letters ( ) and wants to exchange them for another. Seems like I read somewhere (here?) that it can be done.

He DOES realize he's not going to see the plates while he's driving the car, right?

Gotta love kids.

 

[C.Ann]

Just looked up some samples here - they start at $91.25 - after he surrenders his old plates (for a fee), re-registers the vehilce (price varies, but I think the lowest is $70), and when he renews, it's higher than the regular renewal..

Does he have lots of money?

Kids - what would we do without them?

 

[Tinkmom]

In my state it is about $5 (can't remember--seems like $4.50 or $5.50) to get a different plate. I know this personally because our state has what I consider generic "patriotic flag" plates and also recently begun offering much cooler plates that are representative of our state. I was actually excited about the new plates but DH got all of us the flag ones. It was worth it to me and DD to pay the small fee to return the old ones and get the newer version.

Plates get damaged or stolen and it would seem unfair to charge some exorbitant amount for a replacement piece of metal. You've already actually paid the actual fees. Although apparently some states choose to gouge residents when they can!