- Eligible Vehicles: All vehicles that are registered in NYS as a passenger class vehicle or as a commercial class vehicle are eligible. (Note: Commercial plates must display the word "COMMERCIAL".) Certain custom plates are available for Motorcycles that are registered in NYS (refer to the plate gallery).
- Eligible Persons: An organization can require you to prove that you are eligible to use the organization picture plates (refer to the plate gallery). Certain organization picture plates must be ordered through the organization or the Custom Plates Unit only.
- International Symbol of Access (ISA)
: Custom Plates that include the ISA for individuals who qualify are only available through the Custom Plates Unit (CPU). See the form MV-664.1 to learn how to order custom plates that include the ISA, or call the Custom Plates unit at (518) 402-4838.
- Sample plates: Sample plates are not available.
- How to Order: Custom plates can normally be ordered on-line, but certain picture plates require proof or certification and must be ordered through the Custom Plates Unit or the organization. The DMV web site has more information about the fees and how to order.
- Plate Numbers: A custom plate displays a designated or assigned plate number, but you can select a personalized combination for many custom plates for an additional fee. Personalized plate numbers must include at least two, but not more than six, characters and spaces (four characters and spaces for motorcycles or if the ISA is requested). You can check on-line for available combinations. (Refer to the Custom Plate Gallery.)
- Delivery: Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of your custom plates. If you changed your address, notify the DMV before you order your custom plates. If you order at a DMV office and the custom plates are not available immediately, the DMV will mail the custom plates to you at the address listed on your current registration.
| Information & Requirements |
Initial Custom Plate Fee / Annual Plate Renewal Fee |
How to Order |
Sample Plate Image |
| Designated Series Plate Number |
Personalized Plate Number |
Civil Air Patrol
Requirements: copy of current membership card. |
$43/$25 |
Not available |
DMV order form |
 |
Emergency Medical Technician
Requirements: copy of Registration Certificate issued by NYS Department of Health. |
$43/$25 |
Not available |
DMV order form |
 |
Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic
Requirements: copy of Registration Certificate issued by NYS Department of Health. The word "Paramedic" must be printed on the certificate. |
$43/$25 |
Not available |
DMV order form |
 |
Ham Radio Operator
Requirements: copy of license issued by FCC. |
$23/$5 |
Not available |
DMV order form |
 |
Volunteer Ambulance Service
(Passenger Class vehicles only)
Requirements: letter from ambulance company, on ambulance company letterhead. |
$33/$15 |
Not available |
DMV order form |
 |
Volunteer Firefighter
Requirements: letter from Chief of Fire Department, on Fire Department letterhead. |
$33/$0 |
Not available |
DMV order form |
 |
Water Rescue Team
Requirements: A copy of an official document that proves you are an active member on a water rescue team.
$25 of the annual fee supports water rescue team awareness and research
projects. |
$43/$25 |
$68/$50 |
DMV order form |
 |
Information in this Custom Plate Gallery
This plate gallery displays the following information:
- the organization and any requirements to order (first column),
- the fees with a designated series plate number (second column),
- the fees with a personalized plate number (third column), and
- how to order the custom plate (fourth column)
- a sample image of the custom plate (fifth column).
Custom Plate Fees (Second and Third Columns)
New York State law requires you to pay two different fees; an initial fee when you order a custom plate (first amount in the column) and an annual fee when you renew your registration (second amount in the column). When you renew your vehicle registration, you must pay your registration fee and the annual custom plate fee. Most vehicle registrations in NYS are issued for two years.
How to Order a Custom Plate (Fourth Column)
The information in the fourth column of this custom plate gallery lists the methods that you can use to order that specific custom plate.
- Order on-line: Custom plates can normally be ordered on-line. The DMV accepts VISA Card, MasterCard, American Express Card, and Discover Card. The DMV also accepts debit cards that are issued by Visa® Card or MasterCard®. The debit card must not require your personal identification number (PIN) to use. The DMV will send your new vehicle registration and your custom plates to the address on your DMV registration record. Your vehicle registration will arrive first. If you changed your address and did not notify the DMV, you cannot order custom plates on-line. Read the FAQs about custom plates to learn how to order on-line.
- 1-518-402-4838: You can call the DMV Custom Plates Unit to order your custom plates by telephone. The DMV accepts VISA Card, MasterCard, American Express Card, and Discover Card. The DMV also accepts debit cards that are issued by Visa® Card or MasterCard®. The debit card must not require your personal identification number (PIN) to use. The hours of operation are: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- DMV order form: You can download the correct DMV form to order your custom plates. You must have a version number of 4.0 or later of Adobe Acrobat Reader® installed on your computer to download this form. Get the instructions.
- DMV office: You can order the custom plate at your local DMV office. You will be issued a new registration and your custom plates will be mailed to the address on your DMV registration record. Certain custom plates may be available immediately.
- Organization: For certain organization custom plates, you must contact the organization to order the custom plate. An organization can require that you prove that you are eligible. Refer to the information in the plate gallery.
