How Many Characters Are In A License Plate?

License plates can also showcase symbols, colors, and slogans for specific states, counties, or causes. Let’s get into the details of license plate characters.

License Plate Serial Formats

The number of letters or numbers on a license plate varies by state and depends on whether you choose a regular license plate or a vanity plate.

Across the US, license plates come with a different number of characters.

23 states have six letters or numbers.
15 states have seven letters or numbers.
12 states have sequential coding.

Let’s look in detail at the different formats.

Six-Character License Plate States

Several states use a six digit alphanumeric format.

Alaska
Arkansas
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Hawaii
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Minnesota
Nebraska
New Jersey
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
South Carolina
Rhode Island
Vermont

Seven-Character License Plate States

Several states use seven-character formats on their license plates.

States that use three letter and four number combinations are:

California
Delaware
Georgia
Maryland
Michigan
Mississippi
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

States that use two letters and five number combinations are:

Connecticut
Illinois

Maryland license plates have a unique combination of a number, followed by two letters, followed by four numbers (1AB2345).

Arizona license plates have six characters, which can be either letters or numbers, with the exception of the fourth character, which is always a number.

How Do License Plate Patterns Work?

Each state has its own logic for the assignment of license plate numbers.

In many cases, license plates follow a consistent structure that includes a combination of letters, numbers, and sometimes special characters. These combinations are designed to provide unique identification for each vehicle. The arrangement of characters on the license plate can hold significance, such as indicating the vehicle’s origin, year of registration, or other specific information.

Some states employ specific patterns to distinguish various vehicle types, such as commercial vehicles, government vehicles, or personalized plates. These patterns can involve variations in character placement, colors, or designs. For example, commercial plates may have different coloring or additional characters denoting the vehicle’s commercial purpose.

Some states implement specialized license plate patterns to support charitable causes, commemorate historical events, or showcase regional pride. These specialty plates often feature unique designs, symbols, or logos related to the chosen cause or theme.

It’s worth noting that not all license plate numbers carry inherent meaning or significance. In some cases, the arrangement of characters may be purely random or assigned based on administrative considerations. However, even in these instances, efforts are often made to avoid creating offensive or inappropriate combinations.

Are Any Characters Forbidden in License Plates?

Certain states exclude specific letters from their license plate serial formats. The letters I, O, and Q are often skipped. A few states, such as Colorado, Georgia, and South Carolina, have reintroduced these letters into their license plate serials over the last couple of years. This change is intended to account for population growth and the decreasing availability of unique serial combinations.

The main reason behind skipping I, O, and Q is their potential confusion with numbers such as 0 and 1, especially when there is no space or a lack of dividers between letters and numbers.

In California, I, O, and Q are only used between two other letters, such as “1AQA000.”

Texas is one of the few states that skips all vowels along with the letter Q on license plates.

To distinguish “0” (zero) from “O” some states use a unique slashed zero character instead of the standard “0” character.

Iowa is a one-of-a-kind example of this character’s use, having begun using the slashed zero beginning in 2012 on all standard passenger plates in order to distinguish it from the letter “O,” which is also used.

Different Types Of License Plates

There are four types of license plates:

Standard license plates. That’s your average, everyday plate. These often come in a few designs. The number of characters can vary, but it commonly ranges from 1 to a maximum of 6 to 7.
Vanity license plates, also known as personalized license plates, allow you to customize your plate. For example, if you’re someone who loves their dog, you might create a plate reading “MAX.” Another person might use their personalized plate as an advertisement for their small business. Just like standard plates, the maximum number of characters depends on your state laws.
Specialty license plates, also known as special interest license plates, include tags for veterans and disabled veterans, organizational affiliations, and environmental awareness, such as Breast Cancer Awareness and Tree Top Trail Ride Association.
Motorcycle plates. Depending on the type of bike, motorcycle owners can purchase either regular or specialty motorcycle plates.

How Much Do License Plates Cost?

We’ve created a handy guide to license plate costs. Click your state below to learn more about your state’s license plate fees.


Alabama license plate costs	Louisiana license plate costs	Ohio license plate costs
Alaska license plate costs	Maine license plate costs	Oklahoma license plate costs
Arizona license plate costs	Maryland license plate costs	Oregon license plate costs
Arkansas license plate costs	Massachusetts license plate costs	Pennsylvania license plate costs
California license plate costs	Michigan license plate costs	Rhode Island license plate costs
Colorado license plate costs	Minnesota license plate costs	South Carolina license plate costs
Connecticut license plate costs	Mississippi license plate costs	South Dakota license plate costs
Delaware license plate costs	Missouri license plate costs	Tennessee license plate costs
Florida license plate costs	Montana license plate costs	Texas license plate costs
Georgia license plate costs	Nebraska license plate costs	Utah license plate costs
Hawaii license plate costs	Nevada license plate costs	Vermont license plate costs
Idaho license plate costs	New Hampshire license plate costs	Virginia license plate costs
Illinois license plate costs	New Jersey license plate costs	Washington license plate costs
Indiana license plate costs	New Mexico license plate costs	West Virginia license plate costs
Kansas license plate costs	North Carolina license plate costs	Wyoming license plate costs
Kentucky license plate costs	North Dakota license plate costs

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License Plates FAQ

Where can I get a license plate in Washington, DC?

Washington State Licensing (DOL) will issue you a license plate. They are in charge of vehicle licensing, registration, and license plate issuance in the district.

How do I know which special interest plates are available in my state?

Many states offer special license plates that support specific causes, organizations, or hobbies. Sometimes you’ll need to pay more or provide more proof to get one of these plates. Find out if your state offers specialty license plates by contacting your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent vehicle registry agency.

Can I have just one number on a personalized plate?

The option to have just a single number or letter on your personalized plate depends on your state. Some states allow personalized license plates with only a single digit, while others have stricter regulations. If you want to know more about getting personalized license plates in your state, you should contact your local DMV.

How do I mount my new license plates?

The process of attaching a license plate to a car is relatively simple and can be done in a few minutes once you have the right mounting hardware and tools.

Before attaching a license plate, make sure that the plate bracket is properly secured to the vehicle.

The license plate bracket should be placed so that the bottom edge of the license plate is level with the bottom of the car’s bumper. Once the license plate bracket is in place, line up the mounting hole on the license plate with the mounting hole in the bracket.
Be sure to use any bolts or screws that came with the license plate bracket.
After all screws or bolts are tightened, double-check that they are snug by giving the license plate a firm tug.
Once the plate is securely in place, you will need to apply the registration sticker from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your state’s equivalent organization. This sticker must be placed on the rear license plate and renewed every year.
With the license plate now properly attached, your car will be legal to drive on public roads.
If your state requires a front plate, you will need to install it before you can legally drive your car.
In most cases, it is best to attach the front plate to the bumper and the rear plate to the trunk lid or tail light assembly. If you’re wondering what to do with your old plates, one option is to simply send the old plates back to one of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicle office locations.

How do I apply for a personalized license plate?

The majority of states require you to submit a completed license plate application form to the DMV in order to be considered for a personalized license plate. Specific information, such as your preferred plate combination and proof of identity (ID cards, driver’s licenses, or passports), may be required during the application process.

Do vehicle dealers have their own special license plates?

Vehicle dealerships frequently require special dealer plates for their inventory vehicles. These license plates enable dealerships to legally operate and transport vehicles during the selling process.

Are there state-specific guidelines for license plate applications?

Yes, specific guidelines and restrictions vary by state for license plate applications. Character restrictions, prohibited combinations, and documentation requirements may be included in these guidelines.

Please keep in mind that specific details and processes may differ depending on the state. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on license plates and related issues, contact your local DMV or motor vehicle authority.

Can I change how many characters there are on special interest plates?

State regulations and design specifications typically determine the number of characters allowed on special interest plates. Most special interest plates have a fixed number of characters that cannot be changed.

These plates frequently include specific designs, logos, or symbols related to the special interest group or cause they represent. It is recommended that you check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or the agency responsible for issuing special interest plates in your state to obtain accurate information about any potential customization options or restrictions for these plates.

How big are license plates?

In most states, passenger license plates measure 6 by 12 inches and are rectangular, while motorcycle license plates are smaller, measuring 4 by 7 inches.

Is it best to remove a license plate when selling a car?

Different states have different requirements for what happens with the license plates following a private vehicle sale.

– In most states, the license plate stays with the seller, who will need to remove the plate from the vehicle. The new owners of the car will need to apply for their own license plate.
– In Minnesota and California, the license plate stays with the vehicle and passes to the buyer. Our state-by-state license plate guide will tell you the proper protocol for your state.

Some states require that you surrender your license plate when you sell your car. So be sure to check your state’s requirements before you finalize the sale.

How to change my license plates?

In most cases, if you want to change your license plates, you need to visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office location. However, if you want specialty license plates that support a particular cause or a personalized license plate number, you may need to submit a completed application and fees. If you’re a fan of offroad vehicles, you’ll be happy to know that you can now choose offroad-themed special plates in many states.

Once your car registration card and address are up to date, you can choose the plate and configuration you want. After you submit your application, you will receive confirmation of your new plate and configuration.

Depending on your state, you may be required to replace your license plate if it is lost or stolen. In these cases, it is important to contact your DMV as soon as possible to begin the replacement process.

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Jacob Andra

Contributing Author

Jacob Andra is an entrepreneur, author, and technology expert living in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a stakeholder in PrivateAuto, Jacob is passionate about how our technology is bringing peer-to-peer car sales into the 21st century. When he’s not working, Jacob can be found playing pickleball, climbing mountains, or spending time with his family.