How to get a custom license plate in your state

In every U.S. state, license plates do more than just identify vehicles; they reflect the unique local law enforcement needs and history. With some restrictions, most states will allow you to personalize license plates. Personalized license plates are often referred to as “ vanity plates ” and they allow vehicle owners to display numbers, words or phrases of their choosing. license plates New York was the first state to require license plates in 1901, though in the earliest days drivers were responsible for making their own plates—usually out of leather, wood or metal. By 1918, license plates became standardized, with all states adopting some form of government-issued plates. However, owners are still able to select specialty plates with marks and symbols promoting causes or displaying affiliations, supporting everything from military service to environmental conservation. Eventually, this expanded into allowin...