What to bring
- Your top two or three choices for a personalized configuration (up to seven characters on a standard plate)
- The vehicle's current registration card or plate number
- Your driver's license and payment for the DMV plate fees and our service fee
What it costs
This one depends on the vehicle and the paperwork, so we quote the service fee before anything is processed. Call and describe your situation.
All service fees are in addition to the DMV’s own fees, which are the same everywhere and are passed through at cost.
Posted prices are cash prices. Paying by credit card adds a 3.79% convenience fee on the total.
All sales are final. There are no refunds on service fees once processing has begun; DMV and state fees, penalties and third-party charges are non-refundable.
How do personalized plates work in California?
You choose a combination of letters, numbers and allowed spaces or symbols, the DMV checks that nobody has it and that it isn't offensive, and the plates are manufactured and mailed to you. The vehicle keeps its regular plates in the meantime. Personalized plates carry an extra fee when ordered and an annual renewal fee on top of normal registration, which the DMV sets. Bring a few options; popular words are usually taken.
What are special interest plates?
Plates whose extra fees support a cause: California's environmental, arts, veterans, firefighter, breast cancer awareness and other programs each have their own design, and many can also be personalized. We'll show you what's available and submit the order. If you already have special interest plates and are changing vehicles, the plates can usually move with you through a reassignment.
Can I move my plates to a different car?
Personalized and special interest plates belong to you, not the car, so when you sell or trade a vehicle you can reassign them to the next one. The DMV calls this a plate reassignment or interchange, and it's one of the transactions we process as a DMV business partner. Do it at the same time as the title transfer on the new vehicle and it's one visit instead of two.
Personalized & special plates: common questions
Can I order personalized plates at Ramos Auto Registration?
Yes. Ordering special or personalized plates and reassigning plates between vehicles are among the DMV transactions we process at 332 E Norris Rd in Bakersfield. The DMV sets the plate fees; we add a service fee that is quoted before we submit the order.
How long do personalized plates take to arrive?
The DMV manufactures personalized and special interest plates after the order is accepted and notifies you when they're ready, which typically takes several weeks to a few months depending on the plate. You keep driving on your current plates until then.