Thinking of adding a personal touch to your vehicle? Personalized licence plates in Ontario allow you to express your personality, interests, or support for a cause. Contrary to popular belief, they’re easy to get, but not every submission gets approved. So, if you’re considering customizing your plates, here’s your complete guide to personalized licence plates in Ontario.
What Is a Personalized Licence Plate?
A personalized licence plate (also called a vanity plate), in essence, allows you to create a custom combination of letters and numbers for your vehicle’s plates. Typically, these combinations can represent:
- Your name or nickname
- A hobby or profession
- A favourite team
- A cause or organization you support
Character Limits:
- Passenger/commercial vehicles: Two to eight characters
- Motorcycles: Two to five characters
The combination must be unique, appropriate, and easily legible. Plates that are offensive, hard to read, or already taken will be rejected.
How to Order a Personalized Licence Plate in Ontario
You can order a personalized plate online or in person. Here’s how:
Online Ordering
You can purchase a personalized licence plate from the ServiceOntario website if you:
- Have a valid Ontario driver’s licence.
- Possess a Registrant Identification Number (RIN).
- Have no outstanding fines (e.g. speeding tickets, 407 tolls, NSF payments).
In-Person Ordering
If you don’t have a RIN or driver’s licence, you can:
- Visit a ServiceOntario centre
- Call 1-800-AUTOPL8 (2886758)
Additionally, you can convert a regular licence plate into a personalized one by adding text or an approved graphic. This is as long as it abides by the requirements.
Step-by-Step: Ordering Custom Plates
- Choose a unique plate message (2–8 characters for cars; 2–5 for motorcycles).
- Use the online availability checker to confirm it’s not already in use.
- Decide if you want a graphic plate or plain text.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Wait 6–8 weeks for delivery.
Graphic Licence Plate Options
With over 60 graphics available to choose from, you can add a touch of personality to your vehicles. Personalized licence plates with graphics are available with a choice of an English or French slogan. Some of the graphic types available are:
- A loon
- A trillium
- The logo of your favourite Ontario professional sports team
- Community organization
- University/college emblem
Cost of Personalized Licence Plates
| Type of Plate | Cost (Approx.) | Characters Allowed | Custom Logo | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Personalized Plate | $310 – $360 | 2–8 | No | 6–8 weeks |
| Graphic Plate (no custom text) | From $82.15 | Predefined | Yes | Varies |
| Custom Graphic Plate | $336+ | 2–8 | Yes | 6–8 weeks |
| Veteran Plate (eligibility req.) | Varies | 2–8 | Military only | In-person only |
Note: Any unpaid fines or tolls will be automatically added to your total when purchasing online.
Plate Rejection: What’s Not Allowed
Each custom plate is reviewed by provincial staff and sometimes escalated to the Personalized Licence Plate Review Committee, which meets weekly. Typically, ejected plates often fall into these categories:
- Obscene or offensive language
- References to sex, bodily functions, or violence
- Religious or political commentary
- Alcohol, drugs, or criminal activity
- Intellectual property or trademarked names
- Discrimination or hate speech
- Confusing formats (e.g. 0000000, SSSSSS)
Can I Add my Organization’s Logo to my Personalized Licence Plate?
Your company or organization can apply to have its logo added to the list of graphic licence plates offered by ServiceOntario. There is a $250 application fee, which is returned if the application is not approved. Send an email to request an information package!
Can I Get a Veteran Plate?
Unfortunately, as of right now, Veteran graphic licence plates are only available to eligible veterans. A fully completed Application for Veteran Plate Eligibility Certification form, signed and stamped by the Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Provincial Command, must be shown at a ServiceOntario centre to receive a Veteran graphic licence plate.
Can I Buy a Plate for Someone Else?
Yes, you can purchase a personalized plate for someone else. However, it can only be transferred once before it’s attached to a vehicle.
Tip: Gifting Made Easy
The best way to gift a custom plate is to buy a ServiceOntario gift certificate. Please note that gift certificates:
- Are only available in person
- Cannot be used for sample or replacement plates
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use emojis or special characters on my plate?
No. Ontario plates can only include letters and numbers.
How long does it take to receive my plate?
Typically, 6–8 weeks from the date of purchase.
Can I reserve a plate without purchasing it?
No, because you must complete your transaction for the plate to be secured.
What if my personalized plate is lost or stolen?
You must file a police report and visit a ServiceOntario centre to request a replacement.
Final Thoughts
Personalizing your licence plate is a fun, creative, and completely legal way to showcase your identity, support a meaningful cause, or celebrate your passions. Moreover, it allows you to turn your vehicle into a true reflection of who you are. Whether you’re commemorating a milestone, expressing your sense of humour, or cheering on your favourite team, a custom plate offers a unique way to stand out on the road. So, why settle for ordinary when you can drive with personality? If you’re ready to customize your ride, explore your options and make your mark—one plate at a time.
In conclusion, if you have any questions about how a personalized plate may affect your auto insurance policy, contact isure or request a quote today!
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