Idaho lets you design your own license plate through the Idaho Transportation Department, but the process requires you to choose a design, pay a fee, and wait for approval
Custom plates in Idaho are called personalized plates. You order them through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), and you can pick a custom design from a set of approved options, add your own text (up to seven characters), or both. The plate replaces your standard issue plate once approved and paid for.
The main cost is the personalized plate fee itself, which varies depending on which design you choose. Some designs cost more than others because the money goes to different causes — for example, specialty plates supporting wildlife, veterans, or education programs charge different amounts. You also pay the standard annual registration renewal fee on top of that.
The process takes several weeks from the time you order to the time the plate arrives at your address or at an ITD office. During that time, ITD checks whether your chosen text is available and whether it meets their content rules.
Key Takeaways
- You order personalized plates through the Idaho Transportation Department online or by visiting an ITD office in person.
- Your custom text can be up to seven characters, but ITD will reject text that is offensive, impersonates government, or violates their content policy.
- The cost depends on which plate design you choose, and some specialty designs cost significantly more than a basic personalized plate.
- Approval and delivery typically takes three to six weeks, and you cannot use the plate until it arrives.
- You renew personalized plates the same way you renew standard plates — through ITD at your vehicle's registration anniversary.
How to order a personalized plate online or in person
The fastest way to order is through the ITD website. Go to the Idaho Transportation Department's vehicle registration section, find the personalized plates option, and select the design you want. The site will show you the cost for that specific design and let you type in your custom text to see if it is available. If the text you want is taken, the system tells you when ready and you can try a different combination.
Once you choose your text and design, you pay the personalized plate fee plus your standard registration renewal fee (if your registration is due). ITD processes the order and mails the plate to the address on file with your vehicle registration. The whole transaction happens in one session.
If you prefer to order in person, visit any ITD office. Bring your vehicle registration and driver's license. An ITD staff member can show you the available designs, help you check whether your text is available, and process the order on the spot. You still wait for the plate to be mailed to you.
What text you can and cannot use on your plate
Idaho allows up to seven characters on a personalized plate, including letters, numbers, and spaces. The ITD system checks your text against a list of prohibited words and phrases before you can complete the order. Text that is sexually explicit, hateful, impersonates a government agency, or promotes illegal activity will be rejected.
The rules also block text that looks like it is trying to trick other drivers or law enforcement — for example, text that mimics official government formatting or uses characters in ways that obscure the plate's meaning. If your text is rejected, the system explains why and you can try again with different characters.
Keep in mind that what passes ITD's automated check might still draw attention from law enforcement or other drivers if it is ambiguous or offensive. The system catches obvious violations, but edge cases depend on how the text reads in context.
Personalized plate designs and their costs
Idaho offers several personalized plate designs, and each one has a different cost. A basic personalized plate (solid color with your custom text) costs one amount. Specialty designs — such as plates supporting wildlife conservation, military veterans, higher education, or specific causes — cost more because a portion of the fee goes to that organization or program.
The ITD website lists all available designs and their individual costs before you order. Some specialty plates cost $25 to $50 more per year than a basic personalized plate. You pay this extra fee every year when you renew your registration, not just the first time you order.
In addition to the personalized plate fee, you pay the standard annual vehicle registration fee. So your total cost is the personalized plate fee plus the registration fee, both due at the time you order or renew.
Timeline from order to receiving your plate
After you submit your order online or in person, ITD processes it within a few business days. During this time, they confirm your text is available and your order meets all requirements. If there is a problem, ITD contacts you at the phone number or email on file.
Once your order is approved, the plate is manufactured and mailed to the address on your vehicle registration. This step typically takes two to four weeks depending on the manufacturer's schedule. You can use your old plate until the new one arrives.
If you ordered in person at an ITD office, you have the option to pick up the plate there instead of having it mailed. Ask the staff member at the time of order whether that is available at your location.
Renewing a personalized plate each year
Personalized plates renew the same way as standard plates. When your vehicle registration is due, you renew it through ITD online, by mail, or in person. The personalized plate fee is included in your renewal notice, along with the standard registration fee.
You do not have to reorder the plate design or text each year — your personalization stays the same. You straightforward pay the annual fee and your registration (and plate) remain valid for another year. If you want to change your text or design, you can do that during renewal by requesting a new personalized plate instead of renewing the existing one.
If your personalized plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, contact ITD to request a replacement. You typically pay a replacement fee, which is less than the original personalized plate fee.
What happens if your text becomes unavailable
Personalized text is first-come, first-served. Once someone orders a plate with specific text, that exact combination is no longer available to other drivers. If you want text that is already taken, you have to modify it — add a number, use a different spelling, or choose a different phrase entirely.
When you renew your registration, your text remains reserved for you. You do not lose it to another driver. However, if you let your registration lapse for a long time (typically more than a few years), ITD may release your text back into the available pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my personalized plate to a different vehicle?
Yes. When you register a different vehicle, you can request to keep the same personalized plate. Contact ITD and provide your new vehicle's information. There may be a transfer fee, and the plate must still be renewed at your vehicle's registration anniversary.
What if I want to go back to a standard plate?
You can switch back to a standard plate at any time during renewal. straightforward renew your registration without selecting a personalized plate option. You will pay only the standard registration fee, not the personalized plate fee.
Do personalized plates cost more to renew than standard plates?
Yes. Every year you renew, you pay the personalized plate fee on top of the standard registration fee. The personalized fee varies by design and typically ranges from $15 to $50 or more annually, depending on which design you chose.
Can I order a personalized plate if my vehicle registration is not due yet?
You can order a personalized plate at any time, but you will pay both the personalized plate fee and a prorated registration fee to bring your registration current. It is usually more cost-effective to wait until your registration renewal date to order.
What if ITD rejects my text but I think it should be allowed?
Contact ITD directly to request a review. Explain why you believe the text should be permitted. ITD staff can escalate the request, though the final decision rests with the department based on their content policy.