Here is a lengthy, humorous post on the cost of custom license plates in Texas:
How Much Do Custom License Plates Cost in Texas?
A tale of vanity and vehicular vanity plates
If you've ever driven in Texas, you've probably seen your fair share of custom license plates. From the clever to the cringeworthy, there's a custom plate out there for everyone. But how much does it cost to indulge your vanity and get your own personalized plate?
The Price of Pride
The base fee for a custom license plate in Texas is $45. This covers the cost of manufacturing the plate and processing your application. However, if you want something a little more special, you'll have to dig a little deeper into your pockets.
Specialty Plates: Where the Fun (and the Cost) Begins
Texas offers a wide variety of specialty plates, each with its own unique design and price tag. Some of the most popular specialty plates include:
- University Plates: Show your school spirit with a plate featuring your favorite Texas university's logo. These plates typically cost $70.
- Military Plates: Honor your service with a plate that displays your branch of the military. Military plates are available for $25.
- Organization Plates: Support your favorite charity or organization with a plate that features their logo. Organization plates usually cost $70.
- Vanity Plates: Get creative with your own custom message on a vanity plate. Vanity plates cost $70.
Additional Fees and Considerations
In addition to the base fee and specialty plate fees, there are a few other things to keep in mind when considering a custom license plate:
- Renewal Fees: You'll need to renew your custom license plate every two years. The renewal fee is $20.
- Availability: Some specialty plates may have limited availability, so you may need to wait for a spot to open up.
- Character Limits: Vanity plates have a limited number of characters, so you'll need to be creative with your message.
Is It Worth It?
Whether or not a custom license plate is worth the cost is a personal decision. If you're looking for a way to show your personality, support a cause you care about, or just add a little flair to your car, a custom plate might be the right choice for you.
But remember, vanity plates are like tattoos: once you get one, you're kind of stuck with it. So choose wisely!
A Few Humorous Examples of Custom License Plates I've Seen in Texas:
- "IDONTDRIV": This one is always a classic.
- "IMNOTLOST": Clearly, this person is either very confident or very lost.
- "TXGNRL1": I'm assuming this person is a big fan of the Texas Rangers.
- "HOGWILD": This one is probably on a Harley-Davidson.
- "IHTFY": I'm not even going to try to decipher this one.
I hope you enjoyed this humorous look at the cost of custom license plates in Texas. If you're thinking about getting one, I encourage you to do your research and choose a plate that reflects your personality and style.
And remember, if you ever see a particularly egregious custom license plate, feel free to share it in the comments below!
P.S. If you're really feeling adventurous, you could always try to get a custom license plate that's a pun on your name. For example, if your name is "Smith," you could get a plate that says "HAMMER." Or if your name is "Baker," you could get a plate that says "LOAF." Just be prepared for some strange looks from strangers.
Now go forth and personalize your ride!