Personalized plates, also known as vanity plates or custom plates, give Nebraska drivers a chance to make a statement with their vehicles. The NE Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers several custom license plate options, including special plates to recognize military service.

Plate Particulars

You can order personalized license plates from the NE DMV website or download an application to request your license plates by mail. Plates may have a maximum of seven characters. Only alpha and numeric combinations are allowed; no messages with punctuation will be accepted. No combinations deemed obscene, objectionable, or offensive will be allowed. You must submit an explanation of the meaning of your personalized plates before your application will be processed.

When filling out your application, please keep in mind that the first available message you list is the one you will receive. Do not list license plate combinations that will be unacceptable, as no refunds will be given after an application has been approved.

Standard message plates are $40, while message plates with the special Husker spirit graphic are $70. Pearl Harbor survivor, disabled American veteran, Purple Heart, or ex-prisoner of war license plates are $5 if you meet the eligibility criteria for these specialty plates. All charges for custom license plates are in addition to the standard vehicle registration fees.

Picking Up Your Plates

Once your application has been processed, your personalized license plates should arrive at the county treasurer's office within three to four weeks. Bring your current license plates and vehicle registration with you when you pick up your new custom plates.

If you have questions about how to apply for personalized plates or would like information on giving vanity plates a gift, you may call the NE DMV at (402) 471-3918.