Gone are the days when license plates were mere numbers. Today, they can almost be considered a car accessory, often serving as an extension of a driver's personality. North Dakota, like every other state, accommodates this trend by offering a range of license plate options, some for functional purposes, and others for statement. But before you debate on what plates to order, first you must have your vehicle titled and registered and pay all required fees.

Top Standard Plates

Unless you express otherwise, the state will issue you two standardized plates upon registering (motorcycles receive one plate). Generally these plates consist of a combination of five to seven numbers and letters on a standard state background featuring, the colors blue and gold.

Top Mobility-impaired Plates

To apply for a mobility-impaired license plate or a permit to be hung from your vehicle's rearview mirror, you must complete a Mobility-impaired Parking Permit Application. Be sure to have your physician complete the back of this application before submitting. Permits are free but license plates require a $5 fee.

Top Special Letter (Vanity) Plates

These plates consist of up to seven characters (numbers, letters, ampersands). You are free to choose any combination as long as it is within reason. The state reserves the right to reject any request that it deems offensive. To order, you must complete a Special Plate Letter (SPL) Request form, and include a check or money order for $25.

Top Antique Plates

Antique (Pioneer) plates are available to vehicles that are at least 40 years old, and are used solely for antique exhibitions, parades, and related activities. Vehicles used for everyday transportation are ineligible. You must attest to the vehicle's exhibition status with this form.

Model-year plates may be displayed instead of antique plates, as long as they remain legible and intact with a license number greater than 10,000.

Registering your antique vehicle costs $10, and if you opt for a special-letter plate, you must pay a one-time $100 fee. To order, complete this form.

Top National Guard Plates

To qualify for these plates you must either be a National Guard member or be retired from the Guard after 20 or more years of service. The plates are highlighted by your unit's insignia and the letters "NG" before the regular plate number. To order complete an SPL form, provide service proof from your adjutant general, and include a check or money order for $30.

Top Commemorative Lewis and Clark Plates

To order these special plates complete an SPL form, and include a check or money order for $35.

Top Collector Plates

Any driver with a vehicle at least 25 years old is eligible. Complete an SPL form, submit it with an Affidavit of Use for a Collector Motor Vehicle, and pay a one-time fee of $160.

Top Firefighter's Association Plates

To order submit an SPL form, along with an Application for a North Dakota Firefighter's Plate, and a check or money order for $40.

Top Veteran's Cemetery Plates

To order you must submit an Application for a North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery Plate along with an SPL form, and a check and money order for $40.

Top Special Organization Plate

Public or nonprofit organizations that are recognized as such by the Internal Revenue Service can apply for a special organization plate by submitting an Organization Plate Program Application along with an insignia. NDDOT will then study the application before deciding whether or not to approve the group's request.

Top Surrendering Your Plates

North Dakota does not require you to surrender your license plates if you move out of state. Recycle them as you see fit once you get registered in your new state.

You are required to maintain uninterrupted liability insurance on your vehicle, so cancel your registration and surrender the plates before any lapse in coverage. If you sell your car and don't transfer the plates, donate a vehicle to charity, or take your vehicle off the road for an extended period of time, you'll probably want to surrender the plates. Take them to any motor vehicle site.

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