Types of Special License Plates in Utah

SUMMARY: Utah Specialty License Plates

Several specialty license plates are available to Utah residents. You can order a personalized license plate or a special group plate for a charity, college, or other group. Specialty plates for veterans are also available, as well as license plates for vintage vehicles.

Keep reading for information about the types of specialty license plates offered from the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

NOTES:

Personalized Utah Plates

In Utah, you can order a license plate with your own personalized number.

Your custom tag number must follow UT DMV rules to be approved. The letter/number combination:

  • CAN have a maximum of:
    • 7 characters on a standard design license plate.
    • 5 characters on special group plates.
    • 5 characters on motorcycle plates.
  • CANNOT be a duplicate of an exiting tag number.
  • CANNOT use:
    • Special punctuation or symbols.
    • Vulgarity or profanity.
    • Language that refers to drugs or drug use.
    • Messages about sexual acts, genitalia, or bodily functions.
    • Language that ridicules or claims the superiority of a race, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
    • Messages that could endanger the general public.

You can see if your desired plate combination is available by using the UT DMV Motor Vehicle Portal.

Fees for personalized standard design license plates are typically:

Fees vary for personalized special group plates.

If you're ready to apply, instructions can be found on our Applying for Specialty License Plates page.

Special Group Plates

You can choose from a variety of special license plates to show your support for an organization or membership group.

You can get a license plate for:

  • A charity or non-profit organization, such as:
    • Boys and Girls Clubs.
    • Cancer Research.
  • A college or university, for example:
    • Brigham Young University.
    • Salt Lake Community College.
  • A hobby or interest, including:
    • The NBA.
    • Snowmobiling.
  • An occupation, for example:
    • Emergency medical technician (EMT).
    • Firefighter.
  • The U.S. military, including:
    • The Army.
    • The Coast Guard.

You'll find a complete list of available special group plates on the UT DMV website.

Eligibility Requirements

Most special group license plates are available to any registered vehicle owner in Utah.

However, some plates, such as the firefighter license plate and other occupational plates, require proof of your employment or involvement.

For the eligibility requirements of any plate, visit the UT DMV website and select the license plate you're interested in.

Fees for Special Group Plates

Fees for special group plates are charged IN ADDITION to standard registration fees and renewal fees in Utah.

Some plates have BOTH an initial fee AND a renewal fee, while others have ONLY an initial fee.

While plate fees vary, the examples below are typical of the fees you'll pay:

  • The fees for the Autism Awareness plate are:
    • $20.50 plate fee PLUS a $25 contribution to order.
    • $25 contribution to renew.
  • Fees for the Brigham Young University plate are:
    • $20.50 license plate fee AND a $35 donation to order.
    • $35 donation to renew.
  • The fees for the Firefighter license plate are:
    • $20.50 plate fee AND $15 donation to order.
    • $15 donation to renew.

NOTE: You may also have to pay a $4 mailing fee if you order a plate that has to be mailed.

For all fees, visit the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles website.

For application instructions, visit Applying for Specialty License Plates.

Military License Plates in UT

Military license plates from the UT DMV are available for military branches, organizations, and honors.

Some military plates are available to anyone, while others are limited to qualifying veterans.

Military Plates Available to All Residents

Any Utah resident can get a license plate that helps support U.S. military veterans.

Military plates are offered for branches of the service and military organizations; for example:

  • The Air Force.
  • The Marine Corps.
  • The American Legion.

Fees for military license plates are charged IN ADDITION to vehicle registration fees and renewal fees.

The additional fees vary. Most, like the Air Force plate, are:

  • $20.50 plate fee PLUS a $25 contribution to order.
  • $10 contribution to renew.

For plates sent by mail, you'll also pay a $4 postage fee.

The Utah DMV website has a list of all plates and their fees.

For application details, see our Applying for Specialty License Plates page.

Plates for Qualifying Utah Veterans

Some military plates are related to specific combat experience or military honors, such as:

  • The Former POW license plate.
  • The Pearl Harbor Survivor plate.
  • The Purple Heart license plate.

These plates require proof of your eligibility, for example:

  • Discharge papers.
  • Membership credentials.

For MOST veteran plates, you'll pay an initial fee PLUS applicable vehicle registration fees. For example, the initial fee for the Pearl Harbor plate is $20.50.

To learn more about available plates, required proof of eligibility, and fees, see the UT DMV website.

Vintage & Unique Vehicle Plates

To be eligible for a vintage or unique vehicle license plate, your vehicle must meet the Utah DMV's criteria (continue reading below).

If you're ready to apply, visit our Applying for Special License Plates in Utah page.

Vintage Plates

Vintage Vehicle plates are available for vehicles that are:

  • At least 30 years old.
  • Collectors' items used for exhibitions, parades, and similar activities.
  • NOT used for general daily transportation

You'll pay a $20.50 special plate fee for a vintage vehicle license plate.

Special Interest Plates

Special Interest Vehicle plates are for vehicles that are:

  • At least 20 years old.
    OR
  • Deemed by the Division of Motor Vehicles Director to be a special interest vehicle, such as those that are:
    • No longer manufactured.
    • Made in limited quantities.
    • Experimental.
    • Intended for display.
    • NOT substantially altered or modified.

You'll pay a $20.50 fee for the special plate.

Antique/Original Issue Plates

Antique/Original issue license plates are authentic Utah plates that were issued in the same year as the vehicle's model year. You can apply to use the antique plate IF:

  • The vehicle's model year is 1973 or earlier.
  • The license plate number is not a duplicate of an existing plate.

You'll pay regular registration fees to use an antique license plate.

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