Have you been looking for a unique way to spice up your vehicle? Do you love to personalize your valuables? Are you tired of looking at the same old license plate day in, day out?
If so, then you should consider ordering a brand new customized license plate for your car or motorcycle in Ontario.
Doing this doesn't just make your ride look unique; buying a custom license plate is also a fantastic way to express yourself. You can also use a custom license plate as an easy-to-spot reference when you're looking for your car in a crowded area, like a parking lot.
Continue reading to learn more about getting a custom license plate and the rules you need to follow.
Want to save on car insurance in Ontario?
Before hitting the road with your flashy, new license plate, you need to ensure that your car insurance is up-to-date and valid. In Ontario, driving without car insurance is illegal, so we don't suggest buckling up without it.
Whether you're looking for your first car insurance policy or are thinking about shopping around for a new provider, you can count on the Surex team to find you the very best deals in Ontario.
At Surex, our main goals are helping you save money on car insurance and keeping you safe. To reach these goals, we work side-by-side with the most reputable car insurance carriers in Ontario. After a ten-minute chat, we can provide you with ten personalized car insurance quotes.
Reach out today to learn how we can help you save upwards of 25% by bundling your car and home insurance.
How do you get a custom license plate in Ontario?
If you want to purchase custom plates Ontario has a handful of options that drivers can choose from.
Individuals that have a copy of their driver's license and RIN (short for registrant identification number) are able to order a custom license plate on the web.
If you don't have your driver's license and RIN, don't worry; you can still get a custom plate. Instead of going online, you need to visit your local Service Ontario or call 1-800-AUTOPL8.
Bonus — Drivers can also use these contacts to convert their current license plate into a custom license plate.
What can you add to your custom license plate in Ontario?
If you’re getting a custom number plate Ontario has over 60 unique graphics that you can consider adding — some examples of these graphics include:
- Ontario-related designs (loon, trillium, etc.)
- Professional sports teams logos
- Post-secondary school logos
- Community organization logos
Drivers can also include a slogan in English or French, which gives the plate even more personality.
Furthermore, drivers can alter the numbers and letters on their license plate to their liking. Different vehicles have different character limits, but we'll touch on that again shortly.
Bonus — When it comes to custom license plates Toronto is a fantastic place to show them off. Click here to learn more about the other various costs associated with owning a car in Toronto.
How much for a custom license plate in Ontario?
The price of your custom plate will depend on the level of customization and the type of vehicle you drive.
Buying a custom license plate with a graphic (car) — $336.40 (two to eight-character limit)
Purchasing a custom license plate without a graphic (car) — $310 (two to eight-character limit)
Buying a custom license plate without a graphic (motorcycle) — $310 (two to five-character limit)
Please be aware that all NSF fees (non-sufficient funds), Highway 407 tolls and other unpaid fines that you've accumulated will be added to the total cost.
How can you pay for your custom license plate in Ontario?
In most cases, you can pay for your custom license plate in Ontario with a Visa/Mastercard. You may also be able to cover the cost of your new license plate by using Interac Online (if your financial institution offers the service).
Are there any rules about what you can and cannot add to your custom license plate in Ontario?
Yes, drivers need to be aware of a handful of exclusions before they order a custom license plate.
Here's a brief list of terms and topics that drivers cannot add to their license plate in Ontario:
- Sexual content
- Abuse
- Vulgar language
- Religious beliefs
- Drugs and alcohol
- Political views, figures, etc.
- Violence or violent acts
- Discrimination
If your custom license plate application features any related terms or topics, it will not be approved.
It's also worth noting that your application will not be accepted if the combination of characters that you want to use has already been issued to another driver.
Bonus — Drivers are not permitted to use any combination of characters that infringe upon trademarked property rights.
Can you buy a custom license plate for someone else in Ontario?
Yes, you are able to purchase a customized plate for another driver in Ontario if you have access to their driver's license and their RIN. Custom license plates make fantastic gifts, especially for close friends, family members and significant others.
If you are unsure of what character combination you would like to use or don't have the time to create something special, you can purchase a custom license plate gift voucher. Doing this gives the recipient the ability to pick their own character combination when they have the time.
Can you transfer a custom license plate in Ontario?
In Ontario, you may only transfer a license plate once; this must be done before attaching it to a vehicle. This means that friends and family members cannot trade previously-used license plates with one another.
Getting a custom plate is a fun way to spruce up your ride in Ontario
Buying a customized plate is a unique and relatively affordable way to give your vehicle some personality on the road.
However, before you start brainstorming interesting character combinations, be sure to reference the rules regarding custom plates in Ontario. Doing this will ensure that the proposed changes get accepted and that you get to enjoy your new license plate.
