Did you know there will be a projected 298.7 million registered vehicles in the United States this year? That’s up from 296.6 million in 2024.
Unless you have deep enough pockets to buy something extra rare, you’ll have to find other ways to ensure your car, truck, or SUV stands out from the pack. One relatively inexpensive way to make your vehicle one of a kind is to get custom license plates.
As it turns out, personalized license plates have some noteworthy advantages for drivers — everything from enhanced security to unexpected cost savings.
Consider these five surprising benefits of getting custom or personalized license plates.
- Instant Vehicle Recognition
Custom license plates aren’t just about making your car stand out for the right reasons. It’s also about ensuring it’s easier to spot. If you’ve ever had a hard time tracking down your vehicle in a packed parking lot, you can appreciate the benefits of custom plates.
This also applies if your vehicle is stolen. A plate that incorporates a unique mix of letters and numbers is easier to spot than a plate that’s plain Jane in nature. Plate readers and tracking systems identify a distinctive sequence more easily, making vehicle recovery easier.
- Convenient Marketing Medium
If you own a small business, specialty plates can be mobile billboards. A handyman might choose “FIXITUP” plates, for instance. The sky’s the limit with personalized plates.
Because vehicles are mobile, they can be used to promote your business or cause. All you need is some creativity and the right custom plates from the right vendor. It can be a cost-effective means of building brand awareness with your local customers.
- Personal Association with Your Automobile
For many people, a car is not an appliance. It’s an extension of their personality and lifestyle. Whether driving around in an older Mustang or hauling around in a rugged truck, personalized plates can add a little bit of personality.
Having your plate designed in a fun way that reflects something personal about you, your faith, your hobby, your career, or something else can set your car apart.
- Resale or Collector Value
While few regard license plates as an investment that can deliver a tangible ROI, some specialty plates have been resold for a lot of money. That’s especially true if they contain rare or unusual word combinations.
Consider, too, that some people purchase cars solely to obtain nice plates. So, custom plates can end up being worth more than you think.
- Supports Causes or Adds Civic Pride
Most states have specialty plates that support causes. You can probably buy a special plate design showing your support for wildlife preservation, the troops, cancer research, or an in-state university.
So, not only can your plate show your individuality. It can also do some good for a cause in your community. It’s a simple and effective way to give back by lending support.
Other Benefits
Icebreakers: Novelty plates can be an icebreaker and start a conversation among strangers.
Easy to Remember: Personalized plates are simpler to recall than random assortments of letters and figures — an advantage when quoting your license plate number to an operator over the phone.
Before You Order: Things to Consider
Avoid Objectionable or Misleading Language: Plates undergo examination by transport authorities, and anything objectionable or misleading will be rejected.
Consider Rules: Ensure that you observe rules regarding the number of characters permissible.
Personalized plates can be used for self-expression, promoting one’s business, promoting safety, and supporting special causes. If you want to stand out from the crowd of nearly 300 million registered vehicles on U.S. roads this year, getting custom license plates is one way to do so.
