Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

[RoyGBiv]

Y'all are a tuned-in bunch, maybe you can help me figure out the reason....

The cost of a 6-letter, personalized, "Don't Tread On Me" Texas license plate is $90/year with a 5 year minimum.
$450 to place an order.

My NC personalized plates were $30/year in addition to the registration cost. Payable every year when I paid my registration, not 5 years up front. In VA the cost of a "Special" plate is only $10/year extra ($20 if you personalize it).. Also paid annually.

Why is Texas so expensive?

[Syntyr]

I am interested as well. I was going to get STR SHP to put on my Porsche 911 so dont take it... Then again its not likey i will ever get my 911 so you can have it!

[Abraham]

Roy,

Don't know, but we're not in NC or VA.

I'm not being flippant or ugly, but when I see posts about other states and how they do it, whatever "it" may constitute, I just shake my head.

Please note, until I posted no one has criticized your post.

Why do suppose that is?

Answer: We're in Texas and not some other state.

I too find some things not to my liking, but overall I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

Now, pay up or do without.

Besides, customized plates are very tough for our prisoners to produce.

Sheesh!

[G26ster]

Perhaps because NC & VA have state income tax, and we are one of seven that don't? Dunno. State has to get revenue one way or another. At least in TX you have a choice - get the plate, or not. In the other states with income tax, you have no choice.

[jason812]

I am interested as well. I was going to get STR SHP to put on my Porsche 911 so dont take it... Then again its not likey i will ever get my 911 so you can have it!

I too one day want a 911. That is my ultimate dream car. No idea exactly why but it is. With that being said, if you can afford one, you can afford $500 for custom plates

[RoyGBiv]

So... If it's a revenue thing....

How many more would you sell at $30 or $40 or $50 billed annually vs. the current $450 pinch billed every 5 years.?

I'd wager that at $50 billed annually you would more than double the number of plates in circulation, resulting in more income for the State.....
But I'm just guessing.

[suthdj]

Well I guess there are ppl inTX thst have $450 to throw away on plates. Me no way thats a lot of ammo or even a new gun.

[The Annoyed Man]

Maybe the prisoners have unionized? Hey, just trying to help.

[C-dub]

IDK, no state income tax maybe? Gotta find revenue anywhere you can I guess.

[gtolbert09]

And don't forget in Texas you are paying for 2 plates. Front and rear.

[Surgeon]

Odd question. I've had mine for some time now and never had to pay up front. I just picked out what I wanted (three versions/choices) and paid when the plate came in. Didn't know they wanted money up front for 5 years... if I read that right.

[Liberty]

Some of these plates pay money to certain charities

[The Annoyed Man]

Y'all are a tuned-in bunch, maybe you can help me figure out the reason....

The cost of a 6-letter, personalized, "Don't Tread On Me" Texas license plate is $90/year with a 5 year minimum.
$450 to place an order.

My NC personalized plates were $30/year in addition to the registration cost. Payable every year when I paid my registration, not 5 years up front. In VA the cost of a "Special" plate is only $10/year extra ($20 if you personalize it).. Also paid annually.

Why is Texas so expensive?

I don't know the answer, but I can tell you that it has deterred me from having the plate I want ever since I moved here.

[ScottDLS]

I got some 14 years ago for my 2002 Corvette....long since sold. I don't remember them being that expensive. Maybe just ~$70 + the annual registration. But I definitely knew why we don't have an income tax....when I payed the SALES TAX on the 'Vette. But it's kind of like saying your Corvette uses too much gas...if you have to worry about it, you should have bought a Prius.