Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

[philip964]

My understanding the custom license plate business was turned over to a private company who does it for a profit and then tacks on a large fee that goes to the State as income instead of tax.

I like voluntary taxes paid by other people.

[The Annoyed Man]

My understanding the custom license plate business was turned over to a private company who does it for a profit and then tacks on a large fee that goes to the State as income instead of tax.

I like voluntary taxes paid by other people.

Prisoners could do it for cheaper. We're already paying for them. Might as well put them to good use.

[FL450]

The state farmed these out to a private company years ago. The state gets a cut and a percentage of certain plates go to charity's

[Smokey613]

The price sky rocketed when they outsourced most personalized plates to MyPlates.com My wife has personalized Peace Officer Memorial plates on her truck. They cost $40 a year plus normal registration. She has had then two years. That same plate is now handled by MyPlates and its price has more than doubled.

[RoyGBiv]

The price sky rocketed when they outsourced most personalized plates to MyPlates.com My wife has personalized Peace Officer Memorial plates on her truck. They cost $40 a year plus normal registration. She has had then two years. That same plate is now handled by MyPlates and its price has more than doubled.

Interesting. I don't recall looking at prices before myplates.com
You would think that a private company would understand supply/demand and price elasticity

[Smokey613]

The myplates.com started around 2007 or so. they initially handled only a few of the personalized plates but have since expanded dramatically to include most of them. Most non-profit org plates are still handled directly by TxDOT but I look for that to change as well. The reason I am up on this is, I have run personalized plates in some form or another for the last 20 years. :) I still do but my current ones were purchased before that particular style got handed over to myplates.com so they still only cost me $40 extra a year. We plan to move to Alabama to be near our son in about 3 years and plan to go with the FOP or LE Memorial plates that AL offers.

[Syntyr]

I went to the texas dmv which redirected me to myplates.com. a plain 6 letter vanity plate is 150 for 1 year, 400 for 3 years and 450 for 5 years. So you dont have to pay 5 years up front you just save 40% if you do.

If you want random letters and numbers but choose a different background those start at $35 per year.

Charity and cause plates like for the Boy Scouts can be had at dmv 30 bucks per set plus 40 if you want to personalize. So 70 bucks per year plus tag fee.

All seems a little expensive.

If you go to the dmv there is a spreadsheet that you can open that lists all of the monies donated to all of the organizations for plates since they started the program. For once i see some actual govermental transparency...

Http://txdmv.gov/motorists/license-plates

[TVGuy]

You don't have to register it for 5 years, they give you that option at a discount. You can do annual renewal at $150/year or $450/5 years, it's all right there on their site. It's still expensive though, I'll agree to that.

[RoyGBiv]

You don't have to register it for 5 years, they give you that option at a discount. You can do annual renewal at $150/year or $450/5 years, it's all right there on their site. It's still expensive though, I'll agree to that.

Thanks... I missed that when my jaw swung open reading $450.
Buy 4, get one free...

[RoyGBiv]

So.... Would a "Don't Tread On Me" plate be a magnet for criminals searching for guns?

[TVGuy]

So.... Would a "Don't Tread On Me" plate be a magnet for criminals searching for guns?

That's why I don't have one, or an NRA, or Glock sticker on my car.

I've read stories about thieves targeting cars with those indicators.

[RogueUSMC]

Just a plug for the veteran plates though...

They are free as long as you don't want anything special in regards to plate numbers/letters. Just show them your DD214 and pick the plate you want. My wife surprised me with my USMC plates...

[Jusme]

My plates are customized, i'm the only one in the state with that designation. I'm planning on changing my name to IN7-2341.

[G26ster]

Just a plug for the veteran plates though...

They are free as long as you don't want anything special in regards to plate numbers/letters. Just show them your DD214 and pick the plate you want. My wife surprised me with my USMC plates...

In Texas, if you have been a awarded the Bronze Star or higher, not only are your plates free, but so is your annual registration fee (for one vehicle). After first vehicle, you pay as normal, but the plate is still free. Must submit proof of the award. Quite an annual savings.

[Teamless]

So.... Would a "Don't Tread On Me" plate be a magnet for criminals searching for guns?

I can say it is always a potential

But I have had this plate on my truck for over a year, as well as several gun related window stickers (NRA, etc) and as of yet and hopefully never, have had any issues.

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