Custom Plates explained

How to create, buy and use Custom Plates

Custom Plates let you add personality, meaning or branding to your vehicle. Whether you're a car lover, business owner or just someone with a sense of style, there's a custom plate to suit you. From classic to colourful, Deluxe to Signature, Euro to slimline – the choice is yours. We're here to help you create a plate you'll love.

When you buy custom plates, you own that combination of letters and numbers – you can keep it, move it between vehicles, pass it on or sell it.

Pick your combination. Lock in the style. Make it unmistakably yours.

How do I get started?

Step 1: Choose your combination

Use the combination checker on our website to see if your preferred combination of letters and numbers is available.

Think about what matters to you – your initials, your business name, something you love, or a meaningful number.

When you land on one that feels right, make it yours. Then choose your plate style – with such a large range to choose from, we have something to suit your vibe.

Step 2: Confirm your details and pay

You'll need to have your driver licence handy, with your current address, before you can complete your payment online.

If you have an interstate or overseas licence, you’ll need to visit a VicRoads  Customer Service Centre to order.

It's a good idea to log into your myVicRoads account and make sure your details are up to date. We'll refer to these details when processing your order.

Step 3: Delivery

Delivery times can vary, depending on the plate type, but most plates arrive between 2-3 weeks. Australia Post will email you when they're on the way.

Step 4: Your plates have arrived!

Now let's get them assigned to your car. Call us on 1300 660 417 and we'll confirm your registration and assign your plates. If you have an overseas licence, you'll need to visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

If the plates are for someone else, you'll need to fill out a Transfer of Rights form (PDF). This includes transferring plates to vehicles owned by a company.

If you don't want to assign the plates to a car, you can keep them in a safe place until you decide to assign or transfer them.

Step 5:  Attach your new plates

Remove your old plates and return them to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

Attach your new custom plates and you're good to go!

Before you buy

How much does it cost and do I own that combination?

Prices vary by style and size (slimline or standard), so check the price list for details.

Once you've paid, the combination is yours – unless you choose to transfer or sell.

What vehicle can display custom plates?

Custom plates can be displayed on most vehicles and motorcycles registered in Victoria.

They can't be used on:

some commercial vehicles, like taxis
vehicles registered under the Club Permit Scheme
most trailers and caravans

Can I buy custom plates without putting them on a vehicle?

Yes. You don't need to assign them to a vehicle straight away.

Some people keep their plates without ever putting them on a vehicle.

Can I buy custom plates as a gift?

Yes. You can purchase the plates directly and then complete a Transfer of Rights form (PDF) to transfer the plates to the new owner.

You can also purchase a gift voucher so they can choose their own combination and style.

If you don't want a new combination

Restyling

Same combination, new look. Restyling lets you change your existing plates to a new style – without losing your combination.

Choose from a wide range of colours, themes and finishes.

Want the style, but not the combo?

If you're not fussed about the combination and just want a particular plate style, some custom plates can be purchased without choosing a combination.

If you’re buying a new car, you can order Slimline Black, Euro plates or plates for Chinese manufactured vehicles, with pre-determined combinations, through selected car dealers. These plates will be available when you pick up your car.

You can also purchase these styles at any VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

Replacement plates

If your plates are damaged, lost, stolen or destroyed, you can order replacements in the same style and combination.

Call 1300 660 417 or visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

Changing vehicles? Take your plates with you.

If the vehicle is registered in your name, just call us on 1300 660 417  and pay a reassignment fee to reassign the plates to your new vehicle.

If the vehicle is registered in someone else’s name, you'll need to fill out a Transfer of Rights form (PDF).

Custom plate combinations and availability

I can't get the plate combination or style I want

Each plate style has certain attributes, character limits and rules. The combination you choose may change what styles are available – so if it's not working, try switching it up.

You can also check the Specifications on each Browse Style page.

If your combo is taken, get creative – try:

1 instead of I
5 instead of S
3 instead of E
4 instead of A

Can my custom plate combo be recalled or rejected?

Yes. VicRoads may recall or reject plates if they:

contain offensive, inappropriate or discriminatory language
promote unsafe driving
reference violence, terrorism or prohibited terms
misrepresent government ownership
include restricted words (e.g. "TOW")
were issued in error or acquired unlawfully
can be mistaken for another registration number
infringe, or are reasonably likely to infringe, the rights of another person.

If this happens, you'll receive a full refund or exchange for the same value.

Purchase & delivery

How long does delivery take?

Most custom plates are delivered in 14 days. Deluxe plates and framed plates (such as Lucky and Prestige plates) take up to 17 business days.  See delivery timelines.

You'll get an Australia Post notification when your plates are on the way.

For order enquiries:

[email protected]
1300 660 417 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5pm)

Can I change or cancel my order?

Yes – if you let us know by 12pm midday AEST on the next business day.

After that time, a fee applies to cover administration costs.

To change or cancel your order, call us on 1300 660 417, email [email protected] or visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

After you buy

My custom plates arrived damaged

Please call us on 1300 660 417.

My custom plates have been damaged

If your damage occurred through an accident, you can order replacement plates. Call 1300 660 417 or visit a VicRoads  Customer Service Centre.

Remember, it's illegal to intentionally damage, modify or deface number plates.

My plates are faulty

If your custom plates were purchased less than 7 years ago and are cracking or peeling, you may be eligible for replacement plates.

This warranty does not cover general wear and tear, or damage outside of transit. Find out more about replacing number plates.

My plates have been stolen

You will need to report the theft to Victoria Police, to ensure you are not held responsible for any infringements incurred by others using the plates.

You can order replacement plates by calling 1300 660 417 or visiting a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

Keeping, selling or transferring plates

Can I remove my plates and keep or sell them?

Yes, you can.

To transfer the plates to someone, complete a Transfer of Rights form
You'll need to replace them with general issue plates from a VicRoads Customer Service Centre
To keep plates off a vehicle, call 1300 660 417 and store them securely

Admin fees apply when reassigning plates.

I sold my car with my custom plates on it

If the plates were sold with the car, plate ownership transfers with it. To keep your plates, you should sell the car unregistered or replace them with General Issue plates before the sale.

I no longer want my plates, and will not be selling them

If you no longer want your plates, you won't be selling them and you want to release the combination, you’ll need to return your plates to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.

Are Custom Plates legal?

Yes. Custom Plates are non‑standard number plates issued by VicRoads under the Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic). Only number plates issued by VicRoads for a vehicle may be displayed on that vehicle. Unauthorised reproduction or remanufacture of number plates may constitute an offence under the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021.

Terms & conditions

Please read our Terms & Conditions  – they outline our legal obligations, and protect your rights as a consumer.