What Are Custom License Plates In British Columbia?
Custom license plates, also known as personalized or vanity plates, are specialty license plates that allow vehicle owners in British Columbia to display a unique combination of letters, numbers, or both on their plates. These plates are issued by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), the provincial agency responsible for vehicle registration and licensing.
Custom plates offer a way to personalize your vehicle and express your individuality, interests, or sense of humor. They can feature a name, word, phrase, or other significant alphanumeric combination, subject to ICBC's policies and approval process.
Are Custom License Plates Legal In British Columbia?
Yes, custom license plates are legal in British Columbia when obtained through the proper ICBC application process. The Motor Vehicle Act and its regulations allow for the issuance of personalized plates as long as they meet certain criteria.
To be approved, a custom plate must:
• Contain a unique combination of letters and numbers not already in use
• Not exceed six characters for a passenger vehicle plate
• Not contain any prohibited words, phrases, or combinations
• Not infringe on any intellectual property rights
• Be in good taste and not offensive to the general public
ICBC reserves the right to refuse any custom plate application that does not meet these guidelines. Plates are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain compliant.
How Can I Get A Personalized License Plate In British Columbia?
To get a personalized license plate in British Columbia, you can apply online through ICBC's website or visit an Autoplan broker's office. Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Choose your desired plate type (e.g., passenger vehicle, motorcycle, trailer)
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Choose your desired plate combination
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If your combination is available, apply and pay the associated fees
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Wait for ICBC's approval and manufacturing process, typically 10-12 weeks
If applying online, you'll need a credit card. For in-person applications, you can pay by cash, debit, credit, or cheque at any Autoplan broker's office.
How Much Does A Custom License Plate Cost In British Columbia?
The cost of a custom license plate in British Columbia varies depending on the plate type and length of the personalization period. As of 2024, the fees are:
- Personalized passenger vehicle plate (annual): $40
- Personalized motorcycle or trailer plate (annual): $50
- Amateur radio operator plate (one-time): $18
- Memorial Cross recipient plates: free
- Veteran plates: free
- Re-personalization of a previously personalized plate (one-time): $25
These fees are in addition to the regular vehicle registration and licensing fees, based on factors like the vehicle type, model year, and geographic location.
Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check ICBC's website or contact an Autoplan broker for the most current pricing information.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Custom Plate In British Columbia?
Once you submit your application and payment for a custom license plate in British Columbia, you typically receive your plates in 10 to 12 weeks. This timeframe accounts for ICBC's review and approval process and the manufacturing and shipping of the physical plates.
If your application is approved, ICBC will mail your custom plates, a notification letter, and installation instructions to your registered address. You'll need to install the plates on your vehicle and keep the notification letter in the vehicle for reference.
What Is Required To Order A Custom License Plate In British Columbia?
To order a custom license plate in British Columbia, you'll need the following:
• A registered and insured vehicle in B.C. eligible for a personalized plate
• A valid B.C. driver's license or BCID card for identity verification
• A unique and available plate combination that meets ICBC's guidelines
• Payment for the applicable personalization fees and vehicle licensing costs
When applying, you'll need to provide:
• Your personal information (name, address, contact details)
• Your vehicle information (make, model, year, VIN)
• Your desired plate combination (up to 6 characters for passenger vehicles)
• A credit card for online payment or an acceptable payment method for in-person orders
What Types Of Custom License Plates Are Available In British Columbia?
British Columbia offers several types of custom license plates through ICBC:
• Personalized passenger vehicle plates: Available for most passenger cars, vans, light trucks, and motorhomes. Allows up to six characters.
• Amateur radio operator plates: Available for licensed amateur radio operators. Features the operator's unique call sign.
• Collector plates: Available for qualifying vintage and collector vehicles 25 years or older. Features "Vintage," "Antique," or "Collector" designations.
• Special interest plates: Available for vehicles associated with certain groups like veterans, firefighters, and rugby enthusiasts. Features special logos or slogans.
Each plate type has specific eligibility requirements and fees. Visit https://www.icbc.com or contact an Autoplan broker for more details on each option.
What Is Prohibited From Being Displayed On Custom License Plates In British Columbia?
ICBC has guidelines prohibiting certain content from being displayed on custom license plates in British Columbia. Prohibited items include:
• Words, phrases, or combinations of characters that are obscene, offensive, not in good taste, or otherwise objectionable
• Language that is vulgar, derogatory, racial, or sexual in nature
• References to alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances
• Plates that infringe on intellectual property rights like trademarks or copyrights
• Combinations that are difficult to read and distinguish, like "III1I1I"
• Plates that duplicate an existing non-personalized plate number
• Plates containing only numbers that conflict with ICBC's numbering systems
• Plates that imitate other types of plates, like veteran plates or collector plates
ICBC reserves the right to refuse, cancel, or recall any plate that violates these guidelines. Plate eligibility can change over time based on periodic reviews.
Can I Sell My Personalized License Plate In British Columbia?
No, you cannot sell your personalized license plate to a private buyer in British Columbia. The Motor Vehicle Act and its regulations prohibit the transfer of plates between vehicle owners. Custom plates remain the property of ICBC and are assigned to a specific vehicle and owner.
If you no longer want your personalized plate on your vehicle, you can surrender it to ICBC for cancellation. After a holding period, the plate may become available for re-personalization by a new applicant.
While you can't sell your plate privately, you can transfer it to another vehicle you own and be insured by ICBC. Visit an Autoplan broker to initiate a plate transfer and pay the applicable fees.
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)
Head Office: 151 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3H9
Phone: 1-800-663-3051
Website: https://www.icbc.com