You can order most Florida specialty plates online through the Department of Motor Vehicles website, but the process and may be able to access depend on which plate you want
Florida offers over 100 specialty license plate designs, from military and professional organization plates to environmental and cause-related designs. Most can be ordered online at flhsmv.gov without visiting a branch office, though some require you to verify membership or military status before the order goes through. A few specialty plates — mainly those tied to specific organizations or military branches — still require in-person verification or additional paperwork.
The online ordering process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your current driver's license number and vehicle registration handy. You pay the specialty plate fee (usually $25 to $50 above your standard renewal fee) and the new plates arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The catch is that not every specialty plate is available for every vehicle type, and some have waiting lists if demand is high.
Key Takeaways
- Most Florida specialty plates can be ordered online at flhsmv.gov using your driver's license and vehicle registration information.
- Specialty plate fees range from $25 to $50 above your standard plate renewal cost, and the new plates arrive by mail in two to three weeks.
- Military, professional, and organizational specialty plates may require you to upload proof of membership or military service before your order is processed.
- Some specialty plates have waiting lists or are only available during certain renewal periods, so availability varies by design and vehicle type.
Which specialty plates you can order online versus in person
The majority of Florida's specialty plates — including environmental designs, university plates, professional organization plates, and cause-related designs — can be ordered entirely online. These include plates for the Florida Wildlife Federation, Audubon Society, breast cancer awareness, and dozens of others. You select the design, pay the fee, and the plates ship to your address.
A smaller group requires verification before you can complete the order online. Military specialty plates (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and veteran plates) ask you to upload a copy of your military ID or discharge papers. Professional plates tied to specific organizations — such as the Florida Bar Association or engineering boards — may ask you to enter a license number or membership ID that the system can verify in real time.
A handful of specialty plates still require you to visit a Florida DMV office in person. These are rare and usually involve plates that need physical proof of status or membership that cannot be verified digitally. Your best approach is to search for the specific plate design on flhsmv.gov; the listing will tell you whether it can be ordered online or requires an office visit.
How to order a specialty plate online step by step
Start at flhsmv.gov and look for the "License Plates" section. Select "Specialty License Plates" and browse the available designs by category — military, environmental, professional, university, and others. Click on the plate you want to see the full design, the annual fee, and any may be able to access notes.
Once you have chosen a plate, click "Order Now" or "Add to Cart." You will be asked to log in or create an account with the Florida DMV. Have your current driver's license number and vehicle registration number ready. Enter your vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year) and confirm that the plate type is compatible with your vehicle. Some specialty plates are not available for motorcycles, trailers, or commercial vehicles.
If the plate requires verification — such as military status — you will be prompted to upload a document at this stage. Take a clear photo of both sides of your military ID or discharge papers and upload the file. The system will review it, usually within one business day, before your order is confirmed. If the plate does not require verification, you can proceed directly to payment.
Review your order summary, confirm your mailing address, and pay the specialty plate fee plus any applicable taxes. You will receive a confirmation email with an order number. Your new plates will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Your current plates remain valid until the new ones arrive.
Specialty plate fees and what they cover
Florida specialty plate fees vary depending on the design and the organization behind it. Most specialty plates cost between $25 and $50 per year above your standard plate renewal fee. Some plates — particularly those supporting specific nonprofits or causes — may cost slightly more because a portion of the fee goes to that organization.
The fee covers the cost of manufacturing and mailing the new plates to your address. It does not include vehicle registration renewal; if your registration is also due, you will pay that separately. Some people order a specialty plate at the same time they renew their registration, which combines both fees into one transaction.
The specialty plate fee is not refundable if you change your mind after ordering, so make sure you want the design before you complete the purchase. If you decide later that you want to switch to a different specialty plate or return to a standard plate, you can order new plates and the old ones straightforward stop being used.
When specialty plates are not available and what to do
Some specialty plate designs have waiting lists, particularly popular designs or those supporting well-known causes. When a design reaches its maximum number of plates issued, the DMV closes it to new orders and creates a waiting list. You can still request to be added to the list on flhsmv.gov, and you will be notified by email if the plate becomes available again.
Certain specialty plates are only available during specific windows — for example, some university plates are only available during the school year or during renewal periods. The flhsmv.gov listing for each plate will note any seasonal or timing restrictions.
If the specialty plate you want is not available online, check whether it requires an in-person order at a DMV office. You can call the Florida DMV customer service line at 850-617-3000 to confirm the current status of a specific plate design and whether you can be added to a waiting list.
What happens if your verification is rejected
If you upload a document for verification — such as military papers — and the system cannot read it or determine that it is valid, the DMV will send you an email explaining the issue. You will have the option to upload a clearer image or a different document. Common reasons for rejection include blurry photos, documents that are expired or not in English, or documents that do not match the name on your driver's license.
If your verification is rejected a second time, you may need to visit a DMV office in person to complete the order. The email will include instructions on how to proceed. Bring the original document and your driver's license to the office, and staff can process the specialty plate order on the spot.
Renewing a specialty plate you already have
If you already have a specialty plate and want to renew it, you can do so online at the same time you renew your vehicle registration. Log into your DMV account, select your vehicle, and choose to renew your specialty plate. You will pay the specialty plate fee again along with your registration renewal fee. The new plates arrive by mail before your current registration expires.
If you want to switch from a specialty plate back to a standard plate, or from one specialty plate to a different one, you can also do this online. straightforward order the new plate design you want, and once it arrives, your old specialty plate is no longer active. You do not need to return the old plates to the DMV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a specialty plate if my driver's license or registration is expired?
No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration must both be current to order a specialty plate online. If either is expired, renew it first through the standard renewal process, then order your specialty plate.
Do I have to wait for my new specialty plates to arrive before I can drive?
Yes. You must display valid license plates on your vehicle at all times. Continue using your current plates until the new specialty plates arrive in the mail. Once they arrive, replace the old plates when ready.
What if I order a specialty plate but change my mind before it arrives?
Contact the Florida DMV at 850-617-3000 as soon as possible with your order number. If the plates have not yet been manufactured, they may be able to cancel the order and refund your fee. Once plates are in the mail, cancellation is not possible.
Can I order a specialty plate for a vehicle registered to someone else?
No. The person whose name is on the vehicle registration must place the order. If you are a co-owner, either owner can order, but the order must be placed using that person's driver's license and the vehicle's registration information.
Are specialty plates available for commercial vehicles or trailers?
Some specialty plates are available for commercial vehicles and trailers, but not all. When you search for a plate design on flhsmv.gov, the listing will specify which vehicle types are may be able to access. If the plate you want is not available for your vehicle type, you will not be able to add it to your cart.