PLP and Vanity Plate Requirements

PLP Format Requirements

A PLP message may only contain a combination of numbers (0 – 9) and letters (A – Z).

The following character requirements and restrictions apply to a PLP message request:

• The message must contain at least two characters.
• The message may contain spaces entered between any combination of numbers and letters. The PLP message cannot:
  • Contain special characters. Contain numbers only
  • Contain more than one consecutive space. Duplicate the alpha/number format of any other BMV-issued license plate.

The following table describes the maximum characters permitted on each license plate type:

Standard Indiana PLP

Plate size	Max. Characters
Passenger	8
Motorcycle	6

All Other Distinctive PLPs

Plate size	Max. Characters
Passenger	6
Motorcycle	5

Approved/Denied PLP Message

The BMV may refuse to issue a PLP containing a combination of letters or numbers, or both, if the following apply:

• Carries a meaning or connotation offensive to good taste and decency;
• Would be misleading; or
• The BMV otherwise considers improper for issuance.

If your PLP request is approved, you will receive your license plate in the mail within 30 days of your request.

If your PLP request is denied, you will receive a denial letter in the mail requiring you to select one of the following alternate license plate options:

• Register a standard license plate of the same plate type you purchased with your initial PLP request. The PLP fee paid at time of reservation will be refunded to you.
• Select an alternate PLP message. The PLP fee paid at time of reservation will be applied to your alternate PLP selection.

The denial of the PLP will become final unless a written request for an administrative review is received by the BMV within 18 days after the date of the denial letter.

Ordering Information

A PLP message is available on a first-come first-serve basis. If your request for a PLP message is approved by the BMV, you must continue to register the PLP each year to retain ownership of the PLP message. If the PLP is not registered and more than one calendar year has passed since the last registration expiration date, the PLP message becomes available to be requested by any other person on the following January 1.  A PLP may be requested online by logging into your myBMV.com account when you are registering a new vehicle or renewing a current vehicle registration.