Can I go to the DMV to choose a license plate after selecting one online?
4 Answers
You cannot directly go to the DMV the next day to choose a new license plate after selecting one online. Once you successfully select a license plate number online, the number will be reserved for 3 working days starting from the second day. During this period, vehicles that have already successfully selected a license plate number online are not allowed to choose another number or modify the submitted information via the internet. If you are unsatisfied with the self-selected license plate online, you can log back into the online self-selection system after 3 working days to choose a more satisfactory number. Here are some selection tips: Backup numbers: If you have a few favorite license plate numbers, it's best to prepare several similar or related backup numbers. If your first choice isn't available, you can check if any of the backup options are. For example, "366" and "369", "288" and "388", etc. Choose 'universal' license plate numbers: Select those 'universal' license plate numbers that are generally considered auspicious by everyone, such as consecutive numbers or sequential numbers, like "888", "666", "789", "168", etc. However, these types of license plates usually require auctioning and come with a higher price tag.
I'm an experienced driver with many years behind the wheel, and I recently helped my son with his license plate issue. After selecting a plate number online, you can still change it at the DMV as long as you haven't finalized the online selection. Last time, I pre-selected a number online but found the digits unlucky, so I went straight to the DMV to ask the staff; they said as long as I hadn't submitted the confirmation, I could cancel it on the spot and choose a new number. I ended up picking a better-looking one right there from the board, saving the waiting time. Online selection is convenient and fast, ideal for those who can't visit in person, but the DMV offers more choices, allowing you to compare number combinations firsthand to avoid mistakes. My advice is to treat the online option as a backup—don't rush to confirm, leaving yourself room to adjust later. This approach is simple and reliable, ensuring you don't miss out.
From a practical standpoint, you can still visit the DMV to select a new license plate number after choosing one online, provided you haven't completed the final confirmation step in the online process. As someone who frequently handles vehicle-related matters, I recommend only completing the pre-selection stage online and not rushing to finalize the submission. Then, bring your documents to the DMV and approach the service counter directly, stating your intention to change your selection. They will guide you through abandoning the online choice and starting over. Selecting in person allows you to browse the entire list of available numbers, which is more intuitive than viewing images online. However, keep in mind the time constraints—online selections are typically valid for a limited period, and delaying too long may result in expiration, requiring you to restart the process. Overall, this method improves efficiency and reduces regret. My personal approach is to initially shortlist five or six candidate numbers online and then make the final decision in person, saving time and maintaining flexibility.
Let me share this experience. I once encountered a similar situation. A friend was dissatisfied with the license plate number he selected online and went to the DMV to ask if it could be changed. Surprisingly, they allowed him to re-select on the spot, as long as the online selection wasn't locked or confirmed. The process was quite smooth—the staff entered it into the system and it was done. Choosing a number in person is even more fun; you can pick the number combinations yourself, which is more interesting than viewing images online. But don't go too late, as online selections might expire. Simply put, the chances are good, so proceed with confidence.
