Can I go to the DMV to choose a license plate after selecting one online?
2 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.