Can I Still Choose a License Plate at the DMV After Selecting One Online?
2 Answers
After selecting a license plate online, you can still choose one at the DMV, but there will be a penalty. If you successfully select a plate online and then abandon it, you will be blacklisted by the DMV and prohibited from using online plate selection services for the next two years. If you don’t anticipate needing to select a plate again within the next few years, this may not be a significant issue. However, if you plan to buy a car or change your license plate within the next two years, this approach is not recommended. License plate selection generally falls into three methods: online self-selection, online 50-choose-1, and DMV 50-choose-1. You can start by using the self-selection feature on the 12123 traffic management app. If you don’t find a satisfactory plate, you can then try the online 50-choose-1 option. If neither method yields a desirable plate, you will ultimately need to visit the DMV for the 50-choose-1 process. Both online and DMV plate selection have their pros and cons. The advantage of DMV selection is faster processing—plates are typically issued on the same day. The downside is the potential time and effort spent waiting in line. Online selection, on the other hand, allows you to choose a plate from the comfort of your home in a relaxed environment. The drawbacks include longer delivery times for the physical plate and a potentially cumbersome process for those unfamiliar with the online system. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on your personal needs and preferences. Ultimately, a license plate is just an identifier for your vehicle, used for recognition purposes. There’s no need to overthink the number. Claims that so-called "lucky" plates bring good fortune are not scientifically supported. The key to smooth travel lies in adhering to safety rules. No matter which plate you end up with, it’s the best one for you, and accepting it with a positive attitude is always a good choice.
Yes, you can still go to the DMV to choose a new license plate number after selecting one online, but there's an important condition to note. I've been through this myself—I once picked a decent plate number online and was quite satisfied, but later changed my mind and wanted to see if there were more memorable options at the DMV. It turned out that the DMV's rule is that online pre-selected plate numbers have a retention period, usually 3 to 7 days. If you don't confirm it or simply ignore it beyond this period, it will automatically expire. At that point, you can go to the DMV and pick a brand-new number directly from the on-site selection pool. However, if you go to the DMV promptly after selecting online but still want to change the number, it's best to ask the staff in advance whether you can abandon the online selection on-site—in most cases, this is allowed. The key is not to delay too long to avoid missing deadlines and delaying your vehicle registration. I also recommend checking the latest policies on your local DMV's official website, as some systems may automatically update plate statuses to prevent unexpected conflicts. Additionally, I personally think on-site selection sometimes offers rarer combinations, making it worth a try. Overall, the process is quite smooth, though it may take a bit more time to handle.
