How Many Minutes Does the DMV Allow for License Plate Selection?
2 Answers
Generally, the time allocated for selecting a license plate at the DMV ranges between 90 seconds to 3 minutes. Below is relevant information about license plate selection: Time Regulations: There is no strictly unified standard for the time limit at the DMV. In some regions, the '50-choose-1' option only allows 90 seconds, while others may provide 120 seconds, and some places even allocate a full 3 minutes for selection. Taking 90 seconds as an example, the system typically defaults to highlighting the first license plate number when the selection begins. Selection Rules: During the allotted time, you can freely switch between license plate numbers. However, if no other number is selected within the 90-second period and the confirm button is not pressed, the system will automatically assign the first license plate number as the owner's choice when the time expires.
Last year when I went to the DMV to select a license plate, the entire process took about 5 to 10 minutes, which included tapping the screen a few times at the self-service kiosk and confirmation by the staff. However, the actual time may vary depending on the situation, such as having to queue when it's crowded—I waited over an hour before it was my turn to select a plate, so the total time could stretch to 15 to 30 minutes. I recommend arriving early at the DMV to avoid peak hours, or pre-selecting your plate online to skip this step entirely, saving time and making it more comfortable. If you're indecisive while choosing, spending extra minutes picking and choosing can also delay the process, so it's best to think about your preferred number combinations in advance to save energy.
