With 209 different custom license plates available, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) gives New Yorkers plenty of opportunities to showcase what’s important to them. Military service, public safety, and a pair of sports teams are the focus of the most popular plates.
“DMV is proud to offer so many ways for New Yorkers to display on their vehicles what they care about,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “Our custom plates let people show their pride in military service, highlight their professions, cheer on their favorite sports teams, and display their love for our state.”
Here is the list of the top 15:
| Top 15 Custom Plates Overall | Current # on the Road |
| Medical Doctor | 11,164 |
| US Veteran (Generic) | 8,336 |
| Volunteer Firefighter | 7,261 |
| US Army Veteran | 5,888 |
| NY Bluebird | 4,002 |
| US Marine Corp Veteran | 3,110 |
| NY Yankees | 2,886 |
| US Navy Veteran | 2,818 |
| US Vietnam Veteran | 2,604 |
| US War on Terror Veteran | 2,514 |
| Fraternal Order of Police | 2,455 |
| NY Buffalo Bills | 2,408 |
| 9/11 Remembrance | 2,343 |
| US Air Force | 2,269 |
| Volunteer Ambulance Service | 2,059 |
You can find all the available custom plates on the DMV website.
New Yorkers can order custom plates online, by phone, by mail, and most custom plates can be ordered in a DMV office.
Custom plates reserved for professional groups and emergency services organizations serve to identify the registrant as a member of that group. The plates come with no special rights or privileges, and in most cases, require the registrant to show proof that they are a member of that group or organization, or they are a certified professional in their designated field.
Organizations and individuals interested in developing a new custom license plate can request a new custom plate through the DMV. Information on how to develop a new custom plate is available on DMV’s website.
In addition to offering custom picture and professional plates, New Yorkers can also personalize their standard plate or custom plate number.
For more information about the DMV, visit dmv.ny.gov or follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
