Ontario Custom License Plates

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What Are Custom License Plates In Ontario?

Custom license plates, also known as personalized license plates, are specialty plates that allow vehicle owners in Ontario to choose a unique combination of letters and numbers for their vehicle's registration. These plates are issued by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and offer a way for individuals to express their personality, interests, or business on their vehicle.

Custom license plates are available for most types of vehicles registered in Ontario, including passenger cars, motorcycles, and light commercial vehicles. They are subject to the same registration and renewal requirements as standard license plates but charge an additional personalized message fee.

Are Custom License Plates Legal In Ontario?

Yes, custom license plates are legal in Ontario. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) offers a personalized license plate program that allows vehicle owners to choose a unique combination of letters and numbers for their vehicle's registration, subject to specific guidelines and restrictions.

The personalized license plate program is governed by the Highway Traffic Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8) and its regulations, which set out the rules for the design, issuance, and use of custom license plates in Ontario. As long as the personalized message on the plate meets the MTO's criteria and is not deemed offensive, discriminatory, or misleading, it is legal to display on a vehicle registered in the province.

Are Personalized License Plates Available In Ontario?

Yes, personalized license plates are available in Ontario through the Ministry of Transportation's (MTO) personalized license plate program. This program allows vehicle owners to choose a unique combination of letters and numbers for their vehicle's registration, subject to specific guidelines and restrictions. Personalized license plates can be ordered for most types of vehicles registered in Ontario, including:

  • Passenger cars

  • Motorcycles

  • Light commercial vehicles

  • Trailers

  • Motorhomes

To check the availability of a personalized message and to order a custom license plate, vehicle owners can visit the official ServiceOntario website or contact ServiceOntario at:

Address:

ServiceOntario

Ministry of Government and Consumer Services

College Park Building, 777 Bay Street

Toronto, ON M7A 2J3

Phone Number: 1-800-267-8097

Official Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/serviceontario

How Can I Get a Personalized License Plate In Ontario?

To get a personalized license plate in Ontario, follow these steps:

  1. Check the availability of your desired personalized message using the online tool on the ServiceOntario website.

  2. If your desired message is available, you can order your personalized plate online through the ServiceOntario website or by visiting a ServiceOntario center in person.

  3. When ordering online, you will need to provide:

  • Your vehicle information (make, model, year, and VIN)
  • Your personal information (name, address, and contact details)
  • Payment information (credit card or PayPal)
  1. Once your order is processed, your personalized license plates will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks.

It is important to note that personalized license plates are subject to additional fees in addition to the regular vehicle registration fees. These fees vary depending on the vehicle type and the personalized message length. You can find the current fees on the ServiceOntario website or by contacting ServiceOntario at 1-800-267-8097.

How Much Does a Custom License Plate Cost In Ontario?

The cost of a custom license plate in Ontario varies depending on the vehicle type and the personalized message length. As of 2024, the fees for custom license plates are as follows:

  1. Passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles:
  • 2 to 8 characters without a graphic: $310.00
  • 2 to 6 characters with a graphic: $336.40
  1. Motorcycles:

  • 2 to 5 characters without a graphic: $310.00

These fees include the cost of the personalized message, the license plate itself, and the administrative fees associated with processing the order.

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on custom license plate costs, visit the ServiceOntario website or contact ServiceOntario at:

Address:

ServiceOntario

Ministry of Government and Consumer Services

College Park Building, 777 Bay Street

Toronto, ON M7A 2J3

Phone Number: 1-800-267-8097

How Long Does It Take To Get a Custom Plate In Ontario?

Once ServiceOntario processes your order for a custom license plate, it typically takes four weeks for your personalized plates to be manufactured and mailed to you. It is important to note that custom license plates are considered a specialty product and are non-refundable once the order has been placed. Double-check your personalized message and vehicle information before submitting your order to avoid delays or issues with your custom plates.

What Is Required To Order a Custom License Plate In Ontario?

To order a custom license plate in Ontario, you will need the following:

  1. A valid Ontario vehicle registration: Your vehicle must be registered in Ontario and have a valid license plate before you can order a custom plate.

  2. A personalized message: Choose a unique combination of letters and numbers for your custom plate, subject to the guidelines set out by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). Your message must:

  • Be between 2 and 8 characters long
  • Not contain any offensive, discriminatory, or misleading content
  • Not infringe on any trademarks or copyrights

  1. Payment: You must pay the applicable fees for your custom license plate, which vary depending on the type of vehicle and the length of your personalized message. Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, or PayPal (for online orders) or by cash, credit card, debit card, or cheque (for in-person orders).

  2. Proof of identity: If ordering in person at a ServiceOntario center, you must provide proof of identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or Ontario Photo Card.

  3. Vehicle information: When placing your order, you will need to provide your vehicle's make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Once you have gathered all the required information and payment, you can order your custom license plate online through the ServiceOntario website or in person at a ServiceOntario center.

What Types Of Custom License Plates Are Available In Ontario?

In Ontario, there are several types of custom license plates available through the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and ServiceOntario:

  1. Personalized plates: These allow you to choose a unique combination of letters and numbers, subject to MTO guidelines. They are available for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers.

  2. Graphic plates: These plates feature a graphic design or logo and your personalized message. Some available graphic plates include:

  • Amateur Radio Operator
  • Breast Cancer Awareness
  • Environment
  • Franco-Ontarian
  • Veteran
  1. Special organization plates: These plates are available to members of specific organizations or groups, such as:
  • Knights of Columbus
  • Lions Clubs International
  • Masonic Lodge
  • Rotary International
  • Shriner's Hospital for Children

  1. Memorial plates: These are available to commemorate fallen firefighters or police officers who died in the line of duty.

  2. Accessibility plates: These plates are available for individuals with disabilities who meet certain eligibility criteria.

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To see the complete list of available custom license plates and their respective fees, visit the ServiceOntario website.

What Is Prohibited From Being Displayed On Custom License Plates In Ontario?

In Ontario, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has set guidelines for what cannot be displayed on custom license plates to ensure that personalized messages are appropriate and do not offend or mislead the public. The following content is prohibited on custom license plates:

  1. Offensive language: Messages that are profane, obscene, sexual, or otherwise offensive are not allowed.

  2. Discriminatory language: Messages that are racist, sexist, homophobic, or discriminatory against any group or individual are prohibited.

  3. Misleading content: Messages that could be confused with official plates (such as "POLICE" or "FIRE") or that misrepresent a government agency or official are not permitted.

  4. Promoting illegal activities: Messages that encourage or glorify illegal activities, such as drug use or violence, are not allowed.

  5. Infringing on trademarks or copyrights: Messages that use trademarked or copyrighted words, phrases, or designs without permission are prohibited.

  6. Political or religious content: Messages promoting specific political parties, candidates, or religious beliefs are prohibited.

  7. Unclear or unreadable content: Messages that are difficult to read or understand, such as using a combination of letters and numbers that resemble other characters (e.g., using "0" instead of "O"), are not allowed.

The MTO reviews all personalized license plate applications and reserves the right to refuse any message it deems inappropriate or violates its guidelines. If your desired message is rejected, you will be notified and allowed to submit a different personalized message.

Can I Sell My Personalized License Plate In Ontario?

No, you cannot sell your personalized license plate in Ontario. According to the Highway Traffic Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8) and its regulations, custom license plates are non-transferable and remain the Ministry of Transportation's (MTO) property.

When you order a personalized license plate, you are leasing the rights to display that specific message on your vehicle. If you no longer wish to use your custom plate, you must return it to ServiceOntario. You cannot sell, trade, or give the plate to another individual or transfer it to another vehicle.

If you return your personalized license plate, you may be eligible for a partial refund of the fees paid, depending on how long you have had the plate. To request a refund, contact ServiceOntario at:

Address:

ServiceOntario

Ministry of Government and Consumer Services

College Park Building, 777 Bay Street

Toronto, ON M7A 2J3

Phone Number: 1-800-267-8097

Official Website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/serviceontario

It is important to note that once you return your personalized license plate, the rights to that message become available to others. If you wish to use the same message again, you must reapply and pay the applicable fees, provided the message is still available and meets the MTO's guidelines for custom license plates.