FAQs
I'M THINKING ABOUT BUYING CUSTOM PLATES
I'VE JUST COMPLETED MY ORDER
I ALREADY HAVE CUSTOM PLATES
I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION THAT YOU HAVEN'T COVERED ABOVE
I'M THINKING ABOUT BUYING CUSTOM PLATES
What exactly am I paying for?
You are buying the right to display a registration number on a vehicle. Registration numbers are not items of property, so you cannot buy legal title to them. All registration numbers remain the property of the state of Victoria. Once you have purchased a number plate you have purchased the right to display that combination on a vehicle of your choice.
back to the topWhy should I choose a customised number plate?
Customised number plates are a fun and unique way to give individuality to your vehicle. People choose to display a customised or personalised plate for many different reasons. For some it is a desire to be different. For others, it is the opportunity to give their car a finishing touch. We're glad to offer Victorian motorists options to make their cars creative and individual.
back to the topIsn't this all just revenue raising?
It's important to remember that customised plates are entirely optional. Each of our customers makes an independent decision to purchase. By buying a customised number plate you're not only guaranteeing that your car really will be one of a kind on the road, you're supporting the development of road projects and road safety initiatives for the benefit of all Victorian motorists.
back to the topWhat letter or number combinations can I have?
Each of our custom plate styles has certain attributes that set it apart from others in the suite. Although the combination of registration numbers possible is potentially limitless, your desired combination may limit your choice of plate style. Or vice versa. There are heaps of great combinations and plate styles to choose from, and more to come in the pipeline.
back to the topDo all the plates look the same?
Consumers love choice. We're delighted to be able to offer a suite of plates that appeals to as many Victorians as possible. We understand that each of our customers is motivated by a different factor. Our product portfolio can harness the creative spirit of some, or allow for modest subtlety in others.
back to the topCan I buy an upcoming or past General Issue registration number?
Registration numbers beginning with three letters followed by three numbers are referred to as general issue number plates. This is the convention that was adopted in 1953. Since this time VicRoads has issued millions of registration numbers many of which are still driving around Victorian roads, and some which have lapsed. You are able to request past lapsed registration numbers, and general issue registration numbers that have yet to be issued.
back to the topHow much do your number plates cost?
Custom plates vary in price. Each product series has an independent pricing structure. The price you will have to pay will reflect the series chosen, number of letters, and exclusivity of the product. Starting prices are clearly displayed on each product information page contained on this website.
back to the topAre the prices on your website all I have to pay?
Absolutely. And what's more, we believe that once you've put the time and effort into deciding upon a combination, the rights to display it should be yours for life. You pay for the privilege once, and continue to enjoy your chosen combination for as long as you choose. There are no annual fees and certainly no hidden costs.
back to the topWhat are the Terms and Conditions for buying a customised number plate?
The legal terms and conditions of sale are available here. Terms and Conditions are important to us because they explicitly set out our legal obligations, and protect your rights as a consumer. However, by their very nature they contain a lot of legal jargon. If you're not a lawyer, or just prefer to read plain English–you're far more likely to find a user-friendly answer to your query by looking through these FAQs.
back to the topAre the plates mine for life?
We understand that our plates are a fun and very personal way to add some individual flair to your vehicle. No doubt you've put much time and effort into deciding on your combination and we'd like you to keep that combination for as long as you like. However, it's important to remember that there's also a serious legal side to plate ownership. This means that at certain stages during their lifetime you may need to do certain things to ensure that you don't lose or accidentally transfer your rights.
Provided you keep us informed if your plates are not attached to your car for longer than six months, you don't accidentally on-sell your plates with an old vehicle, and your plates do not need to be recalled, your plates will be yours for life.
back to the topDo I need to be a resident of Victoria to purchase your number plates?
No. Owning personalised plates gives you the “right to display” that particular combination on a Victorian registered vehicle. Obviously, if you don't register your vehicle in the state of Victoria, you cannot display the plates on a vehicle. However, many people purchase numerous sets of plates without ever attaching them to a vehicle.
Currently only Victorian license holders can order VicRoads Custom Plates online. If you live outside Victoria or do not have a Victorian drivers licence, please call 1300 660 417 to order your customised number plates.
back to the topCan I purchase plates to put on a new car?
Of course you can. You can order custom plates without needing to immediately display them on a vehicle, so you can “name your baby” before it's delivery. If you'd prefer to have the car and new plates delivered together, request a custom plate with your new vehicle purchase. All motorcar dealers in the state of Victoria can order a custom plate for your new car direct from VicRoads.
back to the topWhere can I buy Custom Plates?
Victorian license holders can purchase VicRoads Custom Plates online, here at vplates.com.au. Vplates.com.au has a 'Quick Plates' functionality that allows you to check the availability of your chosen combination before entering the secure online ordering system. Anyone can purchase Custom Plates online, however for further assistance please call VicRoads Call Centre on 1300 660 417 or visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre.
If you do not hold a Victorian drivers licence we suggest you check the availability of your chosen combination online prior to visiting a VicRoads Customer Service Centre or calling 1300 660 417.
back to the topCan I purchase a gift certificate?
Yes. We realise it can often be difficult to decide on that perfect plate for that special someone. Everyone has different tastes. So we've created gift certificates just for you. Buying a gift certificate is easy, simply call 1300 660 417. You decide how much you'd like to spend and then simply complete the purchase.
back to the topI've been given a gift certificate. What do I do?
Lucky you! If someone has bought you a gift certificate you can redeem in person at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. You just need to decide what plate style you would like to adorned on your vehicle.
Even though it's the thought that counts, when redeeming your gift certificate it's your certificate number that will come in most handy. Please have this number nearby when purchasing your plate. It is this number that your customer service representative will need to finalise your order.
back to the topWhat types of vehicles can have Customised Number Plates?
With the exception of a few types of commercial vehicles, which by law require certain plate types (eg. taxis, hire cars, and tow trucks), any vehicle or motorcycle registered in Victoria can display Custom Plates.
back to the topThe combination I want is unavailable. What can I do?
Have you considered using a 1 instead of an I, 5 could replace an S, try a 3 in place of an E, or even a 4 where an A should be? There are many other ways to give yourself a very individual and personal touch for your car. Test your creativity. Could you incorporate your date of birth? Maybe you'd like to use your nickname or your initials? If there's one thing we know for sure, you people out there are far cleverer at this than us.
back to the topWhat do I do if I'm buying a custom number plate as a gift?
If you are buying a custom plate for another person you will be recorded as the purchaser, the person for whom the gift has been bought for will be recorded as the registered owner of the number. The number plate will then be able to be put on a vehicle in the name of the gift recipient.
back to the topCan VicRoads recall or reject my plate combination?
In some rare circumstances we may reject or recall plate combinations. We will only do this on occasions where we reasonably believe your plates:
- Could misrepresent an affiliation with an authoritative body or agency;
- Are likely to cause offensive to any person or group of people;
- Contain a known profanity (in any language);
- Have a sexual reference, or contravene public decency; or
- Send a negative message about safe driving or road safety.
If we mistakenly issue you with a plate that is later deemed unacceptable we will contact you and request that you return these plates to your nearest VicRoads office. We will gladly issue you with a refund, or exchange your plates for another set of equal value. If you decide to take the opportunity to upgrade your plate during this process, you'll only pay the difference in price between your new plates and the recalled plates.
back to the topI'VE JUST COMPLETED MY ORDER
What exactly have I paid for?
You have purchased the right to display a registration number on a vehicle. Registration numbers are not items of property, so you cannot buy legal title to them. All registration numbers remain the property of the state of Victoria. By purchasing a customised plate you have purchased the right to display that combination on a vehicle of your choice.
back to the topHow long will it take to receive my plates, and how will they be delivered?
Obviously once you've decided on a set of plates you'll be eager to attach them to your vehicle as soon as possible. With our best intentions we will endeavour to have your plate delivered to you within fourteen working days, following order confirmation and receipt of payment.
If there's any possibility that your plates might be delayed, for whatever reason, we promise to keep you continually informed and up-to-date on the status of your order.
*Please note during the period 22 February to 15 March 2010 plate delivery may take an extra 10 days. This means your new plates could take up to 4 weeks for delivery.
back to the topHow and where will my plates be delivered?
Your plates will be delivered to your nominated delivery address. However, due to the sensitive nature of the item, you'll need to sign for them. If you're unavailable to sign for whatever reason, Australia Post will leave a note for you to collect your plates at the nearest post office.
back to the topAre the plates mine for life?
We understand that our plates are a fun and very personal way to add some individual flair to your vehicle. No doubt you've put much time and effort into deciding on your combination and we'd like you to keep that combination for as long as you like. However, it's important to remember that there's also a serious legal side to plate ownership. This means that at certain stages during their lifetime you may need to do certain things to ensure that you don't lose or accidentally transfer your rights. It is important that if anything changes in relation to your plates that you keep us informed.
Provided you keep us informed when your plates are not attached to your car for longer than six months, you don't accidentally on-sell your plates with an old vehicle, and your plates do not need to be recalled, your plates will be yours for life.
back to the topDo I have to put the plate straight onto a vehicle?
No. You do not have to put your plates onto a vehicle, provided you store your plates securely and then inform us of your decision. We call this process self-retention.
Once you do decide to attach your plates to your vehicle you will need to call us to ensure that your car is legally registered. Please call 1300 660 417 to speak to a VicRoads customer service representative.
back to the topWhat is the process to display my customised plate on my vehicle?
When you receive your plates you must call us to have them assigned to your vehicle. This is also the case if your plates are currently on self-retention. Please call 1300 660 417 to speak to a VicRoads customer service representative.
back to the topMy plates have been delivered damaged, what can I do?
Please call us on 1300 660 417. Provided that the damage has been incurred through the delivery process, we'll be happy to replace your plates free of charge.
back to the topCan I modify my plates in any way?
No it's important you make no modifications to your plates. They are important legal identifications for your vehicle so you cannot modify, obscure or deface your plates in any way. All plates are camera tested prior to their release to ensure that they are clearly visible from a distance of twenty metres. Even though that sticker that shows allegiance towards your favourite team or club might look great, it's technically breaking the law, and by affixing it to your number plate you're running the risk of attracting a fine.
back to the topI've made a mistake on my order. Can I make a change?
You can change your plate order. You just can't do it online. If you've made a mistake and need to make a change, it is important that you call VicRoads on 1300 660 417 before 12:00pm (noon) the following day. This is to ensure that we have the time needed to stop your order being sent to our supplier for manufacture. Later changes will unfortunately incur a fee.
back to the topI've changed my mind. I want to cancel my application. What can I do?
If you've had a momentary lapse of judgement and submitted an application in error, you can cancel your order by close of business the same day. Once you complete a successful application, your order is almost immediately sent to manufacturer for processing. This means it can be very difficult for us to modify or change an order after this time.
back to the topI ALREADY HAVE CUSTOM PLATES
Are the plates mine for life?
We understand that our plates are a fun and very personal way to add some individual flair to your vehicle. No doubt you've put much time and effort into deciding on your combination and we'd like you to keep that combination for as long as you like. However, it's important to remember that there's also a serious legal side to plate ownership. This means that at certain stages during their lifetime you may need to do certain things to ensure that you don't lose or accidentally transfer your rights. It is important that if anything changes in relation to your plates that you keep us informed.
Provided you keep us informed when your plates are not attached to your car for longer than six months, you don't accidentally on-sell your plates with an old vehicle, and your plates do not need to be recalled, your plates will be yours for life.
back to the topWhat happens if my number plates get damaged or stolen?
If your plates are damaged or stolen, they can easily be remade for a modest fee. To arrange replacement plates please call 1300 660 417 or visit a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to speak to a customer service representative.
back to the topWhat can I do if my plates are fading, the paint is cracking or are otherwise faulty?
All our plates come with a ten year warranty against manufacturing faults. Unfortunately, if your plates are over ten years old, you will need to pay for replacements. We think ten years is reasonable timeframe to guarantee items that are relentlessly exposed to weather and exhaust fumes. It is also a considerably longer warranty period than is available for almost any other automotive item.
back to the topCan I take my Custom Plates off my vehicle?
Yes. You can take your plates off your vehicle at any time, provided inform us of this decision. However, you will need to replace your Custom Plates with a General Issue plates. These are available by calling us on 1300 660 417 or by visiting a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. It is important you do not remove your Custom Plates before receiving your replacement General Issue plates.
After you've removed your plates, you'll need to make a decision. If you would like to hold onto your custom registration number, you'll need to let us know, and then store your plates securely. We call this process self-retention.
If you've grown tired of your combination, and you've decided you would prefer not to hold onto that number, please return your plates to a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to ensure that you cannot be held responsible for their misuse. We'll be happy to ensure that they're disposed of correctly.
If you do decide to re-attach your plates to your vehicle you will need to call us to ensure that your car is legally registered. Please call 1300 660 417 to speak to a VicRoads customer service representative. Please be aware a modest administration fee will apply to reattach your plates.
back to the topI've just bought a new car. Can I transfer my Custom Plates from my old car to my new car?
Of course you can. We call this process reassignment. You'll just need to pay a modest administration fee, and provide us with a small amount of information about your new car. Please call us on 1300 660 417 to arrange the reassignment.
back to the topCan VicRoads recall my plate combination?
In some very rare circumstances we may recall your plate combination. We will only do this on occasions where we reasonably believe your plates:
- Could misrepresent an affiliation with an authoritative body or agency;
- Are likely to cause offensive to any person or group of people;
- Contain a known profanity (in any language);
- Have a sexual reference, or contravene public decency;
- Could be confused with an existing registration number or series; or
- Send a negative message about safe driving or road safety.
If we mistakenly issue you with a plate that is later deemed unacceptable we will contact you and request that you return these plates to your nearest VicRoads office. We will gladly issue you with a refund, or exchange your plates for another set of equal value. If you decide to take the opportunity to upgrade your plate during this process, you'll only pay the difference in price between your new plates and the recalled plates.
back to the topCan I transfer the ownership of my plates to someone else?
You can choose to transfer ownership of your custom plates to another person. You will need to complete a transfer form. A modest assignment fee may apply to the transfer.
back to the topWhat happens if I sell my car with my custom plates on it?
Unfortunately if you sell your car with your Custom Plates still on it, you will have lost your rights to those plates. It is really important if you wish to retain your chosen combination that you remove the plates from your car, inform us of your wish to hold onto the combination, and then keep them securely in your possession.
You can then either sell your car unregistered, or apply for a new set of General Issue plates to sell your car with.
back to the topCan I change the colour of my existing custom plate?
What were you thinking? Times change and so do you. Just as you've grown out of that purple skivvy you were once quite fond of, we understand you may one day feel the same way about your custom plate. Especially, if your new car doesn't quite match the colour of your Custom Plates.
Depending on which plate you've purchased, you can have your plates remade into a different colour for a “Colour Popping” fee. For General Issue, Custom and Custom Mix it is $99 to change amongst our 14 standard plate colours. Signature Plates use an exclusive colour palette. It costs $500 to swap amongst our premium colour range.
back to the topMy plates are currently on self-retention, I want to put them on a vehicle now. How?
If you have decided to take your plates off self-retention and re-attach them to your vehicle you will need to call us to ensure that your vehicle remains legally registered. Please call 1300 660 417 to speak to a VicRoads customer service representative. Please be aware a modest administration fee will apply to reattach your plates.
back to the topI would like to sell my plates to someone else. How do I go about this?
We do not participate in the subsequent trading of Custom Plates. However, we are aware there are plenty of avenues available to you to administer your own sale. A few keywords and a couple of minutes with a good search engine should allow you to find some active trading sites.
back to the topI HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION THAT YOU HAVEN'T COVERED ABOVE
How do I keep myself abreast of the latest developments in customised plates?
Become a member of our Custom M8 crew. As your Custom M8, we'll give you sneak peeks of all our latest ideas and share our thoughts with you first. From time to time we like to spoil our M8s too. You'll get the chance to win great prizes and have some fun.
back to the topI've seen a plate on a car. I want it. How can I get it?
Understandably, we're not in the business of divulging yours or other peoples' personal information. We can't help you track a plate down, and we certainly can't give out our customers' personal information.
back to the topIt's none of these above either. Is there someone I can speak to?
We'd love to hear from you. Our smiling, happy Customer Service representatives are always keen to help you out.
That being said, it may be more efficient to find an answer to your question somewhere on our website. This is particularly true outside of our regular business hours (listed below) and throughout the weekend. For instance, if your question is specific to a plate series (eg. Euro, Signature, Heritage, etc.), it's likely that an answer to your question will be located somewhere on that product's plate information page.
If you've scoured our website and you've been unable to find an adequate answer to your question, please call us. We can be reached on 1300 660 417, 8:30am-5:00pm Monday to Friday, and 8:30am-2pm Saturdays.
