DMV Reveals New York's Most Popular Custom License Plates

NEW YORK — There are many reasons a New York car owner might want to order a custom license plate from the state, but for most who do, the reasons are the same.

There are 209 different custom license plates available. Plates honoring military service, public safety, and a pair of New York sports teams are some of the most popular plates among drivers in the state.

"DMV is proud to offer so many ways for New Yorkers to display on their vehicles what they care about," DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said. "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."

The NYS DMV has released a list of the top 15 specialized plates in order of popularity along with the current number of each plate on the road right now.

• 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 the Police: 2,455
• Buffalo Bills: 2,408
• 9/11 Remembrance: 2,343
• US Air Force: 2,269
• Volunteer Ambulance Service: 2,059

The DMV said that 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.

All of the available custom plates can be found 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.

Organizations 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 the DMV’s website.

In addition to offering custom picture and professional plates, New Yorkers can also personalize their standard plate or custom plate number.