Fake license plates can bring real penalties

If you are the type of person who wants everything on your car, truck or motorcycle to be customized, please remember the license plate on the back must remain authentically Arizonan.

We have been made aware of a small number of people putting fictitious or altered license plates on the backs of their vehicles, rather than the plate issued by the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division. 

Novelty, or souvenir, plates are readily available and can be added to the front of the vehicle for a fun way to express a little bit about your favorite sports team or hobbies, but the authorized plate issued by the MVD must be properly displayed according to Arizona Revised Statutes §28-2354. Failure to do so is a violation of ARS §28-2532, and may result in a $300 fine. And knowingly displaying a fake or altered plate is also a Class 2 misdemeanor, according to ARS §28-2531.

If you no longer have the plate issued by ADOT MVD, you can order a replacement at azmvdnow.gov or by visiting an MVD or Authorized Third Party office. A $5 fee, plus postage and handling, will be charged for the replacement plate.

There are nearly 100 specialty license plates that can help customize your vehicle legally. These plates also have a positive impact across Arizona, with $17 from each going to a designated charity or nonprofit. Last year, over $12 million went to charitable causes directly from these plates.

To view and order any specialty plate, visit azmvdnow.gov. Personalization can be added for an additional $25 per year.