Custom license plates aren’t just an ID tag for your car—they’re a chance to make a statement. And, whether you’re a passionate conservationist, an elementary school teacher, or a retired Air Force member, you’re in luck! West Virginia has an outstanding selection of personalized plates for you to choose from.

So, which ones are the best? And how can you go about getting one of your own? We're here with all the answers you need. Plus, if you stick around, we’ll even show you how to save on your

West Virginia car insurance

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What are West Virginia license plates and why do I need them?

In short, a license plate is your car’s identification. It lets the state and other drivers know that your car is registered, explains what type of registration you have, and connects you to your car.

License plates are super helpful for several reasons:

Speeding up the process of determining who’s at fault in a car accident

Helping the authorities find you in the event of an emergency

Allowing police officers to track down stolen cars

Though you don’t need a front license plate in West Virginia, state law requires that your plate is securely fastened and easily visible. Before you hit the road, it’s crucial to make sure that your plate (or plates!) are up to snuff!

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What license plates does West Virginia have?

Now that we’ve tackled the basics, it’s time for the fun part: picking the perfect plate for you. If you just want a plate that will get the job done, you can go for West Virginia’s classic blue and yellow plate with the words “wild, wonderful” inscribed below the lettering.

If, however, you’re feeling extra creative, you can opt for a special license plate. The West Virginia DMV divides its special plates into four categories:

General interest license plates

that support specific causes, like breast cancer awareness and wildlife preservation

Association and organization plates

, which are for members of certain groups, including firefighters and amateur radio workers

Military license plates

, for members of the various branches of the US Military

Colleges and university plates

, if you want to show off your school spirit

General interest license plates

Antique vehicle

: Anyone who owns a vehicle that was manufactured more than 25 years ago can get these vintage black and white plates to complete their throwback vibe.

Breast cancer awareness

: For $76.50, you can

apply for a breast cancer awareness plate

and support the cause by getting the word out!

Educator

: If you’re a licensed educator in WV, you can get this design, which features an apple, a ruler, and the fitting tagline, “education is a great investment.”

Protect pollinators

: Want to support West Virginia’s wildlife in a less conventional way? The “protect pollinators” plate is the way to go—and it’s got a fantastic illustration of a bee!

Whitewater rafting

: For adrenaline junkies in the Mountain State, you can bolster the state’s tourism and share your enthusiasm for rafting with this adventurous plate.

Wildlife

: These are some of the state’s coolest plates. For $76.50, you can get a design that boasts a bluebird, box turtle, brook trout, deer, or eastern elk—and give towards West Virginia’s wildlife while you’re at it!

License plates for associations and organizations

Amateur radio

: Here’s a great way to get a little advertising: if you’re an amateur radio operator, you can have your FCC call sign broadcast across the back of your car for just $51.50.

Bowlers

: If you’re majorly into professional bowling (or just a huge fan of The Big Lebowski), you can display your passion with a $66.50 West Virginia bowler plate.

Certified firefighter

: Certified firefighters can apply for these awesome customized plates (don’t worry,

professional

and

volunteer

firefighters—there are plates for you too!).

Rotary International

: If you’re a member of Rotary International (or the spouse of a member), these plates give you the chance to demonstrate your commitment to “service above self.”

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Military license plates

Air Force retired

: If you’ve retired from the US Air Force, you’re eligible for one of these custom designs, which come with the official Air Force seal.

Disabled Veterans

: If you were injured in the line of duty, you can

apply for a Disabled Veteran plate

—and follow our guide to getting a

West Virginia handicap placard

Marine Corps League

: This design is specifically for members of the Marine Corps League who want the motto of every Marine—Semper Fidelis—inscribed on their license plate.

Purple Heart

: If you’re a recipient of the Purple Heart, you’re one of the few citizens who is eligible to receive a Purple Heart license plate from the West Virginia DMV.

License plates for colleges and universities

Whether you’re a Nittany Lion from Penn State or a Virginia Tech Hokie, you can represent your school proudly with one of West Virginia’s custom plates. We won’t break down the details of each one, but these are the available schools:

Alderson-Broaddus College

Concord College

Davis and Elkins

Marshall University

Penn State

Virginia Tech

Wesleyan College

West Virginia State College

West Virginia University

West Virginia Tech

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How do I get a West Virginia license plate?

Getting West Virginia plates is pretty easy! All you need to do is register your car and then fill out the application for a special plate.

To register your car, head to your local

West Virginia DMV branch

with these items:

Your driver’s license

The car’s title

Proof of residency

registration application form

Payment (a $15 title fee, $51.50 registration fee, and potentially a $10 lien fee and 6% sales tax)

And that’s all there is to it. Once your car is registered, you’ll be on your way to custom license plate greatness. Remember, if you’ve just moved to West Virginia, you must register your car within 30 days—so it’s best to not dilly-dally!

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How to customize your car insurance for savings in West Virginia

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