Let’s begin with a brief history lesson: The original vehicle tag dates back to the late 19th century in Europe. The first license plate ever issued came into use in 1893 in France. This addition to the early automobiles ambling down French roads was a result of a new set of regulations called The Paris Ordinance. Three years later, Germany began to register vehicles, and by 1898 the Netherlands introduced a national license plate. One by one, countries across the world adopted license plates, with the first U.S. tag popping up in New York in 1901. The plates served primarily as legal requirement, but eventually (when cars became a lot more affordable and popular) as a means of demonstrating pride of place.
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The state of Florida issued its first motor vehicle registration certificate on August 1, 1905, and crafted its first official license plate (made of leather) in 1906. Fast forward more than 100 years later, and not only can drivers now choose between plate types in most states, but in Florida there are as many as 174 specialty plates available.
More than just a form of expression, Florida’s selection of specialty plates serves a higher purpose. Each plate design represents a different cause or organization, and in purchasing a tag with a specific cause displayed on it, a portion of the proceeds are directed to the non-profit, thus supporting that particular program. And in case you’re wondering: yes, it does add up. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, drivers in the Sunshine State continue to help raise over $40 million per year (!!) for their contributions to the specialty plate program.
In fact, there are currently close to two million specialty license plate registrations that take place each year in the state of Florida. Of the multitudes of designs and organizations available to choose from, the three plates which prove to be consistently the most popular are: Endless Summer, Helping Sea Turtles Survive, and University of Florida.
A little more history: the personalized license plate program in Florida started in 1972, and allowed individuals to select up to a 7-digit combination (letters or numbers with a hyphen or space) for an additional $12.00 annual use fee. Sensing a brilliant opportunity, in October 1987, Florida established the option to purchase collegiate plates in order to raise funds for educational scholarships. There were originally nine state universities participating in the program, including University of Central Florida and Florida State University. The Save the Manatee license plate was then founded in h
Since then, the Sunshine State has continued to expand its repertoire of tag options, thereby assisting various charities and special interests through its specialty program. The available plates vary and include almost any type of cause you can imagine. The choices include: plates that champion environmental aid, that root for a favorite sports team, that support a specific law enforcement group, that spotlight big brother-big sister clubs, that encourage family values, that highlight anti-drug campaigns, that showcase Lauren’s Kids, and many, many more.
With eTags online you can order a specialty tag whenever you’d like. Whether it’s time to renew your FL license plate, (three months before your registration expires) or if you’ve just gotten hankering to replace your standard plate, we’re ready for you! And in case you were worried that specialty tags were only for cars and trucks….fret not – we’re equal opportunity here, and happy to help you snag that dream plate for your motorcycle.
To add to the fun and philanthropic nature of specialty plates, it’s good to know that you can also personalize your tag. So, say you’ve ordered a Miami Heat plate (because you’re a die-hard fan and want to support their charity and show your loyalty to the world) but want to get even more creative. Well, the state of Florida will allow you to make your mark by choosing a set of alpha-numeric characters between 5-7 digits long. Regardless of the combo – if it’s a nickname, an inside joke, or your dog’s anniversary – as long as it fits on the plate and is unique, you are good to go.
If you happen to be in your tag renewal period when electing a specialty plate, eTags will first send you a sticker and paperwork so you have proof of your renewed tag. About six to eight weeks later, (this is the standard time it takes for specialty plates to be manufactured) you’ll get your cool new tag (personalized, if that’s what you ordered.)
Ready to get this show on the road. literally and figuratively? To order your Florida specialty plate, simply head over to www.etags.com, and follow the prompts. You will be asked to submit the following information: the specialty tag of your dreams, personalization (if any), and your vehicle details such as make/model/current license plate number. The process is fun and easy, but in case you need assistance, keep in mind that we’ve got a team of experts waiting to get your plate processed. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
6 comments
I want my plate to say Ghost, normal plate just the name.
Have you applied for a personalized plate, if not you can do so with eTags online.
I’d like to trade in a personalized plate for a regular FL ‘ol Florida plate, but I can’t find anything online re: how to do this. Any pointers?
You can renew your registration or replace your license plate online, then call eTags customer service to request standard plate
Im a very ill person my landlord told me to move mycar or the city was going to tow it. My car Had a title in my name and is insured the only thing it need is to be reregister and I have the appointment. They said in the phone they dont do walk in.I told my landlor he didnt care so I went today to the MV in West Palm in wheelchair and my oxigen they said the sam thing but I told themthey gave me 4 location when I asked for a temporary tag I went to location to see out of order the other 3 wanted me to giv them a tag number but I didnt have a tag so now Im stuck with the fear that my car is going to be removed. Motor Vehicle offices cant help you when you most need. What a shame! They have m in my condition going here and there for no reason she shoul up have gav me a number have me wait and give my stamp and tag but she decided to send me everywhere by giving me wrong information.
First of all, I’m sorry to hear of your misfortune. Second of all, that’s what we’re here for! If you still need to register the car, please visit our website and place an order for new registration.You can complete it online! No lines, no muss, no fuss! I hope this helps!