What Are Custom License Plates In Manitoba?
Custom license plates, also known as personalized or vanity plates, are specialty plates that allow vehicle owners in Manitoba to display a unique combination of letters, numbers, or both on their plates. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), the provincial agency responsible for vehicle registration and driver licensing, issued these plates.
Custom plates can personalize your vehicle and express your individuality, interests, or sense of humor. They can feature a name, word, phrase, or other significant alphanumeric combination, subject to MPI's policies and approval process.
Are Custom License Plates Legal In Manitoba?
Yes, custom license plates are legal in Manitoba when obtained through the proper MPI application process. The Highway Traffic Act and the Drivers and Vehicles Act allow for the issuance of personalized plates as long as they meet certain criteria.
To be approved, a custom plate must:
• Contain a unique combination of letters and numbers not already in use
• Not exceed six characters for a passenger vehicle plate
• Not contain any prohibited words, phrases, or combinations
• Not infringe on any intellectual property rights
• Be in good taste and not offensive to the general public
MPI reserves the right to refuse any custom plate application that does not meet these guidelines. Plates are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain compliant.
How Can I Get A Personalized License Plate In Manitoba?
To obtain a personalized license plate in Manitoba, you should follow these steps:
- Use the Application Tool: To create your personalized plate design, use the application tool available on the Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) website. You can access the tool here.
- Complete the Application Form: Once you've decided on your design, print the completed application, sign it, and prepare it for submission. You can find more details and download the application form from the MPI Forms Portal.
- Submit Your Application: Submit the signed application along with the required fee to MPI as outlined on the application form. The application fee for a set of personalized plates is $100 plus GST.
- Wait for Approval: Once your application is submitted, wait for approval from MPI. If approved, your personalized license plate will be processed and issued.
- Pick Up or Receive Your Plates: Depending on the option you choose during the application process, you can pick up your plates from an Autopac agent or service center or mail them to you.
How Much Does A Custom License Plate Cost In Manitoba?
The cost of a custom license plate in Manitoba varies depending on the plate type and length of the personalization period. As of 2024, the fees are:
- Personalized passenger vehicle plate (annual): $100
- Personalized motorcycle or trailer plate (annual): $100
- Re-personalization of a previously personalized plate (one-time): $50
- Specialty plates (non-members) cost $70, and $30 of the fee goes towards a designated charity.
The cost of a custom license plate in Manitoba includes an initial fee and ongoing annual renewal charges.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Custom Plate In Manitoba?
Once you submit your application and payment for a custom license plate in Manitoba, you typically receive your plates in 4-6 weeks. This timeframe accounts for MPI's review and approval process and the manufacturing and shipping of the physical plates.
If your application is approved, MPI will mail your custom plates, a notification letter, and installation instructions to your registered address. You'll need to install the plates on your vehicle and keep the notification letter in the vehicle for reference.
In some cases, MPI may require additional information or clarification before approving your application, which could extend the processing time. If your application is denied, MPI will notify you and refund your personalization fee.
What Is Required To Order A Custom License Plate In Manitoba?
Ordering a custom license plate in Manitoba requires meeting specific criteria and providing necessary documentation. The primary requirements include:
• Valid vehicle registration in Manitoba
• Current MPI insurance coverage
• Completed personalized plate application form
• Payment of required fees
Additionally, applicants must ensure their proposed plate design complies with MPI guidelines regarding content and format. The plate must not conflict with existing plate series or contain prohibited content. Individuals can refer to the page for a comprehensive list of requirements and guidelines.
What Types Of Custom License Plates Are Available In Manitoba?
Manitoba offers several types of custom license plates through Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI):
• Personalized passenger vehicle plates: Available for most passenger cars, vans, light trucks, and motorhomes. Allows up to 6 characters.
• Personalized motorcycle plates: Available for motorcycles and mopeds. Allows up to 6 characters.
• Personalized trailer plates: Available for most utility and leisure trailers. Allows up to 6 characters.
• Amateur radio operator plates: These are available for licensed amateur radio operators and feature the operator's unique call sign.
• Specialty plates: MPI offers a variety of specialty plates supporting various causes, organizations, or interests. These include:
- Basketball Manitoba
- Brandon Wheat Kings
- Curl Manitoba
- Fish Futures
- Madox’s Warriors
- MMIWG2S
- Snoman
- Support our Troops
- University of Winnipeg
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Winnipeg Humane Society
- Winnipeg Jets
What Is Prohibited From Being Displayed On Custom License Plates In Manitoba?
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has guidelines prohibiting certain content from being displayed on custom license plates in Manitoba. Prohibited items include:
• Words, phrases, or combinations of characters that are obscene, offensive, not in good taste, or otherwise objectionable
• Language that is vulgar, derogatory, racial, or sexual in nature
• References to alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances
• Plates that infringe on intellectual property rights like trademarks or copyrights
• Plates that duplicate an existing non-personalized plate number or resemble official plate formats
• Plates containing only numbers that conflict with MPI's standard numbering systems
• Plates that falsely imply an affiliation with a government, law enforcement, or other official entity
MPI reserves the right to refuse, cancel, or recall any plate that violates these guidelines. Plate eligibility can change over time based on periodic reviews.
If you are still determining whether your desired plate combination is acceptable, contact MPI at 204-985-7000 (Winnipeg) or 1-800-665-2410 (toll-free in Manitoba) before submitting your application.
Can I Sell My Personalized License Plate In Manitoba?
No, you cannot sell your personalized license plate to a private buyer in Manitoba. The Drivers and Vehicles Act and the Highway Traffic Act prohibit the transfer of plates between vehicle owners. Custom plates remain the property of Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and are assigned to a specific vehicle and owner.
If you no longer want your personalized plate on your vehicle, you can surrender it to MPI for cancellation. After a holding period, the plate may become available for re-personalization by a new applicant.
While you can't sell your plate privately, you can transfer it to another vehicle you own and insure with MPI. Visit an Autopac agent to initiate a plate transfer and pay the applicable fees.
If you are selling a vehicle with a personalized plate, you must transfer it to another vehicle or surrender it to MPI before completing the sale. The new owner will need to obtain their own plates for the vehicle.