In North Dakota, the open road feels like home. Whether you're rolling through the oil patch, cruising along the Missouri River, or pulling into a Bison tailgate in Fargo, North Dakotans live life with quiet pride and deep roots. When it comes to your vehicle, a personalized license plate is more than just decoration; it's a way to show who you are, what you stand for, and why North Dakota is your place.
So why get a personalized plate in North Dakota?
- Show pride in your farm, ranch, or hometown
- Rep your favorite team or alma mater
- Honor military service or family legacy
- Support wildlife, nature, or state history
- Add personality to your ride with a message that matters
Our team at Seat Cover Solutions is here to guide you through the best specialty and custom license plate categories in North Dakota. We'll also break down how to apply, what it costs, and how to upgrade your vehicle’s interior to match its new exterior flair.
Best Personalized License Plate Categories in North Dakota
North Dakota offers more than 30 unique plate categories for residents to choose from. Whether you drive a pickup across the fields or a Subaru in the city, there’s a specialty plate that can reflect your story.
1. Military and Veteran Plates in North Dakota
These special plates honor the courage, commitment, and sacrifices of those who have served or continue to serve in the U.S. military. Whether you’re a veteran, active duty, or a proud family member, these license plates let your service speak for itself.
- National Guard Plate – For current or former Guard members
- Prisoner of War Plate – Recognizes former POWs
- Air Force Veteran Plate – For those who served in the U.S. Air Force
- Army Veteran Plate – For those who served in the U.S. Army
- Coast Guard Veteran Plate – For those who served in the U.S. Coast Guard
- Marine Corps Veteran Plate – For those who served in the U.S. Marine Corps
- Navy Veteran Plate – For those who served in the U.S. Navy
- Space Force Veteran Plate – For those who served in the U.S. Space Force
- Generic Veteran Plate – For veterans not selecting a specific branch
- Purple Heart Plate – For recipients of the Purple Heart
- Gold Star Family Plate – For families of fallen service members
2. Antique and Collector Plates in North Dakota
Perfect for car enthusiasts and collectors, these custom plates celebrate classic vehicles that have stood the test of time. They often come with restrictions but offer lifetime registration options for true vintage lovers.
- Antique Plate – For vehicles 40 years or older
- Antique Motorcycle Plate – For classic motorcycles
- Collector Plate – For rare or collector-status vehicles
3. Special Interest License Plates in North Dakota
These specialty plates let you support nonprofits, wildlife conservation, education, and civic service programs across the state. It's a meaningful way to show support for a cause close to your heart while on the road.
- ND Cowboy Hall of Fame Plate – Honors cowboy heritage
- Ducks Unlimited Plate – Wetlands and waterfowl conservation
- Firefighter Plate – For active or retired firefighters
- Future Farmers of America (FFA) Plate – Supports ag education
- Pheasants Forever Plate – Wildlife habitat conservation
- Choose Life Plate – Life-affirming message plate
- Support Our Veterans Plate – General military support
- Lignite Energy Council Plate – Represents ND’s energy industry
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Plate – Elk habitat protection
- ND Bowhunters Association Plate – For archery fans
- Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue Plate – Animal rescue support
4. Collegiate Plates in North Dakota
Whether you're a proud alum, a current student, or a die-hard fan, collegiate plates let you show your school spirit on the road and help support university programs.
- North Dakota State University (NDSU) – Go Bison
- University of North Dakota (UND) – Fighting Hawks pride
- Minot State University (MSU) – Back the Beavers
- Valley City State University (VCSU) – Viking pride
- Dickinson State University (DSU) – For Blue Hawks fans
- University of Jamestown – For Jimmies alumni
- University of Mary – Support the Marauders
5. Patriotic License Plates in North Dakota
Celebrate your American pride with these bold designs. Whether you're commemorating your heritage or flying the flag in everyday life, these license plates reflect your love of country.
- Boonie Stomper Plate – Celebrates military boots-on-ground service
- Flag Plate – Displays the American flag
- Bald Eagle Plate – Features our national bird
In North Dakota, vehicles do more than commute. They plow, tow, and cruise through long winters. The right license plate should match the life your vehicle leads.
- In rural areas and oil country, pickups like the Chevy Silverado, Ford F-250, and Ram 2500 are everywhere, from hauling seed to getting through snowy roads.
- In Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks, city drivers prefer Toyota RAV4s, Subaru Foresters, and Honda CR-Vs that balance fuel economy with cold-weather handling.
- Outdoor lovers and snow-country explorers lean toward the Jeep Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and GMC Sierra AT4 for year-round adventures.
Costs of Personalized License Plates in North Dakota
|
Cost Type |
Amount |
Details |
|
Personalized Plate Fee |
$25 per year |
Added to your registration fee for any custom letter-number combo |
|
Specialty Plate Surcharge |
$15 to $50 per year |
Depends on the specific design (veteran, wildlife, university, etc.) |
|
Standard Registration Fee |
$49.50 to $274 |
Based on vehicle weight and class |
|
Application Fee (Mail/In-Person) |
$5 to $10 one-time |
For plate processing and documentation, varies by method |
How to Apply for a Personalized Plate in North Dakota?
1. Check Your Eligibility
Your vehicle must be titled and registered in North Dakota. The name on the license plate application must match your registration.
2. Choose How You Want to Apply
You can apply for personalized plates:
- Online via the ND DOT license plate search portal
- By Mail using the Application for Personalized/Special Plate form
- In Person at a local ND DOT office
3. Submit the Application and Fees
Include:
- Your chosen plate message (and backup option)
- Registration documents
- Valid ID and proof of insurance
- Check or card for required fees
4. Follow the Guidelines
Most license plates allow up to 7 characters. You can use letters, numbers, and a few symbols. Avoid inappropriate, misleading, or offensive content; your submission will be reviewed.
5. Wait for Approval and Delivery
Most license plates are mailed or available for pickup within 4 to 6 weeks.
North Dakota Vehicle Customization: Inside and Out
Your license plate might be the first thing people notice, but it shouldn't be the only thing that shows off your personality. True customization means thinking beyond the bumper—and making your vehicle’s interior just as expressive, durable, and ready for North Dakota life.
Here are a few ways North Dakotans can personalize the full driving experience:
Interior Customizations
- Heavy-duty seat covers – From muddy boots to snow-drenched gear, our waterproof and weather-resistant covers at Seat Cover Solutions keep interiors clean and tough.
- Pet-proof seat protectors – For families with farm dogs or travel companions, we offer seat covers that handle fur, claws, and slobber like a pro.
- Custom-fit steering wheel covers – Designed for the most popular trucks and SUVs across North Dakota, our seat covers offer a snug, factory-quality fit.
Exterior Add-ons
- Running boards and step bars – Help you climb into lifted trucks on icy mornings.
- Grille guards and brush bars – Perfect for rougher terrain or protecting your front end during a snowstorm.
- LED light bars – Because visibility matters when you’re driving through rural roads in winter.
When your vehicle is both customized and comfortable, every drive feels like your own. Start with a personalized plate and finish with Seat Cover Solutions to bring personality and practicality together, inside and out.
Conclusion
A personalized license plate in North Dakota is more than a custom design. It’s a rolling expression of what matters to you, whether that’s wheat fields, UND hockey, military service, or a bit of prairie humor.
With dozens of specialty categories and a straightforward application process, finding a customized plate that fits your life is easier than ever. Whether you're applying online or in person, it only takes a few steps to secure a design that speaks for you.
Remember, your license plate sets the tone, so don’t stop there. Add rugged, ready-for-anything interior upgrades that match your day-to-day. From mud-covered boots to snow-drenched winters, Seat Cover Solutions offers the protection and style your ride deserves.
Want a vehicle that’s all you, inside and out? Explore North Dakota-ready accessories at Seat Cover Solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many characters are allowed on a North Dakota personalized plate?
Up to 7 characters for most vehicle types. This includes letters, numbers, and select symbols.
Can I use special characters on a personalized plate?
Some symbols like hyphens or spaces may be allowed depending on formatting. Check with ND DOT.
Do I have to renew my personalized plate every year?
Yes. The custom plate fee is added annually to your standard registration.
What if my personalized plate idea is rejected?
You’ll be asked to provide an alternate plate message. Make sure it follows the content rules.