Did anyone pre-order their custom license plates in California? The idea would be to order the MINI, then show up w/ the custom plate at car delivery.

Basically, can one save the DMV from sending you a serial plate if you're never going to use it? And if so, how does one work this with your dealer on delivery day?

thx,
--dwf

 

I did. I ordered the plate and it came in about a week prior to my car coming in. Once it was in I went to the DMV and told them what I had done and they told me to bring my car in and they would issue the plates once they could verify the car it was going on. Depending on your dealer you may be able to have them notify the DMV of the plate request and have a seamless transfer. It does help to have the printed receipt from the DMV personalized plate order form with you when yougo see the dealer. It should have all the necessary info on it that you'll need for their paperwork processing.

 

When I bought my car in CA, I had the dealer transfer the custom plates from my trade-in. I'm not sure if this is exactly what you're asking though.

 

I pre-ordered mine but without a VIN number (the dealership was not into custom ordering at the time). I had to wait for the "regular" plates to arrive in the mail, then bring those in to the DMV and exchange them for the custom plates.

 

Did it on my first MINI, and the DMV somehow let me take it before I had the vehicle. Just did it on my Wife's, and the DMV refused to let me take it without having the new plates that were issued with the vehicle to turn in....