What is the Tahoe License Plate?

The Tahoe License Plate is an official license plate issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for California-registered vehicles. The plate contains a color full plate design depicting a significant feature of Lake Tahoe.

How Much Does the Tahoe License Plate Cost?

The initial cost of the plate is $50 dollars in addition to the usual registration fee. Renewal of the plate will cost $40 dollars in addition to the usual annual registration fee.

How Will the Tahoe Plate Benefit Lake Tahoe?

After the DMV deducts its administrative costs, the California Tahoe Conservancy, a State agency, will use the proceeds from the sale of the license plate to fund environmental protection projects such as the restoration of wetlands and soil erosion projects to help preserve Lake Tahoe's crystal clear water and to fund non-motorized trail projects (hiking, biking and cross-country ski trials) which will help improve public access to Lake Tahoe, other natural areas and existing recreational facilities. These funds will provide urgently needed financial support for existing Conservancy programs which already resulted in the restoration of over 1,000 acres of land, the construction of over 63 miles of soil erosion control facilities and the acquisition of right-of-way and/or construction of 28 miles of trails.

• Additional Information On Benefits To Lake Tahoe

How Do I Order a Tahoe License Plate?

1. To order online: https://vrir.dmv.ca.gov/ipp/ippMain.jps

2. To order by mail or in person, check the download the application form (PDF file) and complete it. Either visit your local DMV office or mail the completed application form and include a check payable to the DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES. Send the application form and check to:

Can I Personalize My Tahoe License Plate?

Yes. When you order your plate, you can also apply for a personalized plate. You may use a combination that is no more than seven spaces long, and it must be a new combination that does not already exist on any other California license plate. A personalized plate will cost $90, which includes $50 for the Tahoe License Plate and the standard of $40 for a personalized plate. The fee for the personalized plate will go to the Environmental License Plate Fund. Renewal of a personalized plate will cost $65.
If a new personalized configuration is not available at the time of processing by the Department of Motor Vehicles, you may either request a different configuration, request a Tahoe License Plate with sequential numbering (not personalized) or obtain a refund of your application fee. If you request a Tahoe plate with sequential numbering the $40 fee for a personalized plate will be refunded to you.

If I Already Have a Personalized Plate, Can I Transfer The Message to a Tahoe License Plate?

Yes. On top of the $50 Tahoe License Plate fee, there will be a $40 fee for the transfer of a personalized license plate.

Can I Keep My Current License Plate Number?

No. When you order a Tahoe License Plate, a new random series of seven digits will be assigned to you.

Can I Give a Tahoe License Plate As a Gift?

Yes. Complete the Gift Statement section of the application form.

Are Commercial Plates Available?

Yes. The Tahoe License Plate is available in sequences identifiable as commercial plates. Include a copy of your registration card, with a note that you are applying for a commercial plate.

Can Plates Be Issued For Motorcycles?

Yes.  However, instead of a plate with the picture of Lake Tahoe that is on the automobile plate, you will receive a regular California motorcycle plate with a special Lake Tahoe sticker on it.  These motorcycle plates can also be personalized, though because of their smaller size, only five spaces are available, instead of the seven available on the automobile plate.

If I Have Any Questions, Where Can I Direct Them?

Lake Tahoe License Plate Hotline: 1-800-510-TAHO (1-800-510-8246)