WA Personalised Plates: The Complete 2026 Guide

Western Australia has quietly built one of the most diverse personalised plate programs in the country. Managed through PlatesWA (part of the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure), WA offers everything from affordable Platinum plates to fully customised prestige combinations, plus the newly released Nostalgia series celebrating WA's motoring heritage.

Whether you're buying your first set of custom plates, eyeing the retro Nostalgia range, or thinking about selling plates you already own, this guide covers everything a Western Australian driver needs to know in 2026.

What makes WA plates unique

Western Australia's plate system has several standout features that set it apart from other states.

No annual renewal fees. Like Queensland and Victoria, WA personalised plates don't carry recurring annual charges for the plates themselves. You pay once for the plate purchase and that's it. This is a significant advantage over states like NSW, where annual fees can add up to thousands over a vehicle's lifetime.

Note on storage: If your plates are not attached to a registered Western Australian vehicle, they must be stored at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) Centre or DVS Agent on behalf of the Director General. A storage fee for each year or part thereof may apply. This is different from states like Queensland where you can keep unattached plates at home.

Certificate of Right to Display and Trade. Most WA optional plates (excluding the basic Personalised range) come with a Certificate of Right to Display and Trade. This means you legally own the right to use the plate combination, let someone else use it on their vehicle, or sell the plates on the open market at any price. This is a more formal ownership structure than most other states offer.

District plate conversions. WA is one of the only states that allows you to convert older District series number plates into optional plates. If you or your family have a District plate with sentimental or historical value, you can convert it to an optional plate and gain the Certificate of Right to Display and Trade — effectively giving you the legal right to sell it. Contact the PlatesWA Customer Contact Centre on 13 11 56 or visit any licensing centre to arrange a conversion.

Plate review committee. All WA plate applications are reviewed by a committee that includes representatives from the Department of Transport and WA Police. Applications are assessed within 2 business days, and you'll be notified if your combination is refused. If refused, you can submit an alternative combination or apply for a refund.

Plate styles and pricing

PlatesWA offers an extensive range of optional plates. Here's what's available.

Platinum Plates

The most affordable entry point into WA optional plates. Platinum plates are issued in sequential order, meaning you can't choose a specific combination — but you get a stylish slimline plate design at a lower price point than the rest of the range. Each purchase includes a Certificate of Right to Display and Trade. Available at any Driver and Vehicle Services centre or regional agent.

Personalised Plates

The classic personalised plate where you choose your own character combination. Available in standard and slimline sizes. Important: Unlike most other PlatesWA ranges, basic Personalised plates do not come with a Certificate of Right to Display and Trade. This means they cannot be privately sold or transferred outside your immediate family. If resale matters to you, consider one of the other ranges instead.

Custom Plates

A step up from Personalised plates, Custom plates offer more design options and colour choices. These do come with a Certificate of Right to Display and Trade, making them fully transferable and sellable on the secondary market at any price.

Euro Plates

European-style elongated plates that suit imported European vehicles. Popular with BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Volkswagen owners across Perth and regional WA. Available in various colour combinations.

Sports and AFL Team Plates

Show your team pride with officially licensed AFL team plates. Popular options include West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers designs. A portion of proceeds often supports the team or related community programs.

Nostalgia Plates — $289

The latest addition to the PlatesWA range, launched in early 2025. Nostalgia plates are a remake of the iconic black-on-yellow and black-on-white plates originally issued in WA between 1978 and 1997. They're designed for drivers who want to recreate the plates from their first car, their parents' car, or to complete the look of a classic vehicle from that era.

At $289, they're attractively priced and come with a Certificate of Right to Display and Trade. You can submit an expression of interest for your preferred combination on the PlatesWA website.

District Plate Conversions

If you hold an eligible District series number plate, you can convert it to an optional plate through PlatesWA. Benefits include receiving a Certificate of Right to Display and Trade (giving you the legal right to sell the plate at any price) and the ability to display the plates on any vehicle, not just one registered in your name.

Other Ranges

PlatesWA also offers Graphic series plates, Biz Plates for businesses, and various themed and charity plate options. Visit plateswa.com for the full current range and pricing.

Combination formats and rules

WA plates follow specific formatting rules depending on the plate type.

Substitutions are encouraged for unavailable combinations. PlatesWA suggests swapping letters for numbers that look similar: A for 4, B for 8, E for 3, G for 6, S for 5, T for 7, Z for 2. However, 1 and 0 cannot be substituted for I and O due to potential ambiguity.

What's not allowed:

• Offensive, racist, or vulgar combinations (including when read backwards or in another language)

• References to drugs, alcohol, or weapons

• Sexual references

• Anti-law, violent, or unsafe vehicle use references

• References to mental health or religion deemed sensitive

• Vehicle make names unless combined with at least 3 additional characters (minimum 1 letter and 1 number)

• Combinations with more than 4 consecutive identical characters (e.g. B88888)

• Combinations that conflict with existing state plate series

All applications are reviewed by the plate review committee within 2 business days. If refused, you'll be notified in writing with the reason and given the option to submit an alternative or request a refund.

How to buy WA personalised plates

Purchasing through PlatesWA is straightforward:

1. Visit plateswa.com and browse the available plate styles

2. Choose your design and enter your desired combination

3. Check availability — the system will confirm instantly

4. Complete your purchase online (you'll need a valid WA driver's licence and credit or debit card)

5. Your application will be reviewed by the plate review committee within 2 business days

6. If approved, plates are manufactured and delivered to your collection location within approximately 10 business days

7. You'll receive a letter when your plates are ready for pickup

8. Fit the plates yourself — WA requires you to remove your old plates and attach the new ones

You can also purchase plates in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services centre or regional agent. Platinum plates are only available over the counter at these locations.

Gift option: PlatesWA doesn't offer gift cards, but you can purchase plates on behalf of someone else. Add the recipient as the plate owner at checkout but use your own contact details so they don't receive any early notifications.

Transferring WA personalised plates

Moving plates between vehicles

If you're changing cars, you can transfer your optional plates to a new vehicle. Contact the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure for current forms and procedures.

Selling plates privately

Optional plates that come with a Certificate of Right to Display and Trade can be sold privately at any price on the open market. The vendor and purchaser must complete a transfer form and notify the Director General of Transport of the sale within 14 days.

Contact your nearest Driver and Vehicle Services centre for the current transfer forms and any applicable fees.

Important: Basic Personalised plates do not include the Certificate of Right to Display and Trade and therefore cannot be sold or transferred to non-family members. If you're buying plates with resale in mind, choose a plate range that includes the certificate.

Family transfers

State and District plates can be transferred to immediate family members. Optional plates with a Certificate of Right to Display and Trade can be transferred to anyone.

Plates not on a vehicle

Unlike some other states where you can keep unattached plates at home, WA plates that are not displayed on a registered vehicle must be stored at a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or DVS Agent. An annual storage fee may apply. Contact the Department of Transport for current storage fees.

Lost or stolen plates

If your optional plates are lost or stolen, you must make a police report. Plates are covered by a manufacturer's warranty — 5 years for acrylic plates and 7 years for aluminium plates. Accidental damage and damage caused by solvent-based cleaning products or high-pressure cleaners is not covered.

Selling your WA personalised plates

If you own WA plates with a Certificate of Right to Display and Trade, you have the legal right to sell them on the secondary market at any price.

What determines WA plate value:

• Combination length — shorter combinations are rarer and more valuable

• Meaningful words or names — plates that spell something recognisable command higher prices

• Plate style — Custom and prestige styles tend to hold more value

• District plates — older District series plates carry historical significance and collector appeal, especially those tied to well-known WA towns and regions

• Nostalgia appeal — plates from the 1978-1997 era are particularly sought after by classic car enthusiasts

Where to sell:

You can list your WA plate for free on AusPlates to reach buyers across Australia. AusPlates is a dedicated marketplace for personalised number plates — no listing fees, no commission. Before listing, check what your plate is worth using the free instant valuation tool to get a data-driven starting price.

Frequently asked questions

How much do personalised plates cost in Western Australia?

WA plate prices vary by style and combination. Platinum plates (sequential, no custom combination) are available at the most affordable price point in the range. Custom plates where you choose your own characters cost more, with pricing depending on the combination format. The new Nostalgia series is $289. Visit plateswa.com for current pricing across all ranges.

Can I sell my WA personalised plates?

It depends on the plate type. Optional plates that include a Certificate of Right to Display and Trade (Custom, Euro, Nostalgia, Platinum, and most other ranges) can be sold privately at any price. Basic Personalised plates do not include this certificate and cannot be sold outside your immediate family.

Do WA personalised plates have annual fees?

There are no annual renewal fees for the plates themselves. However, if your plates are not attached to a registered WA vehicle, they must be stored at a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre and an annual storage fee may apply.

How long does it take to get WA personalised plates?

After your application is approved by the plate review committee (within 2 business days), manufacturing and delivery takes approximately 10 business days. You'll receive a letter when your plates are ready for pickup at your chosen location.

Can I keep my plates if I sell my car?

Yes, but you cannot store them at home. WA plates not attached to a registered vehicle must be stored at a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or DVS Agent. You can later attach them to another vehicle or sell them (if they include a Certificate of Right to Display and Trade).