Vehicle registration plates are known by different names, such as license plate, number plate, plate, or tag. It is a metal or plastic plate attached to the motor vehicle for official ID. Its record is as old as the record of vehicles. Massachusetts was the first state to issue government plates.

In most countries license plates are issued by the national government. In the U.S, however, they are issued by state governments. But the federal government retains the right to allot numbers to its own motor vehicles and vehicles possessed by foreign envoys.

A person who wishes a special license plate has to apply to the state department of motor vehicles. At this stage the applicant has to specify whether the special license plate being requested is intended to generate financial support for a particular cause or charitable group.

For an extra fee, motor vehicle departments issue "vanity" license plates. These plates carry some message on them. Some plates in Washington, D.C. read "taxation without representation" to vent dissatisfaction over Washington's not having voting representation in Congress.

Similar to vanity plates, there are also novelty license plates. These are often sold in gift or novelty shops. These novelties are printed with individual names. But unlike vanity plates, these are not intended for lawful recognition of automobiles.

Specific designs and dyes for the special license plates can be suggested by the user. Personalized license plates, custom license plates, and vanity license plates read almost anything the user wishes. It is a great way to advertise businesses, promote the user's favorite hobby, or just be displayed for fun.