Novelty vs Vanity License Plates in Canada: What's the Difference?
· CaptivMart
A vanity plate is an official personalized registration plate that you order from your province, and it is legal for road use. A novelty plate is a decorative plate for display: a garage wall, a show car, a kid's room, or a front-plate novelty where your province allows one. CaptivMart makes novelty photo plates, not registration plates.
What is a vanity license plate in Canada?
A vanity or personalized plate is an official registration plate with characters you choose, issued by your provincial licensing authority. You apply and pay through the province, and the rules on length and wording are set by each province.
What is a novelty license plate?
A novelty plate is a decorative plate made in the standard 12×6 size with mounting holes. It can show a photo, a name or a slogan. It is not a registration plate and cannot replace the plate your province issues.
Can I put a novelty plate on the front of my car?
It depends on your province. Some provinces only issue a rear plate, so drivers there often use the front bracket for a novelty plate. Where a front registration plate is required, a novelty plate cannot replace it. Check your provincial rules before you mount one.
Where else can I use a novelty plate?
On a garage or man-cave wall, at a car show next to the vehicle, above a kennel, on a kid's bedroom door, or on a bike in the smaller 7×4 size.
What makes a good novelty plate gift?
A photo of their own car or dog with a short nickname, up to 10 characters, and a year on the second line. Pair it with a personalized garage sign for a complete garage gift.
