Get in here, car lovers! We know everything about cars excite you – the brands, the latest features, vanity plates, so much more.
Everyone loves personalized items, especially Nigerians. Owning something in the world that no one else does makes you feel glad, and maybe even a bit cocky. And guess what? No one can really blame you.
But do you really know everything about cars? Is your knowledge just by mouth and show-off? Okay then; what are vanity plates? Hmmm, no idea?
Well, get in here then.
What are Vanity Plates?
You may get confused by the words, just like me, but let me assure you, it’s not dinnerware. Foodie!
Vanity plates are customized license plates for your cars. They are also called Vehicle plates or personalized plates in countries like the US or Canada.
It is a special kind of registration where the owner of a car pays extra money to have whatever they want to be imprinted on the plate. This includes numbers, abbreviations, slogans, or whatsoever. I mean, it’s your car… you can write whatever you want on it.
Think about the name… vanity….
It’s simply just an appeal to your vanity and ego. These plates are customized by the owner and are different from the ABC-123DE format.
But Nigerians are so extra so they go through the process of getting their names or nicknames on their plates.
History of Licensed Plates
Nigeria… we are probably just following everything these oyinbo people do, but we also set some trends.
In the UK, number plates are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). They do not approve personalized registrations if they contain words that are offensive in any widely used language.
In Nigeria, these plates were first introduced in 2011. However, Nigeria and Liberia were the only countries to use the North American standard of vehicle registration plates, which measures up to 6×12 inches.
The license plates are generally white and the number itself is imprinted in blue. In the upper left-hand corner, they carry the Flag of Nigeria or the national coat of arms.
The state name and slogan will be displayed at the top center of the plate, and the “Federal Republic of Nigeria” is written at the bottom.
If you have noticed, the unique plate combination itself is in the format ABC-123DE. The first three letters often indicate the Local Government Area where the vehicle was registered, which are followed by three digits and two letters.
Before 2011, the three letters indicating the Local Government Area were at the end, in the format AB123-CDE.
Buses and other public transport have different vehicle plates, theirs is in red rather than blue. Plates for government officials are in green. Diplomatic plates are often purple and green with white lettering. The first two/three digits represent the country the owner of the car represents, followed by two letters and numbers.
READ: Nigerian National Anthem: All You Need to Know
Why do People Love Vanity Plates?
Gone are the days when only politicians or notable figures used vanity plates. Now, if you have a sweet ride and you want to pepper people, you get a vanity plate that speaks about the new era you have entered.
The big boy/girl era.
Most of the time, cars reflect the kind of person you are. People get cars based on their favorite colors and styles, so they need their cars to reflect their personalities.
SEE ALSO: Popular Nigerian Male Names and Their Meanings
Cost of Vanity Plates in Nigeria
My dear, let me warn you now before you do big girl and big boy. To get a customized plate, you need to get a lot of money! A lot of money!
Nowadays, one can get a customized plate number for a price range of between ₦100,000 and ₦200,000. To some of you, the money may be small, like chicken change, but for some of us, it can cost an eye, a leg, and probably some blood.
In some other countries, it may be little, but you know how our wonderful country is. Nigeria runs with a lot of money.
How to get a Vanity Plate Number in Nigeria
Let’s warn you. To get a vanity plate, you will sweat. You should be aware of the difficulty of getting things done in Nigeria.
There is a standard and official process to follow before you can begin cruising the streets with a clean vanity plate. First of all, you would need a legitimate driver’s license. Do you want to carry a vanity plate without learning how to drive?
I piri you!
You need an application letter requesting a customized plate number. Be sure to include details about the chosen number or name to be written on the plate.
If the vehicle is new, you will need an attestation letter and provide a receipt, as well as applicable shipping documents for an imported vehicle.
You also need a means of identification, for example, a national identity card, driver’s permit, lasting citizens’ card, or international passport. Any of these will do, as long as it contains your proof of recognition.
Other documents include; Tax identification number, Affirmed insurance papers of the vehicle, A vehicle insurance policy number, and a document showing the vehicle’s verification of ownership (YOUR verification of ownership, that the vehicle belongs to you o, not somebody else).
Process of Getting a Vanity Plate
Once you have your documents and money, you can get your vanity plate from anywhere around Nigeria. Log in to the Federal Road Safety plate number registration page on the FRSC website www.frsc.gov.ng.com, and download and fill out the form for plate distribution.
You’ll then need to take the filled form to the internal revenue/mobile licensing authority state office and submit it. However, don’t be surprised if the first look at you like, “Who be this one?”
Present the documents listed above for verification. Make the necessary payments and provide receipts to the motor licensing authority. Trust that, workers will make your job much harder. Finally, if your village people aren’t out for you, you will get your customized plate after maybe seven “come back in five working days”.
Benefits of Vanity Plates
Well, vanity plate numbers make your vehicle special, which can help for easy identification in case of theft or an accident. This can also help to publicize and promote your business or your brand. We know Lagosians have about a thousand brands.
And as a bonus, because we’re in Nigeria, if you’re well known and you’re cruising by in your stylized wheels, the police and other security agencies won’t stop you routinely as they do to other usual plate number owners.
Honestly, there is a bad side to everything. If you’re not well-known and you have a customized plate, the police (who are our friends, of course) will target you. This can bring so much attention, which may not be a good thing.
If you are low-key and don’t like attention, I pity you. The way the police will buzz on you like bees on honey ehn…
READ: Ranking Richest Nigerian Pastors 2023: Net worth and More
Conclusion
Vanity plates are good if you have the right reason for getting one. However, DO NOT GET IT ILLEGALLY! Follow the process above to acquire your customized plate.
If obtained illegally, you will be surprised how that will turn bad for you.
So, please. Get that customized plate and put “boss” on it. Do you think it’s easy to own a car? In this economy? If e easy, biko do am.
Please, have fun!
