Personalized license plates have been available in Texas since 1965, but My Plates has revolutionized the business since taking over the state's specialty plate program in 2009. In four years, the online retailer has sold more than 173,000 plates to Texas drivers, adding more than $20 million to the state's general revenue fund.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, in association with My Plates, recently released a list of the top-selling plates of 2013.
The best-selling plate of the year — the black "Lone Star" plate — destroyed its competition. It has been the No. 1 selling plate for four years in a row.
The best-selling plate of the year — the black "Lone Star" plate — destroyed its competition with 10,595 sold to Texas motorists. It has been the No. 1 selling plate for four years in a row and is the state's fastest-selling license plate, with more than 46,000 sold in less than five years.
The second most popular plate — the black "Texas" plate — came in a rather distant second with 4,400 sold.
Coming in at No. 6 overall, the Houston Texans license plate ranked first in the Sports Team category, with sales nearly double those of the Dallas Cowboys plate.
Perhaps there is a correlation between My Plates sales and team performance, as the top-selling NBA plate was that of the San Antonio Spurs, who reached the NBA finals year. The Houston Rockets, who reached the playoffs, have the No. 2 NBA plate this year.
As for college license plates, Texas A&M University's plate — No. 9 overall with 850 sold — retained its spot as the No. 1 best-selling college or university plate in the state for the second year in a row. A different variation of the Aggie plate held down the No. 2 spot, followed by Texas Tech and the University of Texas.
Specialty plates aren't exactly cheap, although some are available for less than $30 per year. Customized seven-letter plates are far more expensive and are only available at specific times of the year. Some specialty message plates are auctioned off and frequently sell for thousands of dollars.
Last fall, Houston attorney and Texas A&M regent Tony Buzbee paid $115,000 to use "12thman" on an A&M license plate. Buzbee then gave the plate to 2003 graduate Dan Moran, a decorated war veteran, for exemplifying the spirit of the 12thman by living "a life of honor, courage and commitment – all hallmarks of Aggie Leadership.”
The sixth best-selling license plate — and the best selling sports team plate — of 2013 was the Houston Texans plate with 1,027 sold.
Sante's Garden Room is decorated with two olive trees.
Photo by Chris Furia
