Can you get personalized Legacy plates for Leased vehicle?

[MFNATIK]

I have a weird situation where I ordered a the 60's Legacy plate 2 years ago for my M5 and have since sold the vehicle and now am leasing an F80. When I went to go get my plates the other day, the lady said I couldn't put it on a leased vehicle. At the time, I hadn't received my random plates yet, but I am wondering what in the world is this policy? Does anyone know why we live in a god forsaken state with the dumbest public services in the US?

[kevin @ eas]

I dont see why leased or not leased matters. Normally if you are paying for it CA is glad to take your $$$. I would try a different DMV.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

I have a weird situation where I ordered a the 60's Legacy plate 2 years ago for my M5 and have since sold the vehicle and now am leasing an F80. When I went to go get my plates the other day, the lady said I couldn't put it on a leased vehicle. At the time, I hadn't received my random plates yet, but I am wondering what in the world is this policy? Does anyone know why we live in a god forsaken state with the dumbest public services in the US?

Misinformed DMV worker. Simply try another DMV as Kevin stated earlier or submit the order online.

[MFNATIK]

Thanks guys! Yeah, this same lady is not helpful. I asked for an explanation and she said talk to your dealer. Dealer doesn't know what she is talking about?? I got my random plates yesterday so I'll go back again to see what she says. Its just a waste of 2 hrs for every trip to the DMV...FML lol

[kevin @ eas]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Thanks guys! Yeah, this same lady is not helpful. I asked for an explanation and she said talk to your dealer. Dealer doesn't know what she is talking about?? I got my random plates yesterday so I'll go back again to see what she says. Its just a waste of 2 hrs for every trip to the DMV...FML lol

If you have an AAA membership they have their own DMV system. Normally a lot more helpful.

[MFNATIK]

God, I wish I could just use AAA and get my custom plates but they are already ordered and ready for pickup at the local DMV so I just have to go back to the same lady...again. Wish me luck. You'll find out tomorrow if I'm successful or not hahah.

[e90-4aj]

Let us know - I am planning on doing the same but will go to AAA to get it done

[x.shell]

The online application for Personalized plates also reject you if the car is a lease. Has this always been the case? I thought it was odd.

Also, the thing about DMV workers not being helpful... my experience has always been that this is the norm.

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by exo

The online application for Personalized plates also reject you if the car is a lease. Has this always been the case? I thought it was odd.

Also, the thing about DMV workers not being helpful... my experience has always been that this is the norm.

I saw this as well.

My experience is they all hate their jobs and could give 2 f*cks about the people they serve. Its a real shame. They seem to be the saddest bunch of workers I've seen. I actually feel sorry for them.

[MFNATIK]

Ok, talked to my CA and he figured it all out for me. There is a form that the dealer submits a request to BMW NA for a leasee to put personalized plates on. BMW NA will approve and notarize it and send it back to the dealer. Once I have that in hand I can turn it into the DMV and get my plates. He said it'll take a week. I'll update this once I am get my plates (hopefully).

[sadeem28]

It is very simple actually. I just ordered mine online, called BMW NA and had them mail a letter authorizing me to change the plates which I didn't even need.

If your name is on the registration then you don't even need the letter. I was able to pickup the plate with out any issues from the DMV after surrendering the originals form the car. .

[MFNATIK]

Originally Posted by sadeem28

It is very simple actually. I just ordered mine online, called BMW NA and had them mail a letter authorizing me to change the plates which I didn't even need.

If your name is on the registration then you don't even need the letter. I was able to pickup the plate with out any issues from the DMV after surrendering the originals form the car. .

Is your car a lease? exo posted that screenshot that they wouldn't even you order it online. Just making sure we are talking apples to apples here.

[sadeem28]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Is your car a lease? exo posted that screenshot that they wouldn't even you order it online. Just making sure we are talking apples to apples here.

yes mine is a lease and did not have any issues at all. When ordering online you just don't select the lease option. I actually ordered 2 and got only one as I was not sure which one would get approved. Even if you finance the car the title is still owned by the financial company.

[e90-4aj]

I just put in my request for personal plates directly at AAA with no issues. They did not even ask me if the car was a lease which it is. Now I just need to wait the 8-10 weeks to get them at AAA

[daz23]

Originally Posted by exo

The online application for Personalized plates also reject you if the car is a lease. Has this always been the case? I thought it was odd.

Also, the thing about DMV workers not being helpful... my experience has always been that this is the norm.

I've leased multiple cars (currently a BMW) and have had personalized plates with no issue. I always read the online form as meaning if it is leased in a company's name, and since the lease is in my name I always put no...goes through with no trouble 😊

[MFNATIK]

Sounds like I am dealing with an overzealous DMV worker...why me? lol

[daz23]

Originally Posted by MFNATIK

Sounds like I am dealing with an overzealous DMV worker...why me? lol

Yeah...I'd just recommend ordering online after choosing "no" to that company lease question, then picking it up when it gets delivered. All should be good

[MHOW996]

I have them on my car. What is did was go online to see if what I wanted was available, but it wouldn't let me complete the form. So I printed out the forms and mailed in a check and 12 weeks later I got my plates.

[zillymc]

Hah so glad I found this thread as I was just experiencing the same thing!

One thing that wasn't clear - if I just want the black/legacy plates with the same exact whatever randomized # i got originally can I do that - wasn't quite clear on the forms? Or, by design, when u order a legacy plate you get a new #?

[bmwgirlf80]

I know many that have leased with personalized plates.

[imminence]

My car is on a lease and I got personalized legacy plates. I checked no on the online form and didn't receive any hassle when I went to the DMV to pick up my plates.

[MFNATIK]

I never posted a follow-up but essentially when I went in with the notarized letter from BMW, the lady's boss or sup informed her she no longer needed to require that letter to release customized plates for leased vehicles. She's like....oh. LOL