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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Western Australia’s Department of Transport rejected 876 personalised number plate applications in the 2024–25 financial year, about 3.7% of approximately 23,000 applications, according to figures attributed to the Department in a PerthNow report published 1 December 2025. The refusals show that screening goes well beyond swear words: WA’s rules also cover hateful or contentious messages, legal and safety concerns, unclear characters and plates that could be confused with existing registrations.
What the reported figures show
PerthNow reported that the Western Australian Department of Transport rejected 876 personalised-plate applications in 2024–25, approximately 3.7% of about 23,000 applications. The count is attributed to the Department, but it does not appear in a published official statistical release identified for this story. PerthNow also cited nearly 1,000 refusals in the previous year, based on an earlier report by The West Australian; that is a separate reported figure, not a verified year-by-year official series.
The same PerthNow article reported a price range of $619–$749 for custom plates at the time of publication. That is not a confirmed current fee; applicants should check the Department’s current service information before relying on a price.
Why can a personalised plate be refused?
The Department’s Optional Plate Guidelines and terms of use set out grounds that extend beyond profanity. The CEO reserves the right to refuse an application. The published grounds include:
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- Offensive, sensitive or contentious meanings, including content likely to incite or promote hatred.
- Negative political or anti-law references, or content that breaches State or Commonwealth legislation.
- A registered company or business name where the applicant is not its director.
- Characters that are ambiguous or difficult to identify, or a combination that could cause confusion.
- A plate that closely resembles a registered plate or series.
- Meanings conveyed in another language or by reading the plate in a rear-view mirror.
- Vehicle makes.
PerthNow reported that the Department also rejects combinations considered to encourage dangerous driving, replicate a trademark or carry anti-government messaging. The official guidelines provide the broader published framework, while an individual decision may depend on how a proposed combination is interpreted.
Examples reported among refused applications
PerthNow named “NVR SOBER”, “CART3L”, “GO FASTER” and “GLOCK45” among applications refused in 2024–25. The report also cited “GEN3CID”, “SAUC3D” and “RAMP4GE” as examples from the preceding year, and mentioned “F4K3 T4X1” and “BUYAGRAM”. These are examples reported by the outlet, not a complete list or a catalogue of every reason for refusal.
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A Department spokesperson told PerthNow: “Some of the reasons plates have been refused include swear words, offensive acronyms and racist terms, references to drugs and alcohol, sexual references or offensive combinations written backwards or in another language,” The spokesperson also said: “Plates have also been refused due to anti-law references as well as references to religion, mental health, weapons, violence or unsafe vehicle use.”
Who assesses applications, and can a refusal be reviewed?
The committee assessing plates includes internal and external stakeholders from varied cultural and professional backgrounds, including representatives from the Department of Transport and WA Police, according to the PlatesWA FAQ. Its role is to assess applications against the plate guidelines and terms of use.
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PerthNow reported that an applicant can request a review, with a senior delegate conducting the final assessment. The official FAQ says the committee reviews an application within two business days and that applicants are notified in writing within two business days if it is refused. These are published service timeframes and may change; consult the FAQ for the current information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to apply for a plate in WA
The WA Government’s personalised number plate application page says applicants choose a design and check whether their preferred word, letters or numbers are available before ordering. For an online application, it lists a valid WA driver’s licence and a credit or debit card as requirements. The page was last updated 5 December 2022, so check the live service for current steps and requirements.
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Passing an availability check is not approval. A proposed combination is still subject to assessment under the guidelines, and the CEO retains the right to refuse a plate.
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