Motorcycle number plates are also known as license plates. As with all other motorized vehicle, such as cars, trucks, mopeds, semi trailers, etc., motorcycles also have to have to be registered with the local/state DMV. This registration or license number is the plate. Law enforcement use these number plates to identify that the vehicle is registered to those plate numbers, often times in determining a stolen vehicle.
In most states within the United States this number plate registration must be renewed every year. Depending on the vehicle make and style this fee may vary, this is also true for motorcycles. Some states require two places, one on both the front and the rear of the vehicle where other states only require a rear plate. This plate must also be reflective as any vehicle plate is.
Additionally, in most states, those who register for a number plate may also request a “personlized plate”. Personalized plates are often named or numbered by the applicant to signify or to coordinate with some special identifer to that vehicle or owner. For example: A couple may have matching motorcycles with personalized plates signifying that they are together. One may say “JECKEL” and the other may side “HYDE”. In some states, the fee for personalized plates are slighty greater than the standard registration fees.
Because most motorcycle owners own their bikes for a hobby, number plate collecting is also a hobby. There are many websites, stores, hobby shops, etc., that sell number plates for those who wish to collect. Most popular is Ebay, on the web. When collecting number plates, you must be sure that the plates you are purchasing have expired registration. If they do not, this may indicate a stolen vehicle or that there is still a valid license with the registering state. Most popular are those plates that come from historic motorcycles, such as Indian or Harley Davidson.
My favorite of all number plates is my own: KPDRMN (Keep Dreamin’).