• You can show other drivers your creative side with vanity plates.wv license plate image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  The option to personalize your license plate, despite the added expense, is one that many people in the United States have pursued, leading to a plethora of funny sayings, clever abbreviations, and even pictures and designs in certain states. If you are interested in getting a vanity plate, think about what your purpose is: to make your car more easily identifiable? To make others chuckle? Then you can get creative with your ideas.
  
  

Funny Abbreviations

• If you have a favorite saying or phrase, consider abbreviating it for a license plate. Think about the make and model of your car for inspiration. For example, XCUZE M3 ("Excuse Me") is a cute abbreviation, but putting it on a BMW M3 makes it even more clever. A Mustang might have the plate "1DFOAL" ("Wonderful") as a clever homage to its make. Thousands of abbreviations are potentially available.
  
  

School or Team Affiliation

• Do you have a particular fondness for your alma mater? Are you a rabid sports fan or extremely loyal to a particular team or sport? A vanity plate is a perfect place to show off your school or team pride. You can use the common initialism of a particular school (UO for the University of Oregon) or perhaps a cheer (GODUCKS, for example). These ideas are particularly helpful in getting within the low character limit of some states' vanity license plates.
  
  

Names or Titles

• If you are particularly proud of a title, relationship or expertise of yours, you might want to put it on your vanity plate. The first option is a title, though you should be aware that some people mind find it a bit arrogant. For example, MRSCEO or 10ISCHAMP could reflect your accomplishments.
  
  For some people, a familial relationship is of particular importance, be it as a grandparent, spouse or foster parent. If you are close to your grandchildren, for example, you might try GR8GRDMA.
  
  Finally, you may wish to put your own name, first or last, on the plate to make it truly personal.
  
  

Gifts

• A vanity license plate is a common and special gift for a loved one. You can use the plate to celebrate, flatter, tease or impress. For example, if you were to surprise your daughter with a new car on her birthday, you might include personalized tags that say STDNTDRVR as a way to poke fun. Or as a Father's Day gift, you might renew your father's license plates and personalize them with #1DAD.