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i would like to switch a custom plate back to a non-custom one but just wondering if i can still keep the custom plate in my possession while its not in use.

No problem, you simply go to a NZTA agent such as your local AA Centre and complete a MR6A (replacement of plate) form.

You need to take some form of personal ID and one of the personalised plates with you.

You will then be given a new set of plates and a replacement registration label. Total cost is currently
$14.80.

If, at a later date you want to fit your personalised plates to another vehicle the process is repeated (take the old and one of the personalised plates with you).

The current cost to make that switch is 25cents (registration label only required).

Am I wrong in thinking that any crim could use this to change his car plates for a temporary crime?

Would be a bit dumb since the criminal has to provide verifiable ID and their address details will already be known from the car which must be registered for plates to be transferred. Makes it very easy to trace if the new plates are recorded while committing the act of a crime.

Well I would think they would use false information. You don't think there is any way they could use a false plate for a crime?

It would be difficult to supply false information since the agent verifies information like driver licence number in the database. Really, it would be a lot simpler for criminals to use a stolen plate instead.

Hi, i have brought a car with personalized plates on it, according to the guy at plates.co.nz, although i now own the car, the plates on it still belong to the previous owner who originally brought the personalized plates, if i want to return my plates to government plates must i have the personalized plates in my name?

Can you do both at the same time? That is, during one single visit to the AA office with two cars, take the personalised plates off one car and put them on another car, assuming the same person owns both cars and the personalised plates?