Custom vinyl lettering on car window - professional vehicle branding
Custom vinyl lettering application on car window

Car and Truck Lettering

Three days. THREE DAYS you drove around wondering why every single human at every red light was honking and giving you thumbs up like you'd just invented edible deodorant. Your coworker found it in the parking lot—grandpa's little vinyl "HONK IF YOU'RE HORNY" sticker. Now you're here, designing professional-grade retaliation that'll outlast his hip replacement.

Create custom cut lettering on durable 2.5 mil vinyl online. The adhesive won't destroy your paint job when you inevitably peel it off after grandpa admits defeat. Works indoors, outdoors, or in that weird liminal space of covered parking garages where time doesn't exist. Black and white only—like grandpa's worldview.

Visit our Custom Decals page if you need COLOR to properly express your familial rage!

2.5 mil vinyl 5+ year lifespan Black & white Same day production

🚚 Fast, Nationwide Shipping

Order by 8 AM PST and we'll ship the same business day. Most orders ship within 2-3 business days.

Car and truck lettering application on vehicle door
Professional vehicle door lettering application

Make Your Vehicle Stand Out With Custom Car and Truck Lettering!

Your van needs personality. Your truck needs character. Your grandpa needs to know that two can play at the bumper sticker ambush game. Companies everywhere slap vinyl on their fleet vehicles because it's more effective than screaming your business name at intersections.

Whether you've got a van, boat, race car that grandpa definitely doesn't know about, jet ski he'll never ride, or just windows that need weaponizing, SF Bay Signs delivers. We also make custom window decals and magnetic signs for when you need removable revenge. The passenger-side placement is key—he'll see it every time he gets in, right at eye level where his bifocals focus best.

Professional vinyl lettering installation on commercial vehicle
Commercial vehicle lettering installation example

What is Vehicle Lettering?

Vehicle lettering transforms innocent transportation into mobile billboards, compliance tools, or in your case, intergenerational warfare platforms.

Works on cars, vans, SUVs, RVs, race cars, ATVs, motorcycles, dirtbikes, boats, jet skis, large trucks, company vehicles, and any surface where grandpa might notice his comeuppance. The vinyl won't damage painted surfaces—unlike his sense of humor damaged your professional reputation.

Common Ways to Use Car Lettering

We've had customers use our lettering for revenge, compliance, capitalism, and occasionally all three simultaneously.

Business Branding

  • Company Name & Logo — Display your brand on doors, windows, and panels.
  • Contact Information — Phone numbers, websites, and social handles.
  • Taglines & Services — Tell the world what you do directly from your vehicle.

Regulatory & Compliance Needs

  • DOT Numbers — Required for commercial vehicles.
  • License Information — Contractors can add required license details.
  • Fleet Identification — Identify and track multiple vehicles.

Promotional Campaigns

  • Seasonal Sales & Specials — Announce discounts while driving.
  • Sponsorship Recognition — Support teams, charities, and causes.
  • Event Advertising — Promote grand openings, trade shows, festivals, and family reunions.

Personal Use

  • Custom Names or Monograms — Add personal touches that you choose.
  • Decorative Graphics — Enhance your vehicle with intentional vinyl.
  • Clubs & Organizations — Show affiliations you're proud of.

How to Install Vinyl Car, Van, and Truck Lettering

Your lettering arrives pre-spaced on transfer tape, ready for installation.

  1. Clean the Surface — Grab a microfiber cloth. Wipe away dirt and dust from the surface.
  2. Position & Secure — Measure and position your lettering precisely. Place masking tape along the top edge—this holds everything during application. Multi-color designs get corner marks for alignment.
  3. Peel & Apply — Peel the bottom edge away from the secured top, revealing the adhesive.
  4. Squeegee — Squeegee time—or use a credit card. Press slowly, avoiding wrinkles and bubbles. Work top to bottom, left to right.
  5. Remove Bubbles — Remove air bubbles by pressing from center outward.
  6. Remove Transfer Tape — Slowly peel the transfer tape from the top corner. The masking tape detaches too, leaving only the lettering.
  7. Final Press — Use the backing liner to press firmly one more time to ensure good adhesion.

Print or Download our Vehicle Lettering Install Instructions

Custom car lettering and decals - durable vinyl application
Durable vinyl lettering application showcase

Product Specs

  • Thickness — 0.0102" (2.5 mil or 63.5 microns)
  • UV Resistance — With proper care, expect 5+ years outdoors without fading.
  • Lifespan — 5+ years of passenger-side visibility
  • Service Temperature — -40°F to 180°F
  • Install Method — Masking transfer tape; wet or dry installation
  • Use Cases — Outdoor or Indoor. Requires flat surfaces: windows, glass, paint, commercial vehicles, cars, trucks, boats, vans, off-road vehicles.

Two Ways To Order

  • Choose black or white

Upload Your Own Graphics

  • Vector files required — (fonts and shapes must be outlined)
  • Accepted formats — .AI, .EPS, .PDF, .SVG
  • Additional art setup — may be required for complex designs

Need help with your file, uploading graphics, or designing? Our in-house designers can help.

Why Choose SF Bay Signs?

Same Day Production

Order by 8 AM PST and we'll ship the same business day.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

All products include our guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a truck lettered?
Vinyl lettering starts at $15.49 per square foot. Volume discounts begin at 15 sqft for multiple vehicles or fleet orders.
What are the FMCSA requirements for truck lettering?
Commercial vehicles must display USDOT numbers, legal company names, and identifiers in contrasting, readable lettering visible from 50 feet.
What is the meaning of truck lettering?
Truck lettering means vinyl letters applied for identification, compliance, or promotional purposes.
What kind of vinyl do I use to put a logo on a truck?
We use durable vinyl lettering suitable for vehicles.
Can vinyl vehicle lettering work on bumpers?
Yes, vinyl sticks to bumpers when the surface is smooth, clean, and dry.
How quickly can I get car lettering from SF Bay Signs?
Most orders ship within 2-3 business days. Same-day production available.
How many fonts do you have for use - and what can I do if I want to use a font that you do not have?
Our designer offers 50+ fonts. If you need a specific font, create your own vector file with outlined shapes and fonts, full-scale 1:1 ratio.
What if I have issues with the vehicle lettering?
Contact us if lettering peels or doesn't adhere—we'll troubleshoot or reprint.
Is vinyl lettering for cars weather-resistant?
Vinyl lettering typically lasts 5-7 years outdoors with proper care.
What are the storage guidelines for car lettering?
Keep unused lettering flat in original backing, away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
How do I care for my vehicle lettering?
Wash gently with mild soap and water. Avoid high-pressure washers that might damage the vinyl.
How do I remove vinyl lettering from my vehicle when the time comes?

When you're ready to remove it:

  1. Clean around the lettering with a wet cloth.
  2. Heat the vinyl with a heat gun to disrupt the adhesive bond.
  3. Peel away the lettering.
  4. Use isopropyl alcohol or Goo Gone for sticky residue. Longer application may require more cleanup.
  5. Clean and dry thoroughly.
  6. Repeat steps 4-5 as needed.