painting a license plate questions

[alexiskai]

If the goal is to be indistinguishable from the original at a car show where people can examine it up close, I agree that a pro is the only option. However, I had a lot of fun doing mine. My wife paints to relax and it became a project we worked on together. No one can tell it's hand-painted when they're 10 feet away on the street. If you're satisfied with the earnest amateur work you're doing on the rest of the car, why not the plate too?

[jhowes]

I hope someone can chime in and answer this question. I was told (not by an authority ) that in NY State you cannot paint or restore a plate and have it useful as a YOM for your car. It must be as authentic as possible. Anyone know? Jack