License Plates

Remembering Arizona's oh-so-flimsy 1947 license plate

Remembering Arizona's oh-so-flimsy 1947 license plate

Remembering Arizona's oh-so-flimsy 1947 license plate

Remembering Arizona's oh-so-flimsy 1947 license plate

By Steve Elliott / ADOT Communications
March 21, 2024
1947 Arizona license plate

When an ADOT Communications colleague had the chance to photograph historic license plates kept by the Arizona Capitol Museum, one stuck out as being in particularly bad shape. 

Torn savagely at bottom right corner, possibly repaired at the bottom left corner and featuring what appear to be additional holes punched for some reason, the 1947 license plate looks like it was made from glorified aluminum foil. 

That's because it was made from glorified aluminim foil. 

The story stems from post-World War Two shortages of many things, including the steel that had been used to make a new Arizona license plate every year. The State Highway Department wasn't even able to make a 1946 plate, instead issuing windshield stickers to validate the 1945 plates. So Arizonans were understandably excited that a thin, "hammerable" aluminum plate was coming for 1947.

That excitement lasted until the plate arrived. 

"Someone played a dirty trick on Arizona automobile owners and many of those nice shiny 1947 aluminum license plates bear a beat-up look," The Arizona Republic reported on Jan. 6 of that year, shortly after the plates came out. 

While holes on previous plates had wiggle room to accommodate different vehicles, these had "only dinky holes at the far corners" and instructions to fasten them onto the 1945 plate for stability. That left owners to do surgery by punching additional holes where they were needed. Fortunately (and unfortunately), the plates were plenty thin to accommodate such modification, at least until the hole turned into a tear. 

The Tucson Daily Citizen introduced the plate's weaknesses with a snarky story detailing one motorist's contortions to get his plate to stay on, first by mistakenly removing the 1945 plate and then by installing eight bolts, nuts, flat washers and lock washers to affix it to the previous plate. Questioning whether Pima County had enough hardware to install of its motorists' 1947 plates, the newspaper pondered, "Perhaps the old reliable baling wire will come into use." 

Things got better for 1948, when the State Highway Department procured thicker aluminum. The Arizona Republic's caption on a photo showing the 1948 plate simply began: "Hooray!"

Specialty license plates make a rockin’ birthday gift

Specialty license plates make a rockin’ birthday gift

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Specialty license plates make a rockin’ birthday gift

Specialty license plates make a rockin’ birthday gift

February 6, 2024

Support charitable efforts that move you too

PHOENIX – Arizona, the Valentine’s State, turns 112 this month. February also includes the birthday of one of our state’s most famous exports: rock legend Alice Cooper. 

You can celebrate both occasions – and jazz up your vehicle – with specialty license plates available through the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

For fans of “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “School’s Out” and his other hits, there’s an Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock plate that supports free art, music and dance programs for all youth at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Phoenix and Mesa. The centers provide a safe space for everyone ages 12-20 to spend time, receive positive mentorship and free music, art, dance, photography and recording studio lessons and opportunities.

There are many options if you’re celebrating our great state, including Arizona Centennial, Arizona Highways Magazine, Route 66, State Forty Eight, not to mention all the different Arizona sports teams and universities. Each plate supports a designated organization that benefits the community. 

Most specialty plates cost $25 each year. Of that amount, $17 goes to a designated charity or nonprofit group. Last fiscal year sales of specialty plates contributed over $12 million for various causes and charities.

Specialty plates are authorized by the Arizona Legislature and have been offered since 1989. Plate designs complete a review by ADOT and law enforcement. Personalization can be added for an additional $25 per year.

To view and order any specialty plate, please visit azmvdnow.gov

 

ADOT unveils three new specialty license plates

ADOT unveils three new specialty license plates

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT unveils three new specialty license plates

ADOT unveils three new specialty license plates

October 26, 2023

More than 100 now available through Motor Vehicle Division

PHOENIX – Arizonans have more choices to support their favorite charitable causes as the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division offers three additional specialty license plates.

With the addition of Empower, In Loving Memory and State Forty Eight specialty plates, MVD now offers 101 options that can be viewed at azdot.gov/plates and ordered at azmvdnow.gov/plates

“Specialty license plates offer a great way to customize a vehicle and show your proud support for one of these uniquely Arizona organizations,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is pleased to offer the various plates that will have an impact for the organizations dedicated to improving Arizona and our communities.”

Most specialty plates cost $25 each year. Of that amount, $17 goes to a designated charity or nonprofit group. During the fiscal year that ended June 30, sales of specialty plates contributed over $12 million for various causes and charities.

Specialty plates are authorized by the Arizona Legislature and have been offered since 1989. Plate designs complete a review by ADOT and law enforcement. Personalization can be added for an additional $25 per year.

Learn more about each of these plates:

Empower

This specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 from each plate goes to supporting veterans and military families by empowering charitable organizations with resources necessary to carry out their missions. 

“Empower Coalition’s sole mission is to support Veterans and military families,” said Jim Storey, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Empower Coalition. “This license plate enables us to continue this mission by providing additional funds in support of these heroes. For those of you that purchase the license plate, not only will it look fantastic on your vehicle, but most importantly, the proceeds will go to those who need it the most. Empower Coalition is proud to support those who serve and protect; on behalf of the members of Empower Coalition, thank you to everyone who has and continues to serve our country.” 

In Loving Memory

This specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 from each plate goes to ensure that no child grieves alone by providing a safe community for kids and families experiencing grief.  

“When someone purchases the "In Loving Memory" license plate they are helping support hundreds of thousands of kids and families throughout Arizona who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, child, or another special person,” said Executive Director of Billy’s Place, Kris Friedman. “Billy's Place is a safe community for kids and families experiencing grief, where, as one dad said, families go "from broken, to hopeful, to providing hope." We are grateful to our plate sponsors, New York Life, West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop, Ricky Nolasco, Norb and Judy Friedman, and the Beals Memorial Fund in Memory of Martha Beals.”

State Forty Eight

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with $17 from each plate going to the State Forty Eight Foundation and its mission to support Arizona entrepreneurs and small business owners through grant funding, education and free resources.   

“This is a momentous milestone in our journey to support Arizona entrepreneurs,” said Zach Hall, President of the State Forty Eight Foundation Board of Directors. “The effort to secure the State Forty Eight Foundation's specialty license plate was a significant undertaking, and it wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of both our team and the support of our representatives. Working closely with State Forty Eight CEO, Mike Spangenberg, we took on the challenge of educating our representatives about who we are and the substantial impact we have across the state. With every license plate purchased, the community is providing access to essential resources and grant funding for small business owners in Arizona.” 

To view and order any specialty plate, please visit azmvdnow.gov

 

ADOT unveils five new specialty license plates

ADOT unveils five new specialty license plates

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT unveils five new specialty license plates

ADOT unveils five new specialty license plates

July 13, 2023

Two redesigned plates also available through Motor Vehicle Division

PHOENIX – Arizonans now have even more choices to support their favorite charitable causes as the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division offers five new specialty license plates.

In addition to more than 90 other speciality plates that can be viewed at azdot.gov/plates and ordered at azmvdnow.gov/plates, MVD now offers Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock, Arizona Realtors® Homes for All, Cancer Support for Families, Diné College Warriors and U.S. Army. 

“We know that people who choose specialty license plates for their vehicles take pride in displaying their connection to these community organizations,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is pleased that we can partner with the various organizations dedicated to helping Arizonans.”

Most specialty plates cost $25 each year. Of that amount, $17 goes to a designated charity or nonprofit group. During the fiscal year that ended June 30, sales of specialty plates contributed over $12 million for various causes and charities.

Specialty plates are authorized by the Arizona Legislature and have been offered since 1989. Plate designs complete a review by ADOT and law enforcement. Personalization can be added for an additional $25 per year.

In addition to the five new plates, Arizona Coyotes and the Families of Fallen Police Officers plates have been redesigned. The Families of Fallen Police Officers plate has been changed to Honoring Fallen Police Officers.

Learn more about each of these plates:

Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock

This speciality plate supports free art, music and dance programs for all youth at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers in Phoenix and Mesa. The designated $17 goes to provide a safe space for all teens ages 12-20 to spend time, receive positive mentorship and free music, art, dance, photography and recording studio lessons and opportunities.

"Arizona is known for great sunsets, cactus, the best Mexican food, monsoons and, now, an Alice Cooper specialty license plate,” the legendary Arizona rocker said. “More importantly, this specialty plate will assist Solid Rock Teen Centers in providing free music, art and dance programs to all Arizona teenagers. We hope that many of my fellow Arizona neighbors will get this speciality plate for their cars and motorcycles to support teens in Arizona.” 

Arizona Realtors® Homes for All

This specialty plate is available to anyone, and proceeds go to the Arizona REALTORS® Foundation for Housing and Community Outreach to help Arizona communities establish housing projects. 

“The Arizona REALTORS® is grateful for the opportunity to support affordable housing projects across our great State as we help Arizonans on their path to the American Dream of homeownership,” said Eric Gibbs, 2023 Arizona REALTORS® President. “This plate furthers the mission of the Foundation for Housing and Community Outreach whose projects and efforts address the condition of, access to, and availability of housing. Together, we can reduce homelessness and foster the dream of owning a home.”

Cancer Support for Families

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with proceeds going to Cancer Support Community Arizona’s emotional and social support services.   

“Cancer Support Community Arizona is extremely excited to have a specialty license plate that will highlight what we do in our community,” said Annet Ruiter, Cancer Support Community Arizona Chief Mission Officer. “This is just another great way people can get involved with Cancer Support Community Arizona and ultimately make a bigger impact for people impacted by cancer in Arizona. Anyone who purchases this plate helps us offer more than 100 free programs per month that are specially designed to support cancer patients, their families, and caregivers including support groups, healthy lifestyle programs, education presentations, social connections, and embedded hospital navigators who connect cancer patients to resources. Thank you for helping us ensure that Community is Stronger than Cancer.”

Diné College Warriors 

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with proceeds supporting the educational pursuits and success of students at Diné College on the Navajo Nation.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division to release these special license plates," said Dr. Charles “Monty” Roessel, President of Diné College. "By displaying these plates on their vehicles, our students, alumni, and supporters can proudly showcase their commitment to education and their connection to the Navajo Nation. We encourage all Navajo Nation members, Diné College supporters, and those who value education and cultural heritage to consider purchasing these special license plates. Your support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and contribute to the continued success of Diné College."

U.S. Army

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with proceeds going toward scholarships for children of soldiers and spouses of active duty enlisted soldiers.

“The directors and all-volunteer team at the Army Scholarship Foundation are most grateful to the State of Arizona and the Arizona retired military community for making the U.S. Army specialty license plate possible,” said Jeff Gault, U.S. Army retired, and Chief Executive of the Army Scholarship Foundation.  "We are especially appreciative of Chief Warrant Officer Robert Rosales, U.S. Army retired, of Tucson, AZ for his leadership and untiring efforts to see this project to completion.  We are so grateful for this incredible opportunity and are also most appreciative of the generosity, service, and patriotism of all who purchase the license plate. This will assist our American military family members who are in pursuit of their educational dreams for a better life and a better America."

Those who currently have Arizona Coyotes and Families of Fallen Police Officers plates may request the new designs for a $5 replacement fee plus postage. The previous design will remain valid for use. 

Proceeds from the Arizona Coyotes plate go to the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, which supports organizations and programs that promote access to education, health and wellness and economic advancement in underserved and diverse communities. The Honoring Fallen Police Officers plate benefits C.O.P.S. Arizona, which provides support and resources to survivors and co-workers affected by line-of-duty deaths.

To view and order any specialty plate, please visit azmvdnow.gov

 

Front license plates: A myth or a blast from the past?

Front license plates: A myth or a blast from the past?

Front license plates: A myth or a blast from the past?

Front license plates: A myth or a blast from the past?

By Luis Carlos Lopez / ADOT Communications
May 16, 2022

A while back, we shared this photograph on our social media platforms. This exact date of the photo is a mystery, but we're pretty certain this image is from the 1970s.

Typically, when we take a trip down memory lane, we see comments about the classic cars or how a particular landscape has become more urban over time.

In this photo, the star is the white Corvette with a (gasp!) front-facing license plate!

Looking even closer, most of the cars appear to have a front-facing plate.

We were asked: Did Arizona once require license plates on the front of vehicles? 

Yes! Bill Beckett, an MVD administrator with more than two decades of experience working with Arizona license plates, explained that a front license plate stopped being required in the 1990s. Today, Arizona is one of about 20 states that don't require a front license plate.

To order a specialty plate and support a great cause, visit azmvdnow.gov, an MVD office or Authorized Third-Party office.

Need a holiday gift? ADOT has you covered!

Need a holiday gift? ADOT has you covered!

Need a holiday gift? ADOT has you covered!

Need a holiday gift? ADOT has you covered!

By Laurie Merrill / ADOT Communications
December 21, 2021

Have you finished your holiday shopping?

If you’re like me, you might be waiting until the last minute to purchase the perfect present.

Well, fellow holiday procrastinators, I have a tip for finding the go-to gift: ADOT.

Seriously, don't laugh.

ADOT can be your one-stop, online shopping destination. ADOT has plenty of ideas for everyone on your list. Best of all, everything can be purchased online.

Here are some of the ADOT options:

  1. You can give the gift of togetherness by signing up for the Adopt-A-Highway program and even get a sign with the name of your choice. More importantly, you are bringing together friends and family to build memories, while performing a valuable community service.
  2. Anyone who appreciates stunning photography will enjoy a subscription to the 
    Adopt a Highway
     award-winning Arizona Highways Magazine. Or perhaps one of an array of unique gifts, such as gorgeous calendars, jewelry, ornaments, books and more offered by the Arizona Highways Store. Whether your recipient is an ardent traveler, history buff or just loves thumbing through glossy pages filled with Arizona beauty, these are ideal presents. Plus, there is an Arizona Highways specialty plate if you want to go all out!
  3. If you have children who love science, engineering or anything on four wheels, you could consider the gift of education and fun by making regular visits to the ADOT Kids website. Created to spark children’s imaginations and curiosity about what makes things go, how bridges are built, how vehicles work and more, it offers activity sheets, videos, quizzes, maze challenges and more. Want to know about snowplows? Highway signs? Engineering paths? It's all on ADOT Kids.
  4. Okay, maybe these don’t really into the holiday present category, but they are free and will save you tons of time on highways. Download the ADOT Alerts and AZ511 apps today or anytime during the holidays and get the gift of avoiding road closures, crashes and other emergency events.
  5. The last gift idea is the most precious. If you haven't already, considering registering to become an organ and tissue donor with the Donor Network of Arizona. The ADOT Motor Vehicle Division partners with the Donor Network of Arizona to allow people to register as donors when they apply for or renew a driver license.

Shopping with ADOT is convenient and offers some interesting, thoughtful and, potentially, life-saving gifts. In fact, during a break from writing this blog, I ordered a Arizona Highways calendar for one one my friends who has everything.  

For more blogs on ADOT holiday gifts: 

 

 

 

 

 

Shazam! Suns specialty license plates are hot

Shazam! Suns specialty license plates are hot

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Shazam! Suns specialty license plates are hot

Shazam! Suns specialty license plates are hot

July 15, 2021

The “Valley Oop” slam by Deandre Ayton. The gritty leadership of Chris Paul. The single-minded focus of Devin Booker. The exceptional coaching. All are setting up great moments for Arizona sports fans right now. But even though the NBA Finals are still in progress, there already is a winner: the charitable causes supported by the club through the sale of Phoenix Suns specialty license plates. 

According to figures released by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, Suns specialty license plates generated just over $12,000 in sales for the month of June alone. That’s an increase of about $3,500 from May, in which there were sales of just under $8,500. During the previous 10 months, sales of Suns plates averaged approximately $7,000 per month. 

Suns plates require a $25 initial application fee and can be renewed for $25 a year. As with most specialty plates, $17 goes to a charitable organization, in this case the Phoenix Suns Charities for youth education and development, college scholarship programs and community development.

For more information about specialty plates, visit azdot.gov

There’s more than a license plate in that envelope

There’s more than a license plate in that envelope

There’s more than a license plate in that envelope

There’s more than a license plate in that envelope

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications
July 8, 2021

If you’re expecting a new license plate to arrive in the mail, make sure to remove everything from the envelope when it’s delivered because there’s more than a license plate in there.

When the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division sends a new license plate to a customer, it also includes the vehicle registration document and the registration tab sticker in the same envelope. 

By combining the license plate, registration document and registration tab sticker in the same envelope instead of multiple mailings, MVD is able to save customers from paying additional postage. 

Upon receiving the envelope through the U.S. mail, customers will see a large-print message on the front of the envelope that advises the customer that multiple items are included in the envelope.

Customers should make sure their address is current with MVD before ordering license plates, registration, credentials or other documents. Addresses can be updated at AZMVDNow.gov.

Gift cards are the worst; consider these presents instead!

Gift cards are the worst; consider these presents instead!

Gift cards are the worst; consider these presents instead!

Gift cards are the worst; consider these presents instead!

By David Rookhuyzen / ADOT Communications
December 16, 2020

We don't want to alarm anyone, but Christmas is less than two weeks away. If you still have people to shop for, but are running low on ideas, maybe we can help!

That may seem weird for a state department of transportation to say, but we do have some helpful holiday suggestions for that person that is just impossible to shop for.

As we suggested a couple years ago, if the person on your list had a particular passion, why not get them a license plate to match? With literally dozens of specialty plates that cover a variety of interests including amateur radio, the Girl Scouts and the Arizona Diamondbacks we are sure you can find the right plate for that difficult-to-shop-for person. And the best part? At $25 it's a thoughtful gift that won't break the bank. You even have the satisfaction of knowing that $17 of that is going directly toward the program being supported. In fact, for fiscal year 2020, specialty plates brought in a high of $11.4 million. 

 

arizona-highways-cover_april-2015-issue

Or, maybe the person you are shopping for has moved away, but is missing the Grand Canyon State. Well, you can cheer up folks braving a winter elsewhere with the gift of Arizona Highways magazine. With its articles on history, suggestions for travel destinations and pages of gorgeous photos, no wonder this magazine keeps wracking up awards. It's the perfect way to bring a little bit of Arizona joy into the home of your loved one all year round. Plus, there is even an Arizona Highways specialty plate if you really want to go all out!

We have an option if you are less about things and more about giving experiences. The best option may be the gift of you and your time. The Adopt a Highway program is a perfect way to bring family and friends together to serve the community and build memories doing something meaningful. It's also a great way to remember friends and family members that are no longer around to share the holidays with us.

The last gift idea is actually one that you may never give someone. If you haven't already, why not consider giving the gift of life? Nearly 4 million Arizonans have signed up to be organ and tissue donors through Donor Network of Arizona, which partners with the Motor Vehicle Division. If your vehicle registration is coming due soon, make sure to check that box to become a donor. It's a charitable act that will definitely get you into the holiday spirit and maybe give someone else a precious gift in the future.

And the best part? All these can be bought and ordered from the comfort of your own home – perfect for the savvy gift-giver trying to avoid retail stores during the current public health situation.

Trust us, it's a lot better than buying socks, ties or even – horror of horrors – a gift card at the last minute.

ADOT Kids: Let's play license plate bingo!

ADOT Kids: Let's play license plate bingo!

ADOT Kids: Let's play license plate bingo!

ADOT Kids: Let's play license plate bingo!

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
August 25, 2020

Wondering how to keep your kids entertained on car rides or road trips? ADOT has something fun to bring along.

We've created bingo cards filled with highway signs, traffic signs, specialty license plates and other things that you may spot on an Arizona road trip. Pack these cards on your next car trip for some family fun and we hope it can help keep the kids occupied for a bit!

The cards can be downloaded and printed for up to four players each game. Pennies make good card markers, or print enough for each trip and check off items with a pencil, pen, marker or crayon. If you’re super-crafty, print them on cardstock paper, then laminate and use over and over with a dry-erase marker. 

(Sidenote: If your kiddo is really into roadways, they might be interested in poring through the Arizona Manual of Approved Signs. For those curious about specialty plate offerings, you can view all available plates here.)

Wherever your destination, remember to drive safely, buckle up and download the free ADOT Alerts and AZ511 apps before you head out the door. 

Remember, depending on the season, road trips across Arizona can be extremely hot or bitterly chilly. Always make sure your car has an emergency kit with plenty of extra water, snacks, a fully-charged cell phone, extra clothes for the season, hand sanitizer, wipes and a face covering. You can find information on driving in extreme weather, from snow storms to dust storms, here.

With this much fun and information at your fingertips, you’ll never wonder, “Are we there yet?”