PHOENIX – The sound of freedom over the West Valley, classic cars and the wonders of science and technology are celebrated in the newest batch of Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division specialty license plates.

Plates commemorating Luke Air Force Base, the Arizona Science Center and the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction are now available at ServiceArizona.com.

Specialty plates typically cost $25 annually. Of that, $17 is committed to the organization being supported. In the most recent fiscal year, sales of the plates generated nearly $10 million for charitable causes statewide.

Proceeds from the Luke Air Force Base plate will support Fighter Country Foundation programs and services geared towards morale and well-being, culture, tradition and mission sustainability at the base.

Foundation spokesman Ron Sites said, “We are incredibly excited to launch our new specialty plate. These programs support all military members at Luke Air Force Base, to include Air Force Reserve, Navy, Marines and Army Corps of Engineers. We have always used the phrase ‘The Sound of Freedom’ when educating residents what Luke AFB is, and to now actually have that phrase as well as an F-35 on an Arizona license plate is amazing.”

The Science Center plate will help fund science education programs.

“The Arizona Science Center specialty license plate is truly a win because it is furthering science learning in Arizona,” said Chevy Humphrey, Hazel A. Hare president and CEO of Arizona Science Center. “The drivers who purchase this plate will get to proudly display their love of science while paying it forward. They will create a fund that directly supports programs and field trips for low-income students.”

Funds collected from the Barrett-Jackson plate will be used by Barrett-Jackson Charities to benefit the Driven Hearts initiative for the American Heart Association.

“Barrett-Jackson has long been known for its charitable contributions and corporate culture,” said Barrett-Jackson President Steve Davis. “It’s something that separates Barrett-Jackson from everyone else in the industry. We’ve created an incredible platform to do really great things for very good causes like the American Heart Association, which can help so many people who are close to us. There’s nothing more fulfilling than that.”

In addition to these new releases, two current specialty plates, Route 66 and First Responder, are being made available to motorcycle owners for the first time.

Specialty plates were established by state law in 1989. Legislative approval is required to create a plate.

PHOENIX ‒ As far as the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is aware, Santa’s sleigh doesn’t need a license plate. But Saint Nick could put one in your stocking this year because specialty plates make terrific gifts.

“Every day is like Cyber Monday at the MVD because specialty plates are always a great deal and can easily be purchased online, even as a gift,” said MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser-Richards. “Not only that, but the sales raise millions of dollars for worthy causes every year.”

Anyone may purchase a plate for another person. All that’s needed are the last two digits of the vehicle identification number, the customer name and address and the number of the plate being replaced.  The new plate will be mailed to the recipient.

Ordering online is the easiest method and can be done any time at ServiceArizona.com, where customers may browse the many selections available. If your selection requires additional documentation and you are unable to order online you may fill out a special plate application.

There are more than 40 specialized plate styles designed to raise money for worthy causes. Themes include honoring veterans, organ donation awareness, environmental causes, tribal programs, university scholarships and support of charitable organizations for professional sports franchises, among many others.

Specialty plates typically cost $25 with an annual $25 renewal fee. Of that, $17 is directed each year to the charitable cause or service the plate represents. Personalizing a specialty plate carries an additional fee.

The specialty plate program began in 1989, and in the most recent fiscal year sales generated nearly $10 million for charitable causes and services in Arizona.

Bowser-Richards added, “Buying a specialty plate as a gift may seem a bit untraditional, but since these plates raise millions for important causes it really is a gift that represents the best parts of the holiday season.” 

PHOENIX – You can buy lots of things online, at a swap meet or from a friend, but one thing you should never find is a vehicle disability plate or placard because of the strict controls placed on who’s eligible to get one.

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division was recently alerted to a social media post by a Phoenix-area resident attempting to sell a relative’s placard online. The ADOT Office of Inspector General has an ongoing investigation into that incident in which the placard was offered for sale for several hundred dollars.

“Disability plates and placards are strictly reserved for people who truly need this kind of accommodation,” said MVD Director Eric Jorgensen. “Any attempt to sell or transfer them is illegal and causes tremendous hardship for the rightful owner.”

A disability plate or placard is assigned to, and may only be displayed on, a specific vehicle registered or leased in the name of the person with a disability. That person must be either the vehicle’s driver or a passenger when the space is used. 

Recipients must complete an MVD Disability-Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard Application or have one on file.

The application includes a medical certification section completed by an authorized physician (doctor of medicine, osteopathy, podiatry or chiropractic, licensed to practice medicine in the United States), a registered nurse practitioner or by a hospital administrator.

For more information: azdot.gov/mvd

PHOENIX – Arizona’s specialty license plates come in many different colors, but one color they have in common is green – as in dollars.

In the most recent fiscal year ending June 30, sales of these plates generated more than $9.8 million for charitable causes and public programs. In the previous fiscal year, that figure totaled just under $9.4 million.

Many long-time plates continue to see growth in their sales, and the overall figures were bolstered by the introduction of four new plates midway through the fiscal year. Those plates support the 100 Club of Arizona, Special Olympics, Grand Canyon University scholarships and preservation efforts for Historic Route 66.

“The specialty plate program is a real point of pride for Arizona and is a tremendous success,” said Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen. “To see this kind of continued growth proves Arizonans are both generous and eager to support great causes.”

Specialty plates typically cost $25. Of that, $17 is committed to the benefiting organization. For more information about specialty plates including how to order, please visit ServiceArizona.com or azdot.gov/mvd.

The specialty plate program was established by state law in 1989.

PHOENIX – “Flagstaff, Arizona, don’t forget Winona… Kingman…” Arizona figures prominently in the lyrics to the iconic pop song celebrating the highway known as the “Mother Road.” Now Arizona gets even more attention because the new Route 66 specialty license plate has been named the Best New License Plate in the U.S.

The honor, which will be formally recognized at a 1:30 p.m. ceremony Thursday, May 25, at the northwest corner of Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix, comes from the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA).

ALPCA has given the award since 1970. ALPCA members worldwide vote based on the overall attractiveness of the plate design and its legibility as a tool for public safety and law enforcement. This is the third time for Arizona to win this award. The general issue plate introduced in 1996 and the Centennial plate introduced in 2011 also received Best Plate Awards.

ALPCA’s President Cyndi McCabe stated, “I’m delighted to announce that the state of Arizona is this year’s recipient of ALPCA’s Best Plate Award for their historic Route 66 specialty license plate. The plate’s visually appealing retro design particularly resonated with our members for its tribute to the legendary Mother Road.” 

The Route 66 plate was introduced in late 2016 and has been a strong seller among specialty plates. As of the end of April, more than 3,000 had been sold, and more than $51,000 had been raised to support preservation efforts for the highway that crosses iconic northern Arizona landscapes and historic communities.

Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen said, “Route 66 carried more than cars, it carried peoples’ lives and millions of their stories. Even though its use as a major highway ended long ago, its ability to be an inspiration endures. We’re honored to be part of the effort to preserve this historic roadway by offering this award-winning plate.”

For more information about the MVD specialty plate program, please visit azdot.gov/mvd.