specialty plates

PODCAST: Express yourself 104 different ways with specialty license plates

PODCAST: Express yourself 104 different ways with specialty license plates

PODCAST: Express yourself 104 different ways with specialty license plates

PODCAST: Express yourself 104 different ways with specialty license plates

By Steve Elliott / ADOT Communications
December 1, 2024
On the Road With ADOT Logo

Listen to the podcast! (or use the player below)

In a season when many are looking for ways to give back, one way to do that and – express yourself in the process – is ordering a specialty license plate. Our Motor Vehicle Division offers 104 specialty plates supporting groups that benefit from the proceeds. 

This episode of On the Road With ADOT features Bill Lamoreaux, our chief communicator on MVD matters. Bill discusses how specialty plates come to be (preview: not from ADOT), which are the most popular, how much they cost and how specialty plates might work as holiday gifts. Spend a few minutes listening to Bill chat with host Doug Nintzel and you might wind up with Alice Cooper on your vehicle's rear bumper promoting Solid Rock Teen Centers, among scores of other choices

You can subscribe to episodes of On the Road with ADOT through Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You also can find episodes at azdot.gov/Podcast and featured in ADOT Blog posts.

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

August 14, 2024

Two more plates also now available for motorcycles

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 the Hualapai Tribe, Phoenix Rising FC and Rotary International specialty plates, MVD now offers 104 options that can be viewed at azdot.gov/plates and ordered at azmvdnow.gov/plates

In addition to the three new plates, Arizona Highways and the redesigned Keep Arizona Beautiful plates are both now available as motorcycle 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:

Hualapai Tribe

This specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 goes to the Hualapai Tribe for ongoing human services to Tribal elders, healthy and positive activities for Tribal youth, and support for programs related to health, recreation and education in the community.  

“The Hualapai Tribe is proud to have a specialty license plate now available to citizens across Arizona and is grateful to the many Tribal members who helped make this possible,” said Tribal Chairman Duane Clarke. “Those who purchase the Hualapai Tribe specialty plates will be helping with ongoing support for programs in the community. This is a great opportunity, and we look forward to sharing the many benefits with the Hualapai people.”

Phoenix Rising FC

This specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 goes to provide soccer programs and services to boys and girls K thru 12 whose families have financial challenges.

"Our fans have been asking for a Phoenix Rising license plate for years, and we’re thrilled to finally make this a reality. We involved our fans every step of the way to select the most popular plate while adhering to the state’s guidelines," said Phoenix Rising President Bobby Dulle. "It’s a fantastic way for our fans to show their Rising pride on the road and, best of all, every plate purchased will support our youth programs, helping to make the game more accessible for young players across our community."

Rotary International 

This specialty plate is available to anyone, with $17 going to support the Rotary Clubs of Arizona and their projects.

“These license plates will not only showcase our commitment to service but also provide an opportunity for individuals to support Rotary's humanitarian efforts such as education, health, and clean water," said Stephen Phair, President and Founder of the Rotary Clubs of Arizona. "This has been a collaborative effort involving Rotarians from every corner of our state, and we are grateful for their contributions. The official license plate will serve as a symbol of Rotary's dedication to making a positive impact in communities locally and globally."

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

 

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

 

November recap: Specialty Plate Spotlight

November recap: Specialty Plate Spotlight

November recap: Specialty Plate Spotlight

November recap: Specialty Plate Spotlight

By David Woodfill / ADOT Communications
November 30, 2023
A collage of specialty license plates featured on social media in December.

Searching for a Christmas gift for someone who’s difficult to shop for? In Arizona, you can choose from more than 90 specialty license plates that support a range of diverse causes and interests. You can choose plates supporting your favorite sport teams, hobbies, military families, animal welfare, and more. 

To boost awareness, we spotlight one specialty license plate a week on social media.

Here are the plates that were featured in November:

  • No Child grieves alone: $17 goes to ensure that no child grieves alone by providing a safe community for kids and families experiencing grief.
  • State Forty Eight: $17 goes to the State Forty Eight Foundation and their mission to support Arizona entrepreneurs and small business owners through grant funding, education and free resources.
  • Girl Scouts: $17 goes to the Girl Scouts for enriching experiences, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges and environmental stewardships. 
  • Phoenix Suns: $17 goes to the Phoenix Suns Charities, impacting children in need throughout Arizona.

Do you own one of these specialty plates? What are your reasons for purchasing the one you have? Join the conversation on social media by letting us know!

All specialty license plates can be viewed and purchased at azmvdnow.gov/plates.

 

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

 

How are specialty license plates chosen?

How are specialty license plates chosen?

How are specialty license plates chosen?

How are specialty license plates chosen?

By David Woodfill / ADOT Communications
March 30, 2023
specialty plates collage

Specialty license plates have been available in Arizona for more than 30 years. In that time, the state has made available for purchase dozens of specialty license plates. And each year, new ones hit the street.

 

specialty license plates

So, it's understandable that some people may assume that there's a plate for every conceivable topic, charitable cause, university and sports team.

What many people don’t realize is that ADOT does not create new specialty plates on a whim. New plates must be requested by an organization, sponsored by a lawmaker in the form of a bill, passed by the state legislature and then signed into law by the governor.

That process can also be costly – about $32,000. That price tag covers production and other costs related to making the new plates.

But that’s not the end of the process. Requesting organizations work with ADOT to design the plate, which must be readable from 100 yards away. Then, law enforcement officials must approve the plate.

Only then do specialty plates become available to the public for purchase.

Another common misconception is that the state pockets the revenues generated by specialty plate sales. Most specialty plates cost $25 per year and $17 goes straight to a designated charitable cause, while the rest is used for plate materials and production.

In the 2022 calendar year, more than 770,000 specialty license plates were purchased, generating millions of dollars for worthy causes and charitable organizations in Arizona.

To see what specialty plates are currently offered, visit azmvdnow.gov.

The 10 most popular speciality license plates in Arizona for 2022

The 10 most popular speciality license plates in Arizona for 2022

The 10 most popular speciality license plates in Arizona for 2022

The 10 most popular speciality license plates in Arizona for 2022

By Alexis Potter / ADOT Communications
February 2, 2023
image

Almost anywhere you go, you’re bound to see one. Many Arizona drivers put specialty license plates on their cars to show support for their favorite sports teams, causes and more, all while supporting organizations working to better our state.

From education to firefighters to the Phoenix Suns, there are more than 70 specialty plates to choose from and they’re becoming more and more popular each year. More than 770,000 specialty plates were ordered in calendar year 2022 – about 67,000 more than in 2021.

We tallied up the numbers and here are the 10 most popular specialty plates in Arizona for 2022:Top 10 specialty license plates of 2022

  1. Veterans
  2. First Responders
  3. Arizona Highways
  4. Arizona Cardinals
  5. Military/Freedom
  6. Route 66
  7. Arizona State University
  8. University of Arizona
  9. Golden Rule
  10. “In God We Trust”

Veterans plates were once again the most popular in 2022. There are many different plates for Arizona veterans and their immediate family members, including for each branch of the military. The profits from these plates go toward a special fund to benefit veterans in the state.

The rest of the list also stayed pretty consistent from 2021 to 2022, though the Arizona Highways specialty plate moved into the top three. The funds generated from this specialty plate help support Arizona Highway Magazine and its mission of promoting tourism in Arizona, according to its website

Four new specialty plates – Arizona Rodeo, Make-A-Wish Arizona, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Arizona – became available in December of 2021 and four more were introduced during 2022: Arizona Education, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness, Thunderbirds Charities and Arizona 4-H.New specialty license plates

Specialty plates cost $25 for an initial fee and annual renewal, with $17 of the fee going directly to the charitable organization. To order your own specialty plate and support a great cause, visit azmvdnow.gov to view the options and pick a plate!

MORE: Most popular specialty plates of 2021

MORE: How do specialty plates get started? Your elected leaders

Four new specialty plates hit the streets

Four new specialty plates hit the streets

Four new specialty plates hit the streets

Four new specialty plates hit the streets

By Bill Lamoreaux / ADOT Communications
August 8, 2022

Arizona motorists now have four new choices to show their support for community organizations while on the roadways and highways. Thunderbirds Charities, Arizona 4-H, Arizona Education and Congenital Heart Defect Awareness plates are available, along with many other options to display what is important to you.

Placing a specialty license plate on your car can be a fun way to show off your fandom, interests and past experiences. Did you know that specialty plates also raise money for charities in Arizona?

That’s right, for most specialty plates, $17 of the $25 initial application and annual renewal fees goes straight to charity. In fact, nearly 740,000 specialty plates helped generate more than $12 million for charitable causes across Arizona in the past 12 months.

Some of the most popular specialty license plates include:

     1. Veterans

     2. First Responders

     3. Arizona Cardinals

     4. Arizona Highways

     5. Military Support/Freedom 

In fact, the Veterans, First Responder, Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Highways plates each generated more than $1 million in revenue this past fiscal year.

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

The Arizona Specialty Plate Quiz

The Arizona Specialty Plate Quiz

The Arizona Specialty Plate Quiz

The Arizona Specialty Plate Quiz

By John LaBarbera / ADOT Communications
February 25, 2022

Arizona's specialty license plates benefit all kinds of worthy organizations and charities. In fact, there are dozens of specialty plates to choose from at azmvdnow.gov.

But how well do you know Arizona's specialty plates? Care to take a crack at our trivia quiz?

Let's see if you can get 10/10! Good luck!