specialty plates

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.

By David Woodfill / ADOT Communications

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.

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ADOT unveils three new specialty license plates

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

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.”

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?

By David Woodfill / ADOT Communications

March 30, 2023

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.

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.

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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

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:

Veterans
First Responders
Arizona Highways
Arizona Cardinals
Military/Freedom
Route 66
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Golden Rule
“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.

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: How do specialty plates get started? Your elected leaders

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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.

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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!

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Fulfilling wishes with the help of license plates

Fulfilling wishes with the help of license plates

Fulfilling wishes with the help of license plates

By John LaBarbera / ADOT Communications

February 17, 2022

In the spring of 1980, a group of six kind-hearted people helped an 8-year-old boy with leukemia realize his wish of becoming a police officer.

That boy was Chris Greicius and, for one day, he became a state trooper for the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Chris joined troopers on highway patrols and in the sky in a helicopter, all while wearing his very own uniform. Over the course of that day, DPS put Chris through “training” and pinned him as an honorary DPS trooper.

Chris passed away just four days later, but the team that helped make his wish to be a police officer come true didn’t want that spirit to fade away. So, they made it their mission to bring that same sense of strength, hope and joy to other children in need. That’s how Make-A-Wish was born.

“During his wish day, Chris was not a kid with leukemia, he was a trooper!” said Hollie Costello, vice president of marketing and public relations for Make-A-Wish Arizona. “He was strong and capable and asked questions and laughed hard – he was a kid again.”

Today, there are 59 Make-A-Wish chapters nationwide and 31 affiliates around the globe. The Arizona chapter of this world-renowned organization serves children dealing with life-threatening critical illnesses, from cancer to nervous system disorders, from kids who received transplants to kids who live with cystic fibrosis.

Arizona is the founding chapter of the Make-A-Wish organization and also is the first to sponsor its own license plate when, in December 2021, the Make-A-Wish Arizona specialty license plate became available. Costello is hopeful that this is the beginning of a trend that other chapters will follow.

“Make-A-Wish Arizona is always looking for sustainable options for fundraising to support our planned fundraising opportunities as wishes never stop,” Costello said. “By giving our wish kids the opportunity to focus on what they would wish for, we give them control over their future and give them hope of happiness that is focused on their needs and wishes.”

There are more than 500 children who are currently working with the organization to plan their wishes and more kids get qualified every month, thanks to Make-A-Wish’s strong relationships with medical professionals, Costello said.

“The plate benefits wish kids,” Costello said. “The average cost of a wish is approximately $10,000, so to grant the number of wishes we grant every year, there is a great need for funding for the various wishes we grant.”

Children like 10-year-old Luis, who lives with a critical genetic disorder. He wished to have an online shopping spree and Hollie reports that Luis “had a full and happy day when all of the items he requested turned up for him to open. According to his mom, Luis uses his items daily and is more outgoing and happier since his wish.”

Michael, 9, wished for a very specific tilt stroller that enables him to enjoy time outside with his family safely and has expanded what he and his family can do for fun.

And 18-year-old Danya, who, Costello gushed, triumphed over leukemia. “Her wish to have her book published has inspired not only the Make-A-Wish team who assisted her but also many future wish kids who are dealing with finding hope after diagnosis.”

The new specialty license plate is only one way folks can support Make-A-Wish Arizona. You can volunteer your time and even donate directly.

The Make-A-Wish Arizona specialty license plate is available for $25 annually, with $17 going to create life-changing wishes for Arizona children dealing with critical illnesses.
View all specialty plates and order yours at azmvdnow.gov.

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Flagstaff student's design appears on Code Talker specialty plate

Flagstaff student's design appears on Code Talker specialty plate

Flagstaff student's design appears on Code Talker specialty plate

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

February 7, 2022

For months, Alyssa Williams was asked, over and over, when the Code Talker license plate she designed would be available.

Finally, she can answer, “Now.”

In December, ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division made available 15 new specialty license plates, including one devoted to American Indian Code Talkers. In August 2020, Williams, who is Navajo, was voted the winner of a contest that selected the winning design for the Arizona Code Talker specialty license plate.

“This seal was created to show appreciation for the dedication and bravery of the Navajo Code Talkers,” Williams said. “The Code Talkers demonstrated the efficiency and force of the Navajo language under pressure during World War II. They are an inspiration to my culture and our nation's history. They are respected heroes. And using my artistic ability and passion to create pieces of art that give recognition to the indigenous community gives my art so much meaning and power. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of something so purposeful.”

Williams’ design won a contest hosted by the Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations that aimed to “design a seal to reflect the historical and unique contributions made by the Code Talkers” of many tribal nations.

“Designing a graphic to honor the legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers is a huge responsibility,” said Kristine FireThunder, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations. “Rather than approach a well known artist it was more appropriate to creatively challenge native youth and reintroduce this significant point in history to a new generation.”

When Williams, pictured in the accompanying photo, entered the contest, she was a student at Flagstaff High School. Fast-forward to today, she recently completed her first semester at Laguna College of Art and Design, where she’s majoring in Graphic Design and Digital Media. Now that the specialty license plate will be placed on vehicles, she hopes people that see it will spend a moment for reflection.

“I hope they appreciate it and look at the art and it catches their eye,” she said. “Everyone should know about the Code Talkers, all they sacrificed and their bravery.”

More information about American Indian Code Talkers can be found in this collection at The National Museum of the American Indian.

To view and order any specialty plate, visit azmvdnow.gov. Most specialty plates cost $25 upon initial application, of which $17 goes to a designated charitable organization. Personalization can be added for an additional $25 per year.

Specialty plates are authorized by the Arizona legislature and have been offered since 1989. Authorized plate designs complete a review by ADOT and law enforcement. In all, there are more than 80 license plate options for Arizona motorists.

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Arizona Rodeo debuts new specialty license plate

Arizona Rodeo debuts new specialty license plate

Arizona Rodeo debuts new specialty license plate

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

January 31, 2022

Dave Alford has been around rodeo nearly his entire life. Now 68 years old, Alford, the general manager of Rodeo Scottsdale, was instrumental in the creation of the Arizona Rodeo specialty license plate.

While Alford expects many rodeo fans to get the specialty plate, he expects many might order more than one Arizona Rodeo plate.

“From fans to contestants, there are many people that will get this plate and they’ll all be helping a good cause,” he said. “And rodeo people haul a lot of things. I’ve already heard from people who say they’re going to put the rodeo plate on their trailers.”

The Arizona Rodeo specialty plate, which became available in December 2021, costs $25 upon initial application and $17 from each plate goes to promote, educate and preserve the history of rodeo in Arizona. And there’s a lot of rodeo history in Arizona. Alford pointed out that the two oldest rodeos in the world -- Payson’s World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo and Prescott’s World’s Oldest Rodeo -- are in Arizona, and rodeos in Scottsdale, Tucson and Yuma have occurred for nearly a combined 250 years.

“There’s a lot of history of rodeo in Arizona and we wanted to put it on a license plate and share it,” said Dave Alford, general manager of Rodeo Scottsdale. “From fans to contestants, there are many people that will get this plate and they’ll all be helping a good cause.”

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