DMV News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 3, 2011
Five New Special License Plates Coming Soon
New Law Exempts Purple Heart Plate Owners from Certain Fees
RICHMOND - Virginians have more than 200 options to display their community spirit, college pride or something about their personalities or hobbies through their special license plates, and more options will soon be available.
The 2011 General Assembly authorized five new special plates:
- Don't Tread on Me
- In God We Trust
- Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway
- James River Park System
- American War of 1812
The fees for special plates normally range from $10 to $25, and can be a one-time or annual fee. The special plate fees are paid in addition to the regular vehicle registration fees, if applicable.
Most revenue-sharing plates are $25. After 1,000 sets of qualifying plates are sold, $15 of every $25 paid to DMV for the plate is "shared" with the benefiting organization. In fiscal year 2010, specialty plates generated $7.58 million for the state and $2.89 million for the 60 organizations that participate in DMV's revenue-sharing program.
A new special plate law that takes effect July 1 waives the registration (decal) fee for the first set of Purple Heart special plates for eligible customers. These vehicles are already exempt from special license plate fees. Eligible customers who purchase a second or subsequent set of Purple Heart special plates must pay the required registration fees. A vehicle owner with Purple Heart special license plates must be a Purple Heart recipient or the unremarried surviving spouse of a recipient.
In addition to Purple Heart plates and the new plates listed above, Virginia offers an array of unique special license plates representing all facets of the military, emergency personnel, fraternal orders, civic or community organizations, colleges and universities, conservationists, hobbyists and even amateur radio enthusiasts.
The top sellers in 2010 were the Scenic, Heritage, Autumn, Virginia Lighthouses and Great Seal plates. Virginia Tech's special plates were the top sellers for revenue-sharing college plates generating $258,630 last year for university scholarships.
A portion of revenue-sharing plate fees may qualify for tax deductions. To view and order special plates, visit www.dmvNOW.com.
