DMV News Releases

Revenue-Sharing License Plates Benefit Variety of Organizations
General Assembly Authorizes Six New Selections

RICHMOND - Virginians will enjoy more options this summer to display their community spirit, college pride or something about their personalities or hobbies through their special license plates.

The 2009 General Assembly authorized six new special plates that customers will be able to purchase beginning July 1. The fees for special plates 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.

Most revenue-sharing plates are $25. After DMV collects 350 pre-paid applications and 1,000 sets of plates are sold, $15 of every $25 paid to DMV for the plate is "shared" with the benefiting organization. In fiscal year 2008, DMV dispersed $2.78 million to organizations and universities benefiting from the revenue-sharing plate program.

Here is a list of new revenue-sharing special plates approved for issuance on July 1:

• Operation Enduring Freedom
• Virginia State Defense Force
• Northern Neck Tourism and Conservation
• Choose Life
• Shenandoah National Park Trust
• Virginia's Tobacco Heritage (for trucks greater than 7,500 pounds; the plate is already available for cars)

In addition to the new plates above, Virginia offers more than 200 unique special license plates. Many special plates represent the military, emergency personnel, fraternal orders, civic or community organizations, colleges and universities, conservationists, hobbyists and even amateur radio enthusiasts.

Fifty-two Virginia organizations, institutions and localities are receiving funds from DMV based on the sale of revenue sharing special license plates last year. The Wildlife Conservationist plate was the top seller for revenue sharing plates, generating $404,505 for the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Also, Friends of the Chesapeake, Animal Friendly, Kids First, Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and VDOT's Operation Wildflower each generated more than $100,000 in shared revenue.

To view and order special plates, visit www.dmvNOW.com. Or, complete and mail the License Plate Application (VSA-10) also found on DMV's website.

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