Overview
- The special plates are renewed every two years.
- You cannot personalize these plates. Like all Massachusetts specialty license plates, the plates begin with two letters followed by up to four digits.
- Special plates are randomly assigned. You may not request a particular plate number or retain your current plate number. If you are interested in our low number (1-999) auction, you can sign up for our mailing list
- Proceeds from the sale of these environmentally-themed license plates afford MET to make grants that support:
- Protecting endangered species
- Supporting research teams that disentangle whales
- Research on whale study and conservation
- Development of safer technologies of fishing gear
- Restoring marine and freshwater habitat
- Monitoring water quality throughout the state
- For more information, you can contact the state's Specialty Plate Department at: 1-857-368-8031.
How much does a plate cost?
Initial Cost
RMV registration fee: | $60 |
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The special plate fee is: | $40 (tax-deductible contribution) |
Total first time fee: | $100 |
Renewal fee every 2 years | $100 |
Plate swap fee: | $20 |
How often are the special plates renewed?
- The special plates are renewed once every two years.
Where does my money go?
- For $20 a year you are providing grants for protecting endangered species, for the research teams that disentangle whales and sea turtles, for research on marine and freshwater animals and fish, for the development of safer technologies of fishing gear, and so much more. All of the Trust’s revenue comes from the license plate program with the “whale plate” generating a large percentage of our total annual income.
Is the special plate fee tax-deductible?
- Yes, $28 is tax-deductible with your first-time order ($12 goes to the RMV for production costs) and the entire $40 specialty plate fee is a tax-deductible donation upon every renewal.
Does the cost of the specialty plate include my vehicle registration fees?
- No, your registration fees are not included during the new plate development process. You must renew your current vehicle registration bi-annually at a fee of $100.00. Of this fee $40.00 goes to MET and $60 is the RMV’s registration renewal fee.
Is the $40 a one time payment?
- No. The $40 is paid every two years coinciding with your registration renewal along with the standard renewal fee of $60. So, the total is $100 every two years.
Pick a plate
Striped Bass Conservation License Plate
The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and the MA Environmental Trust (MET) developed this plate to support new programs to research, protect, and preserve striped bass populations, ensuring that future generations of anglers have the opportunity to experience the unmatched thrill of fishing for this iconic species. For additional information please visit Massachusetts Striped Bass Conservation License Plate.
Right Whale & Roseate Terns Plate
Offered since 1994, this popular plate features the fluke of a right whale and two roseate terns. The North Atlantic right whale is the state marine mammal and the world’s most endangered large whale. Roseate terns are native to Massachusetts and are also endangered. Both of these animals are federally recognized endangered species and are dependent upon healthy Massachusetts ecosystems for their survival.
Plate and renewal proceeds support conservation efforts and the disentanglement specialists that work to protect marine animals, most importantly the critically endangered right whale. For additional information please visit Massachusetts Right Whale & Roseate Terns Conservation License Plate.
Leaping Brook Trout Plate
Introduced in 1998, the brook trout represents Massachusetts cold waterways. The brook trout is a native to the state’s western streams and this popular game fish serves as a symbol of both the pristine water in which it thrives, and the recreational benefits of a healthy environment.
Blackstone Valley Mill Plate
The Blackstone Valley, running through the central part of the state, was the birthplace of the American industrial Revolution. Offered since 1999, the BV plate reminds us that our environmental focus must include more than whales and habitat protection. This plate highlights the need to restore our urban rivers and streams to enhance their ecology and improve the health of riverfront communities.
Who can get an MET Environmental License Plate?
- 30,000+ Massachusetts drivers of passenger vehicles have one of MET’s 4 Environmental License Plates and all of these people are helping our environment while preserving the Bay State’s heritage and water resources.
- Specialty plates are for passenger vehicles only. In addition: Your registration must be active and in good standing. You must be the registered owner of the vehicle.
- As of now, you cannot put a specialty plate on a commercial vehicle. There is legislation being proposed that would allow commercial vehicles to be able to have a specialty plate.
- You can put a specialty plate on a leased vehicle. You will need a Power of Attorney letter from your leasing agent in addition to an RTA -Registration and Title form signed by your car insurance provider.
- Car dealers can distribute MET plates from their dealership. Please ask specifically for a whale, trout, striped bass or BV plate and if the dealership does not have one in their inventory they will provide you with a temporary license plate and your ENV plate will be sent directly from the RMV.
- As of now, you cannot put a specialty plate on a motorcycle. There is legislation being proposed that would allow motorcycles to be able to have a specialty plate.
Purchase Your Plate
- Visit an RMV Service Center (RMV locations) or make it simple - order your specialty plate online through the MASS RMV. There are no shipping fees when ordering online
- Choose ORDER A SPECIAL/VANITY PLATE
- Fill out the required form on the RMV site
- Select the vehicle you want the plate for and press next
- From the Vehicle Registration Plate Order page scroll down to the next button
- Choose Charitable Plate from the dropdown menu
- Choose Blackstone Valley, Fish & Wildlife, Right Whale or Striped Bass plate from the dropdown menu
- Go through the motions and pay. Your new plates, registration, and decal will be mailed to you within 10 business days
Whether you are getting a new car, leasing or trading up, tell the car dealership you want a whale, trout, striped bass or Blackstone Valley plate. The dealership will complete the RMV’s Registration and Title Application form and will contact your insurance agent, if needed, and will provide you with a temporary license plate. As long as your registration is in good standing, and any current fees are paid (a link will be sent via email for payment) you will have your new set of plates in about 10 days.
Experiencing difficulties swapping out your current plate for one of our 4 charitable plates. Call MET at 617-626-1045 or email met@mass.gov or contact the Specialty Plate Department by calling 857-368-8031. We are here to help!