About our Low-Plate Auctions
MET’s low-number license plate auctions offer a rare opportunity to own one of Massachusetts’ most sought-after specialty plates—while directly supporting marine and aquatic conservation. Through exclusive online auctions, MET releases highly coveted low-number plates that generate critical funding for research, habitat restoration, and environmental education across the Commonwealth.
Don’t see your number? Sign up for notifications and tell us which number you’re looking for—we’ll do our best to include it in a future auction. Every dollar you bid is 100% tax-deductible.
Available Plates
Since 1995, MET has reserved low-number Whale Plates and now also offers a limited selection of Striped Bass plates. Over the next two to three years, MET will auction:
- Right Whale (RW) Plates: Numbers 1–999
- Roseate Tern (RT) Plates: Numbers 1–999
- Striped Bass Plates: Numbers 9–99
Already have an MET plate. Please consider making a donation to support ongoing conservation efforts. Donate Here!
Past Auctions
“30 for 30” Whale Plate Auction (January 2025)
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the iconic Whale License Plate, MET launched its first-ever online auction of low-number Whale Plates. Coveted plates such as RW3, RT5, RW100, and RW133 are now on the road—raising over $77,000 from 28 plates to support marine wildlife protection, aquatic habitat restoration, and environmental education.
The auction coincided with the seasonal return of endangered North Atlantic right whales to Cape Cod Bay, marking the beginning of a multi-year series of live online auctions.
Striped Bass Plate Auction (October 2025)
MET partnered with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries to auction 20 low-number Striped Bass plates, raising $49,030 for striped bass conservation. Designed by local artist Janet Biondi, the plate features striped bass pursuing alewives—an essential forage fish in the marine food web.
Drive with Purpose | Protect Right Whales (December 2025)
The second Whale Plate Auction featured 25 highly requested plate numbers and resulted in the sale of 18 plates, raising $56,600 for right whale conservation. Held during the winter return of right whale mothers to Cape Cod Bay, the auction underscored both the beauty and vulnerability of this critically endangered species.
Where Auction Proceeds Go
Proceeds from MET’s low-number license plate auctions provide essential, stabilizing support for conservation at a time when federal funding cuts threaten critical environmental work.
Whale Conservation Impact
Funds strengthen MET’s grantmaking to:
- Protect endangered species such as the North Atlantic right whale, sea turtles, and other marine wildlife through rescue, research, and disentanglement programs
- Support long-term initiatives like the Massachusetts Large Whale and Sea Turtle Conservation Program, a 28-year partnership focused on research, monitoring, and at-sea rescue
- Advance the development of safer fishing gear and provide fisher training to reduce entanglements
- Fund research on whale, seal, turtle, and seabird behavior, migration, and feeding—including the endangered Roseate Tern
- Restore trout streams and aquatic habitats across Massachusetts
- Deliver environmental education programs that promote stewardship of our waters
Every bid makes a meaningful difference—protecting wildlife, restoring habitats, and ensuring a healthier future for Massachusetts waters.
Striped Bass Conservation Impact
Proceeds from Striped Bass plate auctions support:
- Research on striped bass populations, movement, and ecology
- Habitat restoration and improved fish passage for alewives, blueback herring, and American shad
- Studies on angler behavior and catch-and-release survival
- Angler education on proper fish handling to reduce mortality
- Distribution of free hook replacements to improve striped bass survival
- Youth angler education clinics to engage the next generation of saltwater stewards
What Our Supporters Say
“You are the best! Thank you, Kim, for your commitment to MET and for a terrific auction process. The plates are gorgeous—and I wouldn’t have donated without you. Whales everywhere are lucky to have your care.”
— Shannon E.