How will my cell phone and email be used?
Your cell phone number and email address will be used respectfully and only for the auction. Your contact information will be used to share the opening of auction items for bidding and information about the event, assist you with the self-checkout process, acknowledge your support of the auction, and make sure you get your plate! You will receive updates from the MET about our grant programs and other events. You may unsubscribe from text and/or email messages at any time.
Who can participate in the license plate auctions?
All are welcome to bid! Anyone with a car registered in the state of Massachusetts may bid/buy a Whale or Striped Bass Plate.
Are the winning bid amounts eligible for a tax deduction?
Yes! Your contribution is truly appreciated! MET is a state Trust set up to receive funding from individuals, foundations, corporations and gifts of Wills and Bequests. By donating to MET you are agreeing to its Terms and Conditions (See Donation Policy). Please consult your tax advisor regarding the tax-deductibility of your donation.
Can I put an MET plate on my leased vehicle?
Yes. You will need a Power of Attorney letter from your leasing agent in addition to a Registration and Title Application form signed by your car insurance provider. You must provide both to the RMV when registering with the new plate. MET will be by you side every step of the way!
Can I put an MET plate on my commercial vehicle?
Unfortunately, commercially registered vehicles are not eligible for a charitable organization specialty license plate.
Can I gift or transfer my plate to another person?
Yes. If you are the winning bidder for a license plate configuration, you are allowed to transfer the plate configuration to any person of your choosing upon the completion of the payment as long as the person's car is registered in Massachusetts. To do this, you must write a letter assigning the plate to the other person and that person must send the letter to the RMV when registering with the new plate.
If I am purchasing the plate as a gift, whose name do I enter on the form?
Please enter the information of the individual that the car is registered to. The form information should match the information associated with the registration of the car (the car must be registered in Massachusetts.) *If you are gifting the plate to a spouse/partner/child, in which you are on the same car insurance - you would be able to do these steps yourself prior to gifting - as long as you have all of the recipients information.
How will I view the virtual event?
If you are registered, we will email and text you the direct link to join the virtual event. Dress code is couch comfortable!
How do I browse, bid, & buy?
All bidding will be done electronically on any mobile device or computer. You will receive a text or email when the auction is open for bidding. Simply click on the link to access your personal bidding account and enjoy the auction. Browse the auction by going to "Items" on the home page, and start bidding on your favorite items! Place your bid on selected items, set a maximum bid if desired, and Givesmart will continue to keep you in the running until you reach your maximum bid. You must be registered in Givesmart and give your Credit Card information to participate in bidding.
Can I bid on multiple plates, even though I only want to purchase one?
At the end of the auction, we will process payments on all winning bids, so you will be responsible for purchasing any plates that you have the winning bid on. If you only want one plate, we suggest choosing your top priority plate. If it seems like you are losing that plate in the final auction countdown, you can make a bid on your second preferred plate.
How can I keep active and know if I am outbid or have won an item?
You will be notified via text if you have been outbid. Keep an eye on your favorite items! If you are NOT receiving the text messages make sure you have the correct mobile number under your profile. The texts will continue to notify you when you have been outbid or reached your maximum bid. When the silent auction closes, you will also receive a text message if you won any items.
How will I know if I won an item
Winners will be notified via text and email after the auction category closes.
How do I get my whale or striper plate?
We will send the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) a list of the winners with their winning plate number.
You will need to:
- Contact your insurance agent to complete the Registration and Title Application (RTA).
- The RTA must have the insurance stamp applied, and all owners must sign the application (on the bottom of the form).
- Ensure section D9 on the RTA is completed, including a contact number and email.
- Email the completed RTA to MET’s Director: kim.tilas@mass.gov.
- Upon receipt of the valid RTA, the RMV will process the plate swap transactions and will send a link to the email address on the RTA for payment of the $40 Special Plate fee, swap fee, and there may be a pro-rated RMV registration fee depending on where you are in your registration cycle.
- Once payment is made, the plate will be mailed to the address on file. Please allow 10 days to receive the plate after registration payment.
- Customers can recycle their old license plates after the new one is received. Do not cancel your old plate. It will cease automatically.
Contacts: Kim Tilas at kim.tilas@mass.gov, (617) 947-1227. RMV Specialty Plates Department (857)368-8031.