A Guide to purchasing a specialty environmental license plate

Initial Cost

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.

New- Striped Bass Conservation License Plate

The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and the MA Environmental Trust (MET) are developing 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.

Purchase

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.

Purchase

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.

Purchase

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.

Purchase 

• 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.