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MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration

Specialty License Plates

Maryland specialty license plates let you personalize your vehicle while supporting specific causes, programs, or organizations. These plates are issued by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and are used with a valid vehicle registration.

 

What Are Specialty License Plates?

Specialty license plates are optional license plates with special designs, backgrounds, or messages. Many specialty plates support:

  • Environmental programs
  • Agriculture and Chesapeake Bay restoration
  • Public radio and community organizations
  • Other approved causes and initiatives

Specialty plates do not replace vehicle registration. Your vehicle must remain properly registered and insured.

 

Who Can Get a Specialty License Plate?

You may be eligible if:

  • Your vehicle is registered in Maryland
  • The vehicle is for personal (non-commercial) use
  • You meet any specific requirements for the plate you choose

Some plates have additional eligibility rules or documentation requirements.

 

Types of Specialty License Plates

Maryland offers many specialty plate options, including:

  • Environmental and Chesapeake Bay plates
  • Agricultural plates
  • Public radio and public service plates
  • Background or message-based plates

Each plate supports a specific program or cause.

Call to action:
View available specialty license plate options

 

How to Order a Specialty License Plate

Step 1: Choose a Plate

Review available specialty plates and select one that fits your interest.

 

Step 2: Apply

You may apply:

  • During vehicle registration
  • When transferring plates
  • By submitting the required specialty plate application

Some plates may require additional approval or documentation.

 

Step 3: Pay Required Fees

Specialty plate fees may include:

  • A plate issuance fee
  • An annual renewal fee
  • A contribution that supports the program or cause

Fees are set by regulation and may change.

Step 4: Receive and Display Your Plate

Once approved:

  • Plates will be issued or mailed
  • Display plates and stickers as instructed by law

 

Where the Money Goes

Many specialty plates include a required contribution.
These funds support the specific program, organization, or cause associated with the plate, such as:

  • Environmental protection
  • Agricultural initiatives
  • Public broadcasting

Contribution details vary by plate type.

 

Renewing Specialty License Plates

Specialty plates are renewed with your vehicle registration.

  • Required contributions must be paid at renewal
  • Failure to renew may result in loss of the specialty plate

 

Replacing or Transferring Specialty Plates

You may be able to:

  • Replace lost or damaged specialty plates
  • Transfer plates to another vehicle you own

Standard replacement and transfer rules apply.

Related links:

  • Replace Lost or Stolen License Plates
  • Transfer License Plates

 

Military and Veteran License Plates

Military- and veteran-specific plates are covered on a separate page and may have different eligibility requirements.

Related link:
Military & Veteran License Plates

 

Fees

Fees vary based on:

  • Plate type
  • Vehicle type
  • Required contributions

Call to action:
View specialty license plate fees

 

Need Help?

If you are unsure which specialty plate you qualify for or how to apply, the MVA can help.

Call to action:
Contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

 

Ready to Get Started?

If you want to personalize your vehicle and support a cause you care about, take the next step.

Browse specialty license plates, apply during registration, or contact the MVA for assistance.