Delaware Specialty License Plates
Delaware's specialty plate program is separate from the closed vanity plate program. It does not let you pick your own letters, but it does let you support a cause or organization with a distinct plate design.
What Are the Two Types of Delaware Specialty Plates?
The Delaware DMV organizes specialty plates into two categories. Background plates carry a design different from the standard blue and gold plate, created with a reflective backing, and represent a cause such as environmental conservation or animal welfare. Organizational plates are reserved for current or former members of a specific group, such as a branch of the military or an alumni association, and are controlled by that organization rather than open to the general public.
What Background Plates Are Currently Available?
- Environmental Specialty Plate
- Animal Welfare Specialty Plate
- Farmland Preservation Specialty Plate
Each of these carries a one-time creation or administrative fee in addition to standard registration. New background and organizational plates are created through Delaware legislation, so the current list changes over time as new laws are passed.
How Do Organizational Plates Work?
Organizational plates require proof of membership or eligibility tied to the sponsoring group, for example discharge papers or a certification letter for a military plate. The plate's prefix and available number range are typically controlled by the organization, which can limit how many plates of a given design exist.
What Does a Specialty Plate Cost?
Specialty plates generally carry a one-time administrative fee at initial application, separate from and in addition to the vehicle's standard annual registration fee. A replacement specialty plate, if lost or damaged, typically carries its own separate replacement fee rather than the standard duplicate plate fee.
Can a Specialty Plate Be Combined With a Personalized Message?
No. Specialty plate designs cannot be altered or combined with a custom letter and number combination. You choose either the standard registration sequence on a specialty background, or, when the vanity program is open, a personalized combination on a standard plate. The two programs do not currently overlap.
How Do You Apply for a Specialty Plate?
- Confirm the plate is currently offered on the DMV's specialty plates page.
- Gather any required proof of eligibility, such as military discharge papers for an organizational plate.
- Submit the application and administrative fee, either online where available or at a DMV office.
- Continue paying the plate's fee each year in addition to standard registration at renewal.
Delaware Specialty Plates FAQ
Can I transfer a specialty plate to a new vehicle?
Yes, using the same Switch Tag Fee process as a standard plate, with the specialty plate's own annual fee continuing on the new vehicle.
Is there a waiting list for popular specialty plates?
Some organizational plates control a limited number range and may have availability limits set by the sponsoring organization. Check directly with the DMV or the organization for current availability.
Do specialty plates need to be replaced by their original vendor?
Only historic black and white tags are produced through a specific vendor, the Delaware Historic Plate Company. Standard specialty plates are replaced through the DMV like any other plate.