Specialty License Plates in Vermont

In Vermont, your license plate can do more than identify your vehicle—it can reflect your values, support a cause, and contribute financially to local organizations. Through the state’s specialty license plate program, drivers can choose designs that represent nonprofits, schools, environmental initiatives, and public services.

It’s a simple way to turn a registration requirement into something that gives back—honor veterans, show school pride, support animal welfare, or promote public health awareness.

What Are Specialty Plates?

Specialty license plates are official Vermont plates with unique designs tied to specific causes or organizations. Unlike vanity plates (which customize letters/numbers), specialty plates focus on design and impact. A portion of the fee goes to the associated group. Examples include:

Green Up Vermont Plate: Supports environmental clean-up and education.
Veteran Plates: Honor military service and help fund programs via the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs.
Collegiate Plates: University of Vermont, Norwich University, and others—often supporting scholarships.
Spay/Neuter Awareness: Helps fund affordable veterinary services statewide.
Health Awareness: Plates supporting campaigns like breast cancer awareness and child abuse prevention.

Available Plate Designs

Conservation (Green Up Vermont): Nature-themed artwork supporting environmental protection.
Veteran & Military Service: Branch-specific options; selections for disabled veterans, Purple Heart, former POWs.
Collegiate: University of Vermont, Norwich University, and more.
Service Organizations: Rotary, Freemasons, Lions, Elks, etc.
Health & Awareness: Public health and community programs.
Animal Welfare: Paw-print designs supporting spay/neuter programs.

Designs may be updated by sponsoring organizations over time. Browse current options on the Vermont DMV site.

How to Apply

Choose your plate: Review available designs and eligibility (e.g., proof of service for veteran plates).
Complete the application: Fill out the Specialty Plate Application (VD-018) with vehicle and personal details.
Prepare documents: Provide any required proof (e.g., DD-214 for veteran plates or organization membership).
Submit & pay fees: Mail or bring your packet to the Vermont DMV; standard processing times apply.
Receive your plate: Your plate and stickers will be mailed or made available for pickup.

Costs & Fees

Initial specialty plate fee: $20–$25 (varies by plate)
Annual specialty renewal fee: $20–$25 (in addition to regular renewal)
Standard registration fee: $74 for most passenger vehicles
Replacement/reissue (if needed): ~$16

The extra specialty fee supports the sponsoring organization each year you renew.

Where the Money Goes

Green Up Vermont: Community clean-ups, school programs, environmental outreach.
Veterans’ Services: Housing support, health assistance, transition services.
Colleges/Universities: Scholarships and student support.
Health Campaigns: Screenings, education, and early intervention.
Animal Welfare: Subsidized clinics, education, rescue support.

Why It’s Worth It

A specialty plate is a low-effort, high-visibility way to support causes you care about. Your contribution is built into something you already need—vehicle registration—and renews annually.

Start Your Application

Ready to pick your plate? Begin at the Vermont DMV Specialty Plates portal.