Delaware owners can apply for a 250th anniversary plate

The law provides for vehicle owners to apply to the Division of Motor Vehicles for a Delaware 250 plate. The plate is for private passenger vehicles and certain vehicles or trailers rated at 26,000 pounds or less. Vehicles eligible for the International Registration Plan cannot receive one. The Division issues the plate only if it receives at least 200 applications.

The law sets a one-time fee and directs how the money is used. The fees apply to people who apply for a Delaware 250 plate. The $50 fee includes a $15 administrative fee and is charged in addition to annual registration. It applies even to nonprofit members who are exempt from registration fees. The Division sets the replacement plate fee to cover the plate's cost. The plate section expires on December 31, 2026. On that date, unencumbered fund money returns to the Transportation Trust Fund, while encumbered money transfers to Delaware 250.

Delaware 250 submits the plate design to the Division for final approval, and the Division assigns the plate's numbers and letters. These rules apply to plates issued under the Delaware 250 plate section. The plate may say “Delaware 250” instead of “The First State” and cannot be only black and white. The Division may refuse a design it believes could cause a public safety enforcement problem.