Gone are the days when Vermont license plates were nothing but numbers. Now they not only identify drivers but also express their personalities and interests.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows every driver the option of standard green-and-white plates or one of 15 special plates. But before you begin mulling over what license plate to order, you must first make sure your vehicle is properly titled and registered with the DMV.

Standard Plates

Unless you notify DMV officials when registering your vehicle that you prefer special plates, you will be issued standard Vermont plates. These feature white letters surrounded by a white rectangle on a green backdrop with a maple tree in the upper left corner and the "Green Mountain State" legend on the bottom.

If you register in person at the main DMV office in Montpelier, you will immediately receive your plates. If you apply through the mail, your plates will arrive in your mailbox in about three weeks.

Vanity Plates

You may apply for any personalized plate within reason. All requests must be limited to seven characters and not be offensive. When submitting your application, you will have to pay an additional $35 vanity plate fee per year in addition to your normal registration fees.

Sometimes processing of vanity plates can take up to two months. If needed, the state will issue you temporary plates until your vanity plates arrive in the mail.

"Building Bright Futures" Plates

This plate displays your support for Vermont's Building Bright Futures program, which champions the state's child-care facilities. When submitting an application, be sure to include an additional $20 on top of your regular registration fees. This extra fee will apply with each annual renewal.

Conservation Plates

This plate allows you to show you are behind Vermont's attempts to support its wildlife population. The $20 annual fee for this plate goes directly to the Fish & Wildlife Department's Non-game and Natural Heritage program. Applications can be downloaded or found at any DMV office.

Safety Organization Plates

Vermont allows groups that serve and protect the public to apply for special plates. Firefighters, National Guard members, and FCC-licensed amateur radio operators all fit this category.

All applicants must provide a note from their superior or group leader granting them permission to own such plates. If at any time you end your affiliation with your respective group, you must immediately forfeit your special plates to the DMV.

To apply, submit the application form along with a one-time $15 fee.

POW, Pearl Harbor, and Purple Heart Plates

To apply for any of these three special plates, you must provide a completed certificate by the Veterans' Administration or by
Vermont's Veterans' Affairs office. There are no special fees for these plates.

Veterans' Plates

Before submitting your application to the DMV, you must first have it certified by the Office of Veterans' Affairs. There is no fee when applying for these plates.

VFW Plates

When submitting a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) application, you must also provide, besides the usual license renewal forms and fees, either a copy of a valid VFW membership card or an authorization signed by your quartermaster. A one-time $15 fee must also be paid. For a Vietnam Veterans plate, submit a copy of a valid Vietnam Veterans of America membership card or a signed authorization from the VVA.

Vermont Lions Club International Plates

When sending your application to the DMV you must also submit either a valid Lions Club International membership card or a letter of authorization from your Lions Club Chapter office. You must also pay a one-time $15 fee.

Vermont Rotary International

After completing your application, you must then submit it to the DMV along with either a legitimate Rotary International membership card or a note of authorization from your Rotary Club Chapter office. You must also include a one-time $15 fee.

Antique License Plates

You can apply for antique license plates if your vehicle is 25 years old or older and used only for parades, exhibitions and car club activities. To apply, complete Vermont's registration application, making sure to check the antique box in section 1B.

Surrendering Your Special Plates

If your membership with a special group ends, you must surrender your special license plates. This includes the following plates:

• Vermont Firefighters Association

• Vermont National Guard

• Vermont Amateur Radio Operator

• Vermont Emergency Medical Service

If you move out of state, mail your license plates to:

• Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles

• 120 State St.

• Montpelier, Vermont 05603-0001

Or, otherwise, drop off at any DMV office.

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