Background Plates
DMV offers several background license plates that can be ordered from any DMV office, by mail, or online. Several plates have eligibility requirements that must be met before the plate can be ordered.
These plates are issued the registration number assigned to the vehicle or can be ordered as an approved vanity plate. Customers pay a one-time fee which includes a $15 administration fee. All fees above this amount are donated to the organization. Plates can be displayed on any motor vehicle 26,000 lbs or less, on a commercial vehicle or trailers but not on vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP).
In accordance with Section 2140 of Title 21 of the Delaware Code, effective October 1, 2025, a one-time setup of fee of $200.00 must be collected to establish a specialty plate.
Animal Welfare
Benefits organizations or veterinary clinics providing low-cost dog and cat spaying and neutering and non-profit organizations providing shelter to stray dogs and cats.
One-time fee of $50
Autism Awareness and Acceptance
Supports programs and services provided by Autism Delaware and helps raise awareness for this vision everywhere you go.
One-time fee of $50
Bicycle Friendly Delaware
Supports Bike Delaware, Inc.'s mission to promote safe non-motorized transportation for Delaware residents.
Initial fee of $40 (organization receives $25) with an annual renewal fee of $25 in addition to the vehicle registration fee.
Purchase in person at any DMV location
DE 250th Anniversary
In 1776, not only did the 13 colonies separate from Great Britian, but Delaware separated from Pennsylvania as well. 250 years later you can celebrate help this semiquincentennial with a special blue, white and red license plate designed to honor both the State of Delaware and the United States of America.
One-time fee of $50
Delaware Equine Council
Promotes and support all segments of the equine industry in Delaware, and helps create a better understanding of what the equine industry means to the economy of the state. Support of 4-H equestrian activities, equine welfare issues, various breed and discipline activities, are just a few of the opportunities that will benefit from this program.
One-time fee of $50
Delaware State Education Association Centennial
Celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Delaware State Education Association by purchasing the Delaware State Education Association centennial license plate. One time fee of $15.00.
Delaware Sport Fishing – I Fish
Promotes fresh and saltwater fishing in Delaware and raises money for fisheries research, habitat restoration, and fish stocking.
One-time fee of $95
Delaware Sport Fishing – Sport Fishing
Promotes fresh and saltwater fishing in Delaware and raises money for fisheries research, habitat restoration, and fish stocking.
One-time fee of $95
Delaware State Fair
This 100th Anniversary plates benefits and celebrates the long-standing tradition of the Delaware State Fair.
One-time fee of $100
Purchase in Person at Any DMV Location
Delaware Greenwing
Supports the Greenwings Delaware Ducks Unlimited Fund to promote Youth and Conservation Day for the Delaware Ducks Unlimited youth members known as Greenwings. Initial fee of $50.00 and an annual $35.00 registration fee in addition to your normal registration fees.
Visit your nearest DMV location to purchase plate
Delaware Pride Council
Supports the United Way of Delaware Pride Council to support its mission to organize community resources to improve the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth, and adults in Delaware.
One-time fee of $50
Enviromental - Horseshoe Crab
Benefits the Delaware Center for Inland Bays, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Incorporated and the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Incorporated. These organizations use the funds for various environmental projects.
One-time fee of $50
Environmental - Lighthouse
Benefits the Delaware Center for Inland Bays, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Incorporated and the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Incorporated. These organizations use the funds for various environmental projects.
One-time fee of $50
Farmland Preservation
Benefits Delaware Farmland Preservation Fund which is used by the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation.
One-time fee of $50
Keep Delaware Beautiful
Benefits the Keep Delaware Beautiful Fund which helps beautify and reduces litter in the state.
One-time fee of $50
Marine Education Research & Rehabilitation Institute
Benefits the Delaware Center for Inland Bays, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Incorporated and the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Incorporated. These organizations use the funds for various environmental projects.
One-time fee of $50
Migratory Shorebirds
Proceeds from the sale and renewal of this plate go to the Delaware Ornithological Society Fund.
Initial fee of $50 with an annual renewal fee of $25 in addition to the vehicle registration renewal fee.
Purchase in Person at Any DMV Location
Plastic Free DE
Supports the non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce single-use plastic pollution and build a culture of zero waste in Delaware through educational programs, awareness building, and policy initiatives.
One-time fee of $50.00.
Stop Child Abuse
Proceeds from the sale and renewal of this plate go to the Protecting Delaware's Children Fund.
Initial fee of $50 An annual renewal fee of $40 in addition to the vehicle registration renewal fee.
Purchase in person at Any DMV Location
Suicide Prevention, Awareness & Support
Purchase the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention license plate to help raise awareness and support suicide prevention. Proceeds from the sale of these plates will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. There is a one-time purchase price of $50 for this specialty plate.
One-time fee of $50
Support Pollinators
Benefits pollinator habitat creation and conservation.
One-time fee of $50
University of Delaware Athletics
Supports the University of Delaware Athletics Community and Campus Recreation Fund.
One-time fee of $50
William Penn High School
Supports scholarships and community events sponsored by the high school.
One-time fee of $50
Organizations wishing to apply for a special license plate should appoint a member of the organization to work with DMV.
Please use the online application located under “How to Create a Specialty Plate”. Additional information can also be found in the brochure.
If you have a question about ordering a specialty plate, e-mail DMV Customer Service or call 302-744-2500.
