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Q: |
Who is responsible for introducing new specialty license plate proposals? |
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A: |
The Texas Legislature and TxDOT may both introduce new
specialty license plates.
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Q: |
How can my organization request TxDOT’s consideration for a specialty license plate? |
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A: |
Interested groups should submit an
application [pdf, 2 pages, 122kb]. Only not-for-profit
groups are eligible to apply. The two methods for requesting
a new specialty license plate are listed below:1.
Nominate a state agency to receive the funds from the sale
of your specialty plates and work with that agency to
identify how these funds will be used. The state agency will
receive $22 for the sale or renewal of each set of specialty
plates.
2. Request that TxDOT sponsor the specialty license
plate. The organization receives no revenue from the sale or
renewal of the specialty plates under this method.
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Is it possible to request that funds received from license plate sales be sent to a foundation for the benefit of the applying non-profit organization? |
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A: |
No. In order for a non-profit organization to benefit from
the proceeds from sales of its specialty license plates, a
state agency must agree to receive the funds and then
distribute them for the designated purpose.
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Q: |
What is the approval process, and how long does it take?
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A: |
Our
executive director has appointed a committee to review
the specialty license plate applications. There are a
minimum of two reviews annually in the spring and fall.
Plates tentatively approved by the committee will be subject
to public comment. After the 10-day comment period, the
executive director will make the final selections. You will
be notified of our decision in writing.
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Q: |
How many plates does TxDOT expect to approve each year? |
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A: |
We do not have a set number of plates to approve. However, we approve approximately two to four specialty plates each year.
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Q: |
What are some of the reasons a specialty plate application may be rejected? |
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A: |
We may exclude an application from consideration for the
following reasons:
- low projected sales or lack of statewide appeal,
- controversial, or litigations in other states,
- considered not to be cost beneficial to the state,
- partisan or misrepresentation concerns,
- design considered potentially offensive,
controversial, or inappropriate to the public,
- similar plate/design already exists,
- proliferation of specialty plates, workloads and
costs to the state,
- advertising/corporation,
- use of funds considered controversial or in
violation of statute/constitution,
- nominated state agency does not consent to receipt
of the funds, or
- other reasons.
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Q: |
If my organization’s specialty plate application is not approved by the committee, will it be considered again at a later time, or must we reapply?
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Q: |
If my organization’s plate is approved, what are the next steps? |
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A: |
If your application is approved, an $8,000 deposit by your organization will be
required prior to the plate being manufactured. We will work with your group
through the manufacturing process.
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Q: |
Will the $8,000 deposit be returned to the organization?
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A: |
Yes, under Texas law, once 1,900 plates are sold or renewed, the deposit is returned to the organization. The $8,000 deposit is used to offset the initial costs to produce, sell and distribute the plate. (Deposit and plate sale minimums were lowered by the Legislature effective September 2007 to reflect lowered production costs.)
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Q: |
Does TxDOT provide the plate design?
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A: |
The organization provides the preliminary design in accordance with our guidelines. We will coordinate the final approval of the design of the license plate. |
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