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Support MSHI with a Washington License Plate!
Available August 19, 2026
The Mount St. Helens License Plate is almost here!
There's something special about Mount St. Helens. Maybe it's the dramatic landscape, the incredible wildlife, or the way this place continues to surprise us decades after the eruption. Whatever draws you to the monument, now you can take a piece of it with you—on every drive.
A Plate That Gives Back
The Mount St. Helens specialty license plate showcases the iconic landscape we love—complete with the mountain's distinctive profile and one of its most charismatic residents, the mountain goat. It's a head-turner, but it's also so much more than a great-looking plate.
Every Mount St. Helens license plate provides funding that directly supports the Mount St. Helens Institute's work at the volcano, including:
- Youth education programs that connect the next generation to this remarkable landscape
- Community science initiatives that help us better understand the monument's ongoing recovery
- Trail maintenance and restoration that keeps these spaces accessible for all
- Volunteer programs that bring people together in service of this special place
Whether you're a regular visitor to Mount St. Helens, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates Washington's extraordinary landscapes, this plate is a way to show your support—and make a tangible difference—every time you're on the road.
Available August 19, 2026
Mount St. Helens License plates will be available for purchase August 19! You can get your new plate on dol.wa.gov or by visiting your local Department of Licensing office.
- Decide what you want on your plate: the next available number or a personalized plate.
- Understand the initial costs (see web page for details)
- Submit your payment and application form (available online August 19) to a licensing office or mail it to the DOL
Important notes:
- If your tabs expire in 6 months or less, you can save money by getting your new plates and tabs at the same time. By renewing early, you won't have to pay the following plate renewal fees the first year:
- $30 for specialty plates
- $42 for personalized plates
- If you have a Good to Go account, you'll need to update your license information
- Plates will need to be renewed annually
For more information about special plates in Washington State, visit Washington Department of Licensing's Special Plates page.
Plate Auction
Want a low number plate? MSHI is auctioning off the first 25 numbers (VM00001-VM00025)! The online auction will be held July 11-14, 2026. Watch your email and our social media channels for the link!
FAQs
Timeline and purchasing
When can I purchase a Mount St. Helens license plate?
The plate will be available for purchase through the Washington State Department of Licensing on August 19, 2026.
Can I pre-order a plate?
Unfortunately, no. Plates may only be purchased once they are available for sale through the state. MSHI will be auctioning a limited number of low number plates before sales are public, so stay tuned for that opportunity!
How do I purchase a Mount St. Helens license plate?
Once they are available for purchase, you can get a new plate by:
- Visiting https://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/license-plates/get-custom-plates/special-design-plates.
- Click on the Mount St. Helens license plate once it is available.
- Contact your local vehicle licensing office for current fees.
- Fill out the special license plate request form linked on the web page.
- Mail the application and initial payment to the address on the form.
How much do the plates cost?
In Washington, the plate is connected to the registration fee, which varies by type of vehicle. The special plate is $40 initially and a $30 annual renewal, plus other state fees. Contact your local vehicle registration office for more information.
MSHI receives $28 of the annual fee for the special plate.
My vehicle tabs are expiring soon. Can I order a new plate before they expire?
Yes, if your plates expire after the plate is publicly available, you may request a new plate to replace your expiring tabs.
I purchased a vehicle earlier this year and have not yet received the new plates. Can I cancel that order and get a Mount St. Helens plate instead?
Unfortunately, no. There is no way to cancel an existing plate order.
Once the plate is available, how long will it take to receive the plate once I apply?
Once the plates are in production and the application is received, it takes 7-10 days for the Department of Licensing to send out the new plates.
Out of State purchases
I love the plate but live out of state. Can I get one?
The state will only issue plates to vehicles that will be registered at a Washington state address but the registered owner can live in a different state.
Other FAQs
Can I get personalized characters on my Mount St. Helens plate?
Yes! Want your plate to say something special? There is an additional fee. Please visit https://dol.wa.gov/vehicles-and-boats/vehicles/license-plates/get-custom-plates/personalized-plates for more information about personalized plates.
Are low number plates available?
Yes! MSHI will be auctioning off the first 25 plates (VM00001 through VM 00025). Stay tuned for more information.
Is the plate purchase tax-deductible?
Yes, the portion of funds that go to the Mount St. Helens Institute ($28/year) are tax deductible.
