Charleston, W.V. — July 4, 2026 marks the Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. West Virginia DMV has released a limited edition license plate to mark the occasion.
“It’s wonderful that the DMV has made available this license plate commemorating the 250th anniversary of our great nation, and to allow the citizens of West Virginia to show their patriotism,” said Transportation Secretary Todd Rumbaugh.
Governor Morrisey unveiled the plate at a ceremony at the Culture Center at the West Virginia State Capitol Complex on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, to officially kick of West Virginia’s celebration of the 250th anniversary.
“We’re so excited to kick off all things America 250 in West Virginia, and this commemorative license plate is a great place to start,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “This is such an important milestone for our country that we plan to honor and celebrate accordingly.”
In celebration of the United States 250th anniversary, the license plate design features stars, stripes and fireworks in a way that is uniquely West Virginian, with the New River Gorge Bridge and mountain scenery below a night sky. Available for a limited time only, the design makes use of bright colors which provide a distinctive look even at a distance.
“From the hollows to the mountaintops, this license plate is not only a testament to our country, but a memorial to the men and women who have served and sacrificed so that America remains free,” said Division of Motor Vehicles Commissioner, Everett Frazier. “This is not just a license plate. This is an opportunity to be inspired by their lives, to remember them, and to have pride in their contributions to keeping us free.”
Here’s how to get the plate:
The new, limited edition plate will be available at all DMV offices within the state by the end of the week. The plate is available on a first come, first serve basis, with no personalization or special characters. Guests returning an existing license plate for the new one will receive credit for the time still available on the old plate. For this reason, guests are advised to get their plates either in person or by working with a customer service agent through the call center at (800) 642-9066, where their prorated amount can be calculated. Guests receiving their plates at local DMV offices will receive them the same day.
The mission of the Division of Motor Vehicles is to provide essential motor vehicle and driver services, facilitate interstate travel by promoting reciprocity for West Virginia vehicles and drivers in other states, promote highway safety, and collect revenue for highway maintenance and construction programs. For more information and tools for motorists, visit the DMV website.
