A day before his 120th birthday, the Springfield Museums honored Dr. Seuss with the best gift ever: the official launch of a Massachusetts license plate honoring his legacy!
Although there is no limit to the number of plates that can eventually be ordered, the current process must be suspended for a short time so RMV and the state can begin manufacturing the plates, which will take 6-8 months.
The deadline to apply for a Dr. Seuss plate online this year is March 31, 2024 (mail-in applications and checks must be received by March 28). After that, plate orders will resume in early 2025 through the RMV’s online service center.
Questions? Call 413-314-6458, or email seussplates@springfieldmuseums.org.
- When did the Dr. Seuss specialty plate campaign begin?
- I think I applied for a plate, but I’m not sure; how can I check?
- How much does a Dr. Seuss specialty plate cost?
- How much do the Springfield Museums earn from each plate?
- Now that I’ve applied for a plate, when will I get it?
- Can I request a certain number for my plate?
- What about numbers 1-99?
- How many specialty plates are there?
The Museums launched this campaign in March 2019.
Not to worry! Please reach out to seussplates@springfieldmuseums.org or call 413-314-6458 to confirm your application.
The cost is $40 each, plus a plate swapping charge. Depending on timing, your regular registration fee might also apply. For all Massachusetts license plates there is a bi-annual renewal fee.
The first time the plate is ordered, the Museums get $28 and the DOT gets $12. Each time those plates are renewed (for $40), the Museums get the entire $40. The proceeds support the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, which opened in 2017.
It will take about 6-8 months to manufacture the plates and ship them to RMV branches. You will be notified by mail when your plates have been shipped to the Registry of Motor Vehicles branch of your choice. At that time, you should bring your registration and current plates (if applicable) to the branch. (There is a $25 plate swap fee plus any applicable registrations fees due at the time of plate pick-up. These fees will depend on your current plate number and expiration year. For instance, your current plate may expire in August of 2024. If your new plate expires in January of 2025, the registration system will charge you an additional amount for the extra time you receive on your registration.)
Yes, you may choose plate number 100 or above, if available (some numbers have already been reserved).
These low-number plates will be offered separately at an auction at a future date.
The Dr. Seuss plate will become the 34th specialty plate in the Commonwealth and will soon be available on the DOT website as an option in the regular vehicle-registration process.
If you’re not a Massachusetts driver and would like to support our mission, head to our Donation Hub to learn more ways to contribute!
Buy a gift certificate for someone you love so they can complete the application. This gift certificate allows you to purchase a Dr. Seuss specialty license plate as a gift for another motor vehicle registrant. The plates are not yet available but will be soon.
Simply purchase and we will send you (or your recipient) an application and cardboard replica plate for gifting. The recipient is responsible for filling out the application and sending it in with the gift certificate.
Note: Once the application is submitted to the Registry of Motor Vehicles fees are unable to be refunded. Gift recipient will be required to pay their normal registration fees, plate swap fee and applicable taxes at the time of plate delivery.
1. Fill out the information requested on the electronic or printed form linked above.
2. Completed applications must include a $40 payment for the special plate fee. Major credit card accepted. Make checks payable to MassDOT. (Checks will remain valid for one year and will not be cashed until 750 pre-orders have been received.)
3. Manufacturing of the plates will begin when 750 pre-orders are collected. Once the plates are in production, the special plate fee is non-refundable. It will take approximately 6 to 8 months to manufacture the plates and ship them to the branches.
4. Do NOT send applications and payments to the RMV. Send application and payment to:
Springfield Museums
Development Office
21 Edwards Street
Springfield, MA 01103
5. You will be notified by mail when your plates have been shipped to the Registry of Motor Vehicles branch of your choice. Bring your registration and current plates (if applicable) to the branch at that time. (Note: There is a $25 plate swap fee plus any applicable registrations fees due at the time of plate pick-up. These fees will depend on your current plate number and expiration year. For instance, your current plate may expire in August of 2024. If your new plate expires in January of 2025, the registration system will charge you an additional amount for the extra time you receive on your registration.)
6. If you are putting your plate on a newly acquired vehicle, you must pay applicable sales tax, title and registration fees at the time of registration.
7. Registrations must be renewed every two years.
8. These special plates are available to Massachusetts residents using one of the forms linked above only. License plates will use randomly assigned numbers only.