Proposed Specialty Plates
Information on obtaining a specialty license plate for your charitable
group.
Established Nevada non-profits (registered with the Secretary of State) or governmental
agencies may request a specialty license plate to generate financial support for public
health, education, or general welfare.
Quick Eligibility Check
- Non-Profit Status: Must be a registered 501(c) or government agency.
- Purpose: Must support the community with no commercial, religious, or political promotion.
- Financials: Must meet strict annual reporting and auditing requirements.
Choose Your Tier
Nevada utilizes a two-tier system. Applications are processed as openings become available in each tier’s “cap.”
| Requirement | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Surety Bond | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Total Plate Cap | 30 Designs | 5 Designs |
| Min. Active Registrations | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| Application Forms | SP 68 & SP 69 | SP 68A & SP 69 |
Note: Use form SP 73 for the Specialty License Plate Surety Bond regardless of tier.
Requirements
Artwork Submission
Proposed artwork may be submitted with the application, but is not required.
Budget Requirements
The application must include a budget with proposed operating and administrative expenses.
Legal Requirements
Non-profits must meet financial reporting requirements established by the Nevada legislative auditor.
Updates Required
The applicant must amend and update the application if a new budget is prepared before the plate is issued.
Approval Process
- 1 The DMV Commission on Special License Plates reviews applications.
- 2 A public hearing is conducted.
- 3 The Commission determines whether a plate should be issued.
- 4 Approved plates are placed on a list for production.
- 5 Plates are produced up to the maximum number allowed in each tier.
Production Process
Once a specialty plate has been approved for production, the sponsoring group meets with the DMV for guidelines on color, character placement and other plate requirements.
Design Submission
The group must submit its formal proposed artwork to DMV, which may ask for changes based on technical factors. Once the design is agreed upon, the department will produce prototypes.
Field Testing
The prototypes are submitted to the Nevada State Police for field testing for legibility. Upon law enforcement approval, plates are given final approval or rejection by the DMV.
Distribution
Sponsoring groups are typically issued lower-numbered plates and they may purchase souvenir plates for fundraising.
Final Approval
Production begins following the final approval. The DMV will distribute plates to its field offices, post the plate on its website and display cases in some offices.
Need More Information?
For further information, see the Specialty Plate Development Process (SP 69) and contact:
Fax
(775) 684-4797
Phone
(775) 684-4750
Mail to:
Nevada DMV
DMV Special Plates
555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711
Current Waiting Lists
First Tier
- Washoe County K9
- Battleship Nevada
- Friends of Nevada Wilderness
- Friends of Nevada Wilderness
Second Tier
No one currently on Tier 2 waiting list
Important Requirements for Organizations on Waiting List
Organizations waiting for their plate to be produced must amend their application to include any name changes or any change in the group for which funds will be raised within 90 days of the change.
Annual Plate Review
For information about plates which have already been approved and are waiting for production, please refer to the Annual Plate Review documentation available through the DMV.
When Your Plate Becomes Eligible
- When a plate on the waiting list becomes eligible for production, the Department will hold a public hearing on the application, then make the final determination on whether to issue the plate.
- The person who applied for the plate and the charitable group will be notified at least 30 days in advance of the public hearing, which is posted and conducted in accordance with Nevada law.
Annual Reviews
Annual Compliance Calendar
To keep your specialty plate active, your organization must adhere to the following fiscal and calendar year deadlines.
July 1: Annual Reporting Deadline
On or before July 1 of each fiscal year, non-profit groups must provide to the Commission and the DMV:
- Leadership List: Names of all persons responsible for overseeing the organization.
- Contact Info: Current address, email, and phone. Complete Special License Plate Organization Information Request SP-99 form.
- Budget Report: Description of how plate fees were expended and a list of recipients/awardees.
- Tax Records: A copy of the most recent Federal Tax Return with schedules.
- Public Disclosure: You must post your tax return on your website or in a local newspaper by this date.
September 1: Financial Statement
- Balance Sheet: Submit the Charitable Organization Special License Plate Balance Sheet SP-100.
- Bank Statement: A copy of the organization’s most recent bank statement.
October 1 – December 31: Registration Review
The DMV audits the number of active registrations to ensure you meet your tier’s minimum.
- Oct 1: DMV completes the initial review. If you are below the 1,000 Tier 1 or 3,000 Tier 2 threshold, you will receive an official notification.
- Dec 31: Final review. If the count remains below the minimum, the plate will be discontinued.
Understanding "Discontinued" Status
- The 30-Plate Cap: Nevada law limits the state to 30 total specialty plate designs.
- One Out, One In: When a plate is discontinued for low registration or financial mismanagement, it creates an opening for a new organization on the waiting list.
Audit Authority
The DMV Commission on Special License Plates may request the Legislative Auditor to perform an audit of a sponsoring non-profit organization if the Commission has reason to believe that:
- The organization has filed forms or records that are inadequate or inaccurate
- The organization has committed improper financial practices
- The organization has failed to use adequate methods to ensure money received from plates is expended solely for the benefit of the intended recipient
- An audit is necessary to assist the Commission in administering any provisions of the law
The Commission may recommend that a plate be discontinued if the Nevada legislative auditor determines that a non-profit group has committed any acts of improper financial administration. The sponsoring group will be given an opportunity for a hearing. The DMV makes the final decision. NRS 482.38279