For some Delawareans, it’s about to be the happiest time of the year.
No, it’s not Christmas. We’re talking about the release of low-digit license plates at the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, which the division announced would take place starting Nov. 14 this year.
Every year, typically in November, the DMV releases any available low-digit tags and people line up at their local DMV in hopes of snagging one of these limited numbers.
Why? Well, it’s a Delaware thing. Over the years, a certain prestige and tradition has built up around Delaware license plates with five digits or fewer, partially because owners of these older plates are eligible to apply for historical black and white replicas. You’ve likely seen these sleek black and white tags − either in porcelain or stainless steel − on vehicles around the state.
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Some of the lowest digits have even gone for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions.
For those who join the hubbub at the DMV each year, which is a free transfer of license plates, they often say that the sense of pride that comes with the plate… well, that’s just about priceless.
A different system this year
The DMV typically releases the plates at multiple locations throughout the state on one day, and it’s a first-come, first-served system. But this year is going to be different.
The division announced on Thursday that it would be opening a lottery for low-digit plates, and people can pre-register as soon as Monday, Oct. 31.
Here’s how it will work.
Starting on Monday, Nov. 14 through Thursday, Dec. 1, the DMV will randomly select a set number of winners for 12 days, appropriately titled “the 12 Days of PLATE-mas.”
There will be no drawings on weekends or on Thanksgiving or Black Friday. The final drawing will be held on Dec. 1.
How to register
Here’s the key: Everyone must pre-register to enter the lottery. Registration is open at 8 a.m. on Oct. 31 and will remain open through Nov. 13.
Individuals may register only once per driver’s license or identification card.
To register, visit dmv.de.gov/taglottery.
When people register, they will have to select the type of tag they want. Here are the options:
- PV – five-digit numbers only (under 10,000 pounds registered vehicle weight)
- T – Trailer (regular trailers – utility, flat-bed or non-camping trailers)
- PC – Passenger Car (under 10,000 pounds registered vehicle weight)
- C – Commercial
- RT – Recreational Trailer (camping trailers 5,000 pounds and over, not regular trailers – see above)
- MC – Motorcycle (above 55cc’s)
For those interested in receiving a five-digit, numbers-only tag, and the vehicle is under 10,000 pounds, the DMV advises they select tag type PV.
Important note: When people register, they must use the name and driver’s license and/or identification card that they plan to present to a DMV associate when claiming a low-digit tag. If there is a discrepancy, the request will be denied, the DMV said.
Also, the DMV reminds people that registration ensures people are entered into the lottery, but it does not guarantee that someone will receive a low-digit tag.
How many plates will be available
On each of the 12 days, the DMV will select winners for the following number of tags for each type:
- 240 – PV
- 60 – T
- 15 – PC
- 6 – C
- 4 – RT
- 80 – MC
What happens if you win
If you are selected, you will receive an email informing you of your good Delaware fortune. The email will include further instructions on claiming that tag, according to the DMV.
All registrants will also receive a lottery code, and they can check the daily winning codes on dmv.de.gov/taglottery or on the Delaware DMV’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
When winners complete their title work, they will receive a standard blue and gold license plate. Then, if their tag number qualifies, they can purchase a black and white tag separately through the Delaware Historic Plate Co.
Also note: The winner must apply the new tag to their vehicle no later than Feb. 28, 2023. There will be no extensions, and tags cannot be placed on hold.
The owner is responsible for all applicable fees, according to the DMV. Specialty tags, background tags, stainless steel tags, and porcelain tags have additional fees.
As a disclaimer, the DMV also reserves the right to modify the tag number as assigned due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
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How to purchase a black and white tag
Anyone with a qualifying low-digit license plate can purchase a black and white porcelain or stainless steel tag through the Delaware Historic Plate Co. at dhptags.com.
That website also has more information about qualifying tags and the history of low-digit plates.
Here’s a brief synopsis:
For a porcelain plate, the number cannot be higher than:
- 86999 (with no letters in front: eligible example – 63040)
- C9999 (eligible example – C8000)
- Dealer license plates can only be ordered at a DMV facility and cannot exceed D9999 (eligible example – D2131)
- MC9999 (eligible example – MC3333)
For a stainless steel plate, the number cannot be higher than:
- 200000 (with no letters in front: eligible example – 145300)
- PC9999 (eligible example – PC8290)
- C50000 (for example, your number is C40590)
- Dealer License Plates can only be ordered at a local DMV facility and cannot exceed D9999 (for example, your number is D7490)
- FT9999 (for example, your number is FT7390)
- T9999 (for example, your number is T8293)
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches, with a focus on health-related issues. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
