Info Needed on Ham License Plates

[AA7BQ]

Does your state offer distinctive callsign license plates to amateur radio operators? #If so, we need to know how much it costs in your state.

Editor's Note: Thanks for all the messages and responses regarding this topic. #I've already received over 100 emails and am overwhelmed by the response. #Please don't write me about this subject unless you have a specific strategy for helping to change the law in Arizona. #thanks, #-fred

A group of hams in Arizona is currently trying to get amateur radio license plates brought back in our state. #About 5 years ago, the AZ state legislature folded amateur radio plates into the regular Vanity license plate program. #Before the merger, AZ ham plates cost $10 and it was a one-time fee. #Transferring them to another vehicle cost nothing. #The tags were available to all licensed amateurs and served well for years.

In 1996, however, Arizona decided that ham tags were vanity tags and so now it costs $25 PER YEAR to maintain an amateur radio license plate here. #There is no 'Amateur Radio' plate per se, here they're viewed as just another vanity plate. #Needless to say, many Arizona hams dropped their callsign plates (me included) rather than pay the rediculous and arbitrary fee.

Fundamentally, vanity license plate fees are nothing more than a money-hungry state legislature's attempt to setup a carnival booth atmosphere where passers-by can get their fortunes told over-and-over again for a handsome fee.

Let's put it right out on the table: #Once a license plate has been manufactured by cheap prison labor, it costs NOTHING to maintain the number it displays in a state database. #There is no cost justification for a yearly fee whatsoever. #The only excuse that a state government has is that they need the money in the general fund and they see vanity plate holders as easy targets for a shakedown.

Our plans are to review the license plate policies in other states and present a sensible program to the Arizona legislature. #Past efforts have failed when the politicians asked how much money they would lose by reducing the fees. #Their backwards logic sees nothing but the loss of revenue from reducing fees to amateurs. #It's a moot point, however, since few amateurs sign up for it anyway.

We're asking everybody for their suggestions on what the best and proven arguments are for creating a sensible amateur radio license plate program, what the rules (and fees) currently are in your state, and any other advice you may have. #Also, could you please tell us if your state's plates contain the words 'Amateur Radio' or if non-hams are supposed to recognize that the numbers are ham callsigns?

Thanks in advance for your help,

-fred #AA7BQ

[w8aii]

The state of Ohio BMV charges an additional $10.00 for the privilege of having amateur callsign license plates. Unfortunately it is a yearly re-occuring cost to the amateur...

Good luck... de Al/W8AII

[map4jc]

NC DMV offers a plate to "anyone with amateur radio call letters" for $10.00 in addition to regular license fee.

NC DMV Amateur Radio Operator Special Interest license plate (http://www.dmv.dot.state.nc.us/VehicleRegistration/specializedlicenseplates/a/amateur_radio.html)

[W5HTW]

New Mexico. #Apply for standard license plate at standard fees. #Once the plate is issued, apply for amateur radio license plate. #Cost is $3.00. # Thereafter, renew only the amateur license plate, while retaining the other standard plate (at home or in the trunk of your vehicle) #in case you ever want to drop the ham plate #Ham plate renewal is at standard fees, there is no additional $3.00 per year. #If you ever want to drop the ham plate and return to the original, you may do so by renewing the original registration and the hamplate will expire. # #

Up until a few years ago it did not say AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR on the plate. #It has now, for probably four years or so, printed beneath the call sign in much smaller print, of course. #

Vanity plates here are, I believe, $35 per year, and there may even be a special one-time "start-up" fee, but I'm not sure. # Of interest, there could be identical vanity plates in New Mexico and in Arizona, but if you get a ham plate, it is unique in the entire world! #

Good luck. #Ed

[k2rqa]

New York charges 5$ per year on a 2 year registration
term. The plate shows a tower, amateur radio and cq in morse.
73's Don k2rqa

[W4CHL]

North Carolina has simple "special interest" plates with "Amateur Radio" atop and the call sign on the plate for an extra $10/year. This is the same rate Firefighters, Civil Air Patrol, and Antique Vehicles pay, see:

http://www.dmv.dot.state.nc.us/Vehicle....io.html (http://www.dmv.dot.state.nc.us/VehicleRegistration/specializedlicenseplates/a/amateur_radio.html)

Legislation is pending to drop that to no extra cost, but it has not passed in previous years in part because other "vanity" tags are more expensive in this state (say for specific college alums) and NC is in a severe fiscal crisis brought on after 9/11.

73 de Mark W4CHL

[KR6ER]

California, has HAM plates too. They do not say anything on them and they are considered special interest plates. I think after September 11th all the HAMS should lobby their local State Rep's and get bills passed that would require the DMV to issue special plates to HAMS that would say Amateur Radio on them and then your callsign, and the fee would be a one time fee only.

[W8UFO]

From the Illinois Secretary of State website:

-----Snip-----
Ham Radio license plates are available for amateur radio operators. The license plate number assigned is the call number assigned by the Federal Communications Commission. For law enforcement purposes, the number zero (0) is the designate. The plate features the words "Ham Radio" in navy blue on the left side.

To apply for this plate, one must provide a legible photocopy of a current FCC license. The request can only be processed in Springfield. Apply in person or mail the proper documentation to:

Secretary of State
501 South 2nd
541 Howlett Building
Springfield, Illinois 62756

Initial Cost: $82
Annual Renewal Fee: $78
-----End of Snip-----

Given the cost, it's no wonder why we don't see more of them here.

[N6TGK]

Additional information for CA... while CA is the one of the most expensive states (if not THE most expensive state to live in) and they over-charge for everything, especially vehicle registration, the fee for an amateur radio call sign plate is a one time fee which is for the issuance of a new plate. I'm surprised CA hasn't changed that considering how greedy they are. While I might not like the way AZ (or other states for that matter) handle call sign plates, I do like how AZ handles it's registration process. It's more efficient and less expensive than it is here in CA.

One interesting thing about call sign plates though... most law enforcement officers don't know how to run the plates. Here in CA there are several methods used for running a plate, depending on what kind of plate you have. In this case, if an officer or dispatcher were running a call sign plate they would type in DP H N6TGK (using my call as an example). But most officers try to run them as vanity plates which would be a slightly different command. If they try to run a call sign plate as a vanity plate they get a message stating "info not on file" so I get pulled over sometimes because they think I have a fake plate. Since I used to be a dispatcher for the local sheriff's department I'm familiar with how to run the plate and tell them how to do it and then they're able to get my information with no problem. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[w8tvi]

In michigan the Ham plate is only $2 extra one time fee.

I'm told that there is a new MI Ham plate but I cant tell you anything about it. becouse I have no info on it.

I got the Bridge plate that was an extra $5

Noel W8TVI

[ab0nf]

Colorado has ham license plates for $2.00 application, then additional $2.00 each year thereafter.

I think they're green letters on white background with "Amateur Radio" written somewhere on them.

Colorado Amateur License Plate (http://www.mv.state.co.us/titlereg/registration/plates/24.html)

AB0NF

[kb0hnr]

Missouri - Ham call plates look just like the vanity, but require filling out a different form.

$15 every year, no special designation on the plate. Other special 'interests' have an emblem on the left 1/3 of the plate. The ham and vanity plate look just like the normal issue.

It used to be that the color scheme for vanity plates were gold on black (MU colors), and our ham plates were the 'regular' color scheme, white on maroon. You could as least then tell it was NOT just a vanity plate.

But now, all plates are blue letters with white background which fades to a light green right at the bottom. They all look the same.

Well, except the vanity plates for our senators and representatives...which are now black on gold. (hmmmm)

-Kurt
KB0HNR

[N2RJ]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (k2rqa @ Mar. 10 2002,09:58)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">New York charges 5$ per year on a 2 year registration
term. The plate shows a tower, amateur radio and cq in morse.
73's Don k2rqa[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
New York also charges $18 for initial issue of the ham radio plates in addition to the $5 renewal fee. The form is available at :http://www.nysdmv.com/forms/mv411.pdf

We're classified under "emergency services". More information is at:
http://www.nysdmv.com/emerg.htm

You need to show them a copy of your FCC license in order to get ham plates.

73, Ryan AB2MH
New York NY

Pa charges a one time fee of $20, and a wait of about 6 weeks to ge the plate. If transfered to another car, you must pay the transfer fees. Hams can also order a second plate with their callsign with a one behind it, K3RT-1.

[W7WV]

Yes, I have AZ "Ham plates" on my truck. And I was disappointed when they came and said nothing about Ham Radio on them.
People look at it as just another vanity plate and scratch their heads trying to figure out what I'm trying to say. Rather disappointing but I shoud have looked into it before I ordered them. I may drop them when it renews next year.

[fixitman]

In Oklahoma you must get the form from a VE the tag office does not deal directly with Amateur Radio vanity plates. Here an amateur radio plate is an Alias. If a Cop looks up your callsign plate he will get info on the regular plate. You still have to pay to renew your regular plate as well as $3 to renew the vanity plate. You pay the original $4 to get the plate then just renew your regular plate and not have to pay the $3 renewal fee on the vanity. I learned this from experience. ;)

[k8tmk]

Michigan charges only $2.00 over the normal plate fee for amateur plates. One of your other respondees stated its a one-time fee, by I believe it is a yearly fee. After several years of being able to obtain our callsigns on license plates, Michigan has finally added the words "amateur radio" down the left side of the plate. Before that, it just looked like an ordinary plate with a "funny" number. The new plate is available in plain (blue letters on white plate) or the graphic "bridge" plate. I have the bridge plate.

K8TMK

[ojisan0]

Georgia does not charge for Amateur Plates.

73 Bill W4OM

[KC2HZL]

Ham Radio Operators
Must show copy of FCC license.
$18.00/$5 Custom Plates Unit only, use
application form.

[NX4O]

Good Afternoon, Fred:

In Florida, one must be a Florida resident and submit an application (form HSMV 83041) directly to DMV in Tallahassee that includes all the standard vehicle information (year, make, model, Title #, Vin #, current tag #, and current decal #), a copy of your current FL insurance card, copy of current registration certificate, a copy of your Ham license, and the total fee of $19.00 ( $5.00 special Amateur Radio license plate fee + $10.00 original license plate fee + $2.50 service charge +$1.50 mail fee ). Of course, the standard registration tax applies determined by the Regular Use, Vehicle type, and License Plate inventory code ( whatever that is).

The Tag that is issued will be " ...inscribed with the official call letters of that amateur radio station and "Amateur Radio" embossed on the bottom of the license plate, ...". Vehicles must be owned or leased by the applicant and those that qualify are:

1. Automobiles
2. Trucks weighing 5,000 pounds or less
3. All recreational vehicle-type units which includes travel trailers, camping trailers, motor homes, truck campers, and private motor coaches.

I hope this helps your efforts.

Don, NX4O

[k7udt]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif yes, like Fred said, we are being smashed in the face, I dropped my plates, this week, and now, I only pay $15,/yr. not $81, for 2 yrs.,, also, they did not charge me for the "new" plate, so,, also, we gave our "all" for these yo-yo's, WWII,Korea,"NAM",, and they turn around and hit us in the mouth, with political "jargon", like, it's our fault, that the plates are so high, well, we were never given the chance to "vote", on the subject, it was "snaked" through, under some paper work,, so, all you Az. buddys, let the "boys" in the "big" house know how we feel, remember, the machine never stops grinding, and we are in the way,so we pay.......Doc.B.K7UDT........

[W0MTW]

Minnesota charges a one time fee of $ 10.00 and the plate stays with the person for as long as he/she wants the amateur plate. Minnesota vanity plates are a one time charge of $ 100.00 .

[WB2PIC]

Virginia charges an additional $1.00 per year.
Not bad at all.

73 Charlie

[KC5KQ]

Fred; In Texas we can get our call on Amateur Radio plates for an additional fee of $1.00. They do say "Radio Operator" on the top with call letters in blue below on a white background. I guess we are lucky that Texas has not raised the fee. We don't even have a state income tax. Hope the above two conditions don't change soon. 73 #Mark http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kc0fcl]

Hello fred, Kansas offers the plate to a ham for .50 cents
in addition to the rugular licensa fee per year

Conrad kc0fcl

[kc5weg]

Texas:

It costs $2.00 for the initial application fee, and then it is an additional $1.00 to your annual registration fee. #TxDOT sends you a seperate letter with a seperate envelope for you to send them a $1.00 payment about 2-3 months before your registration expires.

I personally think the Ham Radio plates here could look a bit better. #There is a copy of the application in PDF format and a picture of our Ham Radio plate at the following URL:

TxDOT Amateur Radio License Plate Information (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/vtr/reginfo/spplates/specialplate.asp?radioop)

Hope that helps.

73 de Jason, AD5IB

[KB1GYQ]

Connecticut -- $16

see http://dmvct.org/sipamat.htm

Plate is as normal CT plate except has lightning bolt instead of a dot between the symbol groups.

[K4ZAC]

In Tennessee you can get an Emergency plate with your ham call on it and pay the same as the regular plate.
It is not considered a Vanity plate, althought you could get a vanity plate with your call on it for extra $$$.

http://www.state.tn.us/safety/licen2.html

[kb9zzw]

Actually, Illinois initially charges $4.00 more for ham plates than the randomly assigned (standard) plates.

Ham plates are:
$82.00 initially, then $78.00 annually.

Standard plates are:
$78.00 initially, then $78.00 annually.

The bottom line is that it is negligibly more expensive to have ham plates than standard plates.

[K3HVG]

Maryland. Ham and standard plates are $70-80 for a two-year term.
New tags are issued every 5-7 years or whenever the Governor realizes that the
plates are rusting off cars...... MD "vanity" tags do require a surcharge,
so Hams get a break on that. Originally, Hams had to pay for the "extra dies the
State had to buy" in support of ham tags.

[KD7LRJ]

Utah charges $10 one time - no annual fees.

Of all custom plates in Utah, Ham plates are the least expensive.

The plate has white background with dark blue callsign letters and red letters for "Utah" at the top. #There is a picture of an antenna tower with red "waves" coming out of it that says "Ham Radio" under it. #It also says "Amateur Radio" underneath the callsign itself.

# ...Doug

[n0abc]

Colorado is SUPPOSED to charge $2 extra per year, but so far (knock on wood) I was only charged the fee for the first year. The newer ones have the letters, SCL, vertically on the left, I think to represent "Special Call Letters". Unfortunately, they do NOT indicate Amateur or Ham Radio on them. I get way too many questions like, "What does THAT mean??" and "Do you 'know your ABC's'?". It's frustrating, and SCL sure doesn't help on the newer plates!

Also, I wish Colorado (and all states) would allow for additional vehicles, with NØABC - 1, 2, 3, etc. And, since I'm at it, they should all make the slashed zeroes available, as Colorado does. The state of Washington just happened to use N0ABC as their example (http://www.wa.gov/dol/vehicles/tr-spp.htm#Amateur) before I obtained this call, and they sure didn't slash the zero!

What we have here is a failure to communicate - to our state legislators. It sure would be nice to have some common sense and uniformity (at a reasonable cost) applied across the country. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

I didn't mean to vent so much!

[Kx1x]

Massachusetts -- http://www.state.ma.us/rmv/index.htm

They are considered vanity plates here, for the annual registration fee of $50 in November, regardless of what month you got your plates. So if you get your plates in October, $50... then another $50 in November.

When you buy them, however, instead of the regular $50 vanity plate fee, they charge "ONLY" $20 for ham plates. This plate fee is in addition to the registration fee ($50) and a plate swap fee if you are trading in other plates.

Other non-vanity plates pay $40 / 2yrs registration, and, of course, no charge for the plates themselves.

One odd thing about the Mass ham plates though, is that you can only have the "ziggy" after the number,
so unfortunately, mine looks a little lopsided... KX1%X (where the % is the lightening bolt). I would have preferred it to be KX%1X. For a 1x3, 2x3 or 1x2 callsign, it looks ok...

'73 de Kx1x

[N4NB]

In Virginia:

$1.00 Extra!!!

In Virginia Amateur Radio license plates are considered a public safety plate and cost $1.00 extra per year (standard issue plates are $25.00) for a total of $26.00 per year.

[w0ktx]

From the Minnesota DOT website:

Amateur Radio: These plates carry the call letter of the owner's station ( e.g., KAØABC). #They may be issued to passenger class vehicles or self propelled recreational vehicles (any gross weight). #You can have your call letters made up for a maximum of two vehicles. #The second set must be clearly marked with a "-1." #The vehicle and the FCC license must be in the name of the amateur radio operator's name and he/she must show their FCC license at the time of application.

Initial Plate Fee: $10
Duplicate Plate Fee: $14 (double plate) $10 (single Plate)
7-Year Replacement (Passenger class only): same as Duplicate Plate Fee
A $7.00 filing fee is also due with each application (Filing Fee change effective July 1, 2001.)


Minnesota seems to be quite reasonable. You still have to pay the reqular registration fees, but there is no annual fee, only a $10 one time fee. Also, there is nothing that indicates the plate is a Ham plate. 73! WØKTX

[k7sub]

Wyoming has a $30 fee that covers a period of 8 years which boils down to $3.75 a year. There are a couple of advantages we have, first you can have your call on both a passenger vehicle and a truck since they are two different classes of plates. Second, vanity plates still have the county number prefixing as do the normal paltes---ham plates do not have a county number which causes a lot of people to try and figure out just what they are.

Good Luck, Bob K7SUB

[n8ary]

Looks like we have it good here in MI. The legislators must see that getting almost everyone to sign up for 2 dollars is better than 5% signing up for $25-80 per year. Maybe I'll never move from MI. The extra $5 applies to ALL plates if you get one of the graphic designs. Mine's just the blue and white one that was $2.

N8ARY

[KD7LAH]

According to the Oregon DMV here are the details:

Oregon DMV Sample and Regular Issue Plates (http://www.odot.state.or.us/dmv/vehicles/sample_plate.htm)

Plate Fees: $3/set
Additional Fees: $5 (one time fee)
Available for: Passenger, Motorhome, Moped and Motorcycle.
Available In: Yellow Background or Salmon design.

Salmon plates have an additional $30 fee again at renewal. #Additional fees go to the Governors' Watershed Enhancement Board and State Parks.

So you can guess which version I have.

[n7uk]

Washington state has a one-time $10 charge for both ham and MARS plates. Motorcycle plates are also available for the same price. The background is the same as the standard-issue plates, no references to amateur radio or MARS.

73 - Kirk N7UK

[va3ay]

In VE4 land they charge $12.50 to de-register the old plate and $12.50 to re-register the HAM plate. But to renew the plate is free and if you are lucky initial issue is free.
I personally think with all the public service we all do..it should be free throughout.
..former VE4UX and now VA3AY.
de Bill es 73/

[k1qs]

ham call plates are considered vanity plates in Maine, too, and they cost fifteen dollars a year!

[va3ay]

Me again..
In VA3/VE3 land the initial issue is $25.00 extra for a "personlized" plate. It is much less than others that want a "personal" plate. The plates last as long as you want. No special difference appearance ..except to other HAMS..heheh...but they offer RAC logo.
de Bill es 73/

[redwords]

Here in MA, The "VANITY" fee is 20 per a year for the plate opposed to a regular fee #of 50.00 #must have your photocopu of your ticket with call, and applies for private, commercial or motorcycle. #I am applying today. they donot say amature or ham but have a lightning bolt after the number. #ex my call #N1/ GOD #/=bolt
73
Lou
N1GOD

seems nx1x has a bit more insight on page 4 read his post

[n2ojq]

Georgia HAM plates are not only FREE, we do not have to pay the annual plate charge that is about $30. (They call 'em "Tags" down here)
This is due to the fact they are under "public service" and are exempt from the yearly fee. So move to GA, get you ticket, and save money!
The ARRL has a nice summary for all states at;

ARRL Ham Plates (http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/local/plates.html)

Ernie
N2OJQ

[ke1bz]

In Rhode Island they are free to get and there is no extra charge per year but I am sure this won't last long, being in RI. You actually have to show your license at the time of request.

[AD7R]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif In Washington State: one time fee of $9.50, must request form from DMV.If tabs are expired you must pay renewal fee and $9.50. Send DMV copy of ticket and registration, then pay annual standard tab renewal fee after that, mines $32.00 yr. Plate shows call sign only.Old plate is retained, can transfer ham plate to other vehicles again once paper work is resubmitted.


Tom/AD7R

[KG4EAP]

Amateur Plates in South Carolina are an additional $2.00 for the two year period.

73!
KG4EAP
Russ

Florida does offer a amateur radio plate and it says "Amateur Radio". Here is a copy from their web site (http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/specialtytags/faqplatesa.html#12)

I am an amateur radio operator. How do I get a amateur radio plate for my vehicle?

These plates may be ordered on automobiles (private or lease), trucks weighing 5,000 pounds or less and all recreational vehicle type units. The fee is an additional $5 for the original application and $1.50 each year thereafter. Submit the application, copy of the amateur radio license issued by the FCC and proof of Florida insurance to your local tax collector's office for processing. It takes approximately two months to receive the plate from the manufacturer.

Here is the link the form. http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/forms/radio.html

Thanks,
Paul
N4WGL

[n7xei]

Washington State charges a one time fee of $10 to get the plates and $10 if you transfer them to another vehicle. There is no additional yearly cost.

However, there is also no moniker saying Amature Radio or anything at all. Maybe we can change this...

73's
Sheldon

[WA1RI]

Here in Rhode Island the sost is a one-time fee of $10. Interesting thing is that the Ham call can be put on all kinds of vehicles, the base for the plate is whatever the vehicle is, car truck camper etc, and the registration is based ion that. I have a 3/4 ton pickup truck, normally a Commercial plate although I don't have it for commercial use. The ham plate cost me that initial $10 and nothing later. The twist however is that a commercial plate is normally 1 year at a time renewable in March. Ham plates are two years renewable in June. So, as a Ham plate I don't have to deal with the normal 1 year renew. I aslo surprised many friends that insisted I could not get a Ham plate on a pickup!

[w4fn]

Tennessee. Standard license plate was $23.50 per year last I checked.
No extra charge for "amateur" plate. Plate has callsign across the body
with "Emergency" across the bottom. Requires copy of license and a
simple form be sent to Nashville.

Warren - W4FN

[NV4B]

Alabama amateur radio plates are an additional $3 over the normal license plate fee.

73,
Christopher, NV4B

[N0NB]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kc0fcl @ Mar. 11 2002,11:51)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Hello fred, Kansas offers the plate to a ham for .50 cents
in addition to the rugular licensa fee per year

Conrad kc0fcl[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I just happen to have my Kansas renewal information in front of me.

Kansas charges $1.00 per year regardless of whether a new plate is issued or just the yearly sticker placed in the upper right corner. For example a new plate was issued to me last year and this year I'll get the sticker.

Kansas does not put amateur radio or any other special designation on the plate. The year sticker number begins with the letters ARO and that is the only special designation on the plate. Essentially, the call sign replaces the SAM 123.

Way back when we had an interesting system that included a two letter abbreviation for the county the vehicle was registered. Now that is a sticker applied to the upper left corner. By tradition, amateur radio plates lack these county stickers as they are considered to be a state issued plate. This has supposedly caused some problems with under-educated patrol officers (so the rumor mill says).

When aplying for the plate, one must present a copy and the original amateur radio license. That day you'll be issued a SAM 123 plate until the DMV gets the ham plate, typically a 3 to 4 week wait. Then you must turn in the SAM 123 to receive the ham plate.

If you change calls or vehicles you must turn in the old ham plate to the DMV then display a SAM 123 until the new plate arrives. No, you don't get to keep the old plate either! This is a bit silly when transfering the tag to another vehicle, but hey, rules is rules.

As in interesting aside, an amateur may have two vehicles licensed with the same call so long as one is registered as a car and the other is a light truck (regular or farm, doesn't matter). Two cars or two trucks can't share the same call.

Since I've moved since the last time I renewed my registration, I'll find out if I have to go through the tag trading routine. Bleh!

[wa9rhu]

if illinois could require your grandmother to have license plates it would be 78 bucks too,i guess all the free work amateur radio does we should start charging for our sweat sometime soon. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[kb8sfc]

Ohio Ham radio plates
http://www.state.oh.us/odps/division/bmv/ham_rdio.html

[nq6g]

Here is the California code for Ham plates
Amateur Radio Station Licensees


5005. (a) Any person holding an unexpired amateur radio station license issued by the Federal Communications Commission may, after the requirements for the registration of the motor vehicle have been complied with, also apply directly to the department for special license plates, and the department may issue special plates in lieu of the regular license plates. The special license plates shall be affixed to the motor vehicle for which registration is sought and, in lieu of the numbers otherwise prescribed by law, shall display the official amateur radio station call letters of the applicant as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission.

The applicant shall, by satisfactory proof, show that he or she is the holder of an unexpired license.

(b) The department shall not issue more than one set of special plates for any licensed amateur radio station.

&copy; In addition to the regular fees for an original registration or renewal of registration, the following special fees shall be paid:

(1) Twenty dollars ($20) for the initial issuance of the special plate.

(2) Twelve dollars ($12) for the transfer of the special plate to another motor vehicle.

NQ6G

[W2NJS]

The District of Columbia does not issue amateur radio callsign license plates as such. #(With only about 500 or licensed hams in the jurisdiction it probaby doesn't make much sense to set up a special group, but it would still be good to be recognized.) Rather, you can order a vanity plate for a startup fee of something like $25 and then pay an annual surcharge (I think it's $10) thereafter. The plates don't say "amateur radio" or anything similar. The new plates do carry the legend at the bottom, "TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION."
As Dave Barry would say, I am not making this up; that is what the license plates now carry in DC.

Tom, W2NJS
Washington DC

[w5wz]

Getting Ham license plates in Louisiana

1. Call the LA DMV office in Baton Rouge, Prestige Plate Unit (225) 925-6364. Ask for Lillian.

2. Tell her that you want to order a ham operator license plate. She will ask for your current license plate number on the car you want to put the new ham plate on.

3. She will tell you how much it will cost. It is $26 for the custom plate, plus a handling fee, and also some for the 2 or 4 year registration. My total was about $48.

4. You will need to mail a photocopy of your current vehicle registration, a copy of your FCC issued ham operator's license (showing your CURRENT callsign), and a check for payment to:

Office of Motor Vehicles
Prestige Plate Unit
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, La. 70896

5. You'll receive a notice from the DMV confirming your order. It will take about 2 - 3 months to actually receive your plate. Mine was mailed to my home.

--Scott, W5WZ

[kb9tyc]

Wisconsin - http://www.dot.state.wi.us/dmv/amateur.html

http://www.dot.state.wi.us/dmv/images/amradio.jpg

Wisconsin's plates look like normal plates but say "Amateur Radio" on the bottom. #All you have to do is send your title, a one time fee of $15.00, a copy of your FCC license, and a written request for the plates to the state. #After that you pay the normal yearly registration fee.

You can register as many vehicles as you want with an amateur radio plate. #

Very easy to do although I notice the fee went up $5.00 since my friend got his plates in August.

73,
Paul KB9TYC

[k3jdp]

Alabama charges $3.00 over the regular tag price.

[wlkell]

WEST VIRGINIA
If I remember right I only paid $5.00 for my renewal of my Amateur Plate. We have a very nice design that was contested throughout the AR community.
Good Luck getting yours!!!

[w2fdr]

Add New Jersey, the Garden State, to the ranks.... requires 10.00 and proof of FCC lisense.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvs/specalF.htm

[k3bh]

In VERMONT, the fee is a one time fee of $10, unlike regular vanity plates where the annual fee is $20. The plate shows the call sign and a stylized antenna.

I would not have bought it if it were a recurring fee.

[mbyorick]

VA charges an extra $1.00 a year. But you must have FCC documentation for proof of a license and you must have a permanently install radio in your vehicle. If the radio comes out for more than 30 days the tags must be turned in.

[n6tuj]

texas was extra $2 one time fee and washington is &10 one time fee oregon was $25 one time fee i think

[kc0idi]

In Kansas it's an extra $2

[N0PV]

South Dakota

There are amateur radio plates available in the state.
They are an additional $10.00/yr above the normal registration. You are also required to have the standard plates in the vehicle at all times.

They are distinctive in the color. The lettering on the plates for amateurs is red as opposed to the blue lettering of standard plates and standard vanity plates.

[K0TMH]

North Dakota has $5.00 fee for ham plate with call
sign, one time fee however applies again if vehicle
is changed.

[W4KTN]

In the State of Georgia, there is no additional fee, Just the ad velorem tax. All one has to do is fill out a form and provide a copy of your FCC license. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KG7HQ]

Hello,
Here in the State of Wasington the HAm vanity plates are $9.00. All I had to do is fill out the forms and submit a photo copy of my license and a check for the above amount. Three weeks later, I had my new plates on my car.

73's de KG7HQ

[kb0vwj]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Minnesota offer ham plates for a $10.00 fee. This is the same as if you purchased any normal plate. After that there is no additional charge to have these plates. I have ham plates and I also have Gulf War plates. They are considered the same and are not considered vanity.

Sounds like your state is trying to stick it to the hams.

Mel
KBØVWJ

[KD7MSB]

Nevada offers armature plates for $36. And a $10 annual fee but they also offer a waver to the annual fee if you agree to assist during emergencies.

[URL=http://nevadadmv.state.nv.us/platesorganization.htm]

[KG4RXT]

On the outside occasion that someone from SC hasn't popped in here, here's what I've found out...

SC amateur license tags cost 2 dollars above the normal tag registration cost.

I intend on updating my Jeep's tag whenever I get a chance to either a) get to the DMV to pick up a pamphlet, or b) can figure out a way of printing the form from the internet on 8.5x14" paper.

Until next time,
Grayson
KG4RXT

[K6MMC]

ARRL Has a nice summary page of all this information.

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/local/plates.html

[n7wsb]

Ahh last but not least - Oregon charged me 8$ - they are tranferable and last time I recalled you had to pay that fee each time you transfer the plate to another car - but that is a one time fee.

Oregon's ham plates are yellow background with dark blue letters - I heard though the more recent ham plates you can get with the salmon or the tree in the middle.

Personally I like the yellow background/blue letters because A) the cops ignore you (seriously!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif and B) I think they are easier to read.

[K4GVN]

TX - cost $2.00 the first year (same as CG Auxiliary, CAP, Firefighter etc) then $1.00 each additional year.

Plates are replaced every 7 years (?) due to wear on the reflective surface.

Additionally, you still pay the $50-75 dollars yearly "tax" for the registration of your vehicle so the additional cost is only $1.00.

[KB3GUT]

Maryland: Amateur plates are $5 per year. You must also have a regular plate, for which the fee is $35 per year. (Amateur plates are not vanity plates, which are $25 per year plus regular plates.) Your "old" plate remains in force and you can switch back to the regular plates whenever you want--no need to notify the state. You can also transfer your amateur plates to a different car--but you do have to notify the state for this. The plates have the legend "Amateur Radio Operator" along the bottom. Use a special form (the same form for vanity, but has a special block for amateurs). Looks like a vanity plate except for the "Amateur Radio Operator" legend. You can also have a dash number suffix if you want to have mamateur plates on more than one car. You do have to present a copy of your ham license. Available as a handicapped plate, too!

Since I intend to retire to Arizona next year, I hope you have success! As you build your case, tell the legislators that I am willing to pay a nominal extra annual fee (say, $10) for amateur plates but I will not pay that exorbitant vanity fee.

[map4jc]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (W4CHL @ Mar. 11 2002,09:06)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">North Carolina has simple "special interest" plates with "Amateur Radio" atop and the call sign on the plate for an extra $10/year. #This is the same rate Firefighters, Civil Air Patrol, and Antique Vehicles pay, see:

http://www.dmv.dot.state.nc.us/Vehicle....io.html (http://www.dmv.dot.state.nc.us/VehicleRegistration/specializedlicenseplates/a/amateur_radio.html)

Legislation is pending to drop that to no extra cost, but it has not passed in previous years in part because other "vanity" tags are more expensive in this state (say for specific college alums) and NC is in a severe fiscal crisis brought on after 9/11.

73 de Mark W4CHL[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I think the fiscal crisis in NC has more to do with the Hunt Administration, the greedy collection of taxes from Federal retirement pensions they had to return, and Big Brother Mike's pursuit of lawsuits over those illegal tax revenues into the ground. The budget was a mess in the Old North State long before 9/11 ... and it will be until sometime after we elect a GOP governor (a real one like Leo Daughtry) who knows what we really do need to cut in the budget! All that...IMHO. Mark

[kl0bx]

In Tennessee, there is no extra "fee" such as in Vanity plates
also no yearly fee.
says "emergency" below the callsign.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[w5hx]

Fred:

In Georgia, "Amateur Radio" is printed vertically, in two lines, on the left side of the license plate, with the call sign centered. #As previously advertised, the cost is ad valorem tax, which decreases with vehicle age.

Unlike Texas, and a few other states, having an "installed and regularly used transmitting and receiving set" is not a requirement.

Make friends with your governor.

Good luck!

Vy 73,

w5hx

[W1LIC]

Here in Maine you can get your call on your plates upon showing a valid amateur license at BMV. #The plates are not amateur radio plates but are just the same as any vanity plate. #There are different types of plates that are available as vanity plates so you can get your call on regular passenger car, commercial, motorcycle, veteran, conservation, and University of Maine plates.

Wes W1LIC

[va3tsg]

hello all,
in the province of Ontario ham plates cost 32.00 plus tax..vanity plates are well over 200.00..
hope this helps......ted VA3TSG toronto.

[kb9tjv]

Indiana has it's ham license plates under the "vanity" plate system for $10 over the regular cost. It does not have any pictures, or wording to show that you are a radio operator. Just your call sign.

[n5fld]

New Mexico has a special Amateur Radio Plate.
It costs $3.00 per year.

For more information see NM MVD Chapter 16,
2.# Radio Call Letter Plates (HAM Radio) 66-3-417:
NM Special Plates (http://www.state.nm.us/tax/pubs/mvdvehicle16.htm)

Unlike with some states, New Mexico does not require
an amateru radio to be carried in a vehicle with an
amateur radio plate.

The NM amatuer plate looks like a regular NM red on yellow
plate with "AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR" bellow the callsign.
I have a picture of my plate on my web page:
N5FLD (http://www.nmia.com/~bsavage/n5fld/n5fld.html)

Good Luck, Bill-N5FLD

[n0meq]

For the state of NE the cost for amateur plates are $5.00 but of course we still pay the regular cost of the plates as everyone else. These are not considered vanity plates.

The plate only gives the call letters with nothing written below or above indicating amateur radio. It would be doubtful our CRACK unicameral would consider "Amateur Radio" being written on the plate somewhere!!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[kc0lex]

Here in Kansas we have a special application Amatuer Radio tag for $1.50/year. it does not have the normal county sticker as it is a state-wide tag. That has caused a few hams to get pulled over by an officer that doesn't know better. Much more economical than a vanity tag and it is the only way in Ks you can get the correct zero, Ø. They are designed to let Law enforcement know who has mobile communication ability without relying on landlines.

73's
Matt

[N8CP]

New Michigan Amateur Radio Plates available now.

You can download the application at the following URL

http://www.sos.state.mi.us/doc_frm/#vehicles

[W4OAE]

Here in PA. the cost of a plate is $35.00. #I'm inclined to think that isn't a big deal. #The $25.00 cost you mention is the cost of a cheap meal these days in a restaurant. #Bite the bullet (no pun intended) and skip a meal and get the plate.

[N5SSG]

Texas. The ham tag fee is $2 per year for any number of vehicles....in addition to the cost of the vehicle's regular tag.

But I'm sure it's only a matter of time before the legislators discover ham tags as a possible revenue source and raise the fees.

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (wa2ted @ Mar. 11 2002,19:36)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Add New Jersey, the Garden State, #to the ranks.... requires 10.00 and proof of FCC lisense.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvs/specalF.htm[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Right. NJ is a $10 one-time-fee for HAM plates. But all you get is the call. No antenna, no 'Amateur Radio', no nothing.

I also tried to convert my ham plate to a USS NJ plate, but they wanted me to first 'convert' it to a 'vanity' plate at a cost of $50 (one-time). Bad enough the USS NJ plate is the most expensive of NJ's 'special' (meaning they carry an annual fee - supposedly donated to the cause you're advocating on the plate) plates.

Didn't mind the USS NJ plate charges, but the extra $50http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[KA5TJW]

Mississippi has a nice looking amateur radio tag with the drawing of a tower on it. There is a one time fee of $15.00 and requires a copy of your license. The tag is transferable.

[n4jem]

The state of tennessee is your call sign with emergency on the bottom of it at a cost of the regular tag no extra costs.
thanks
n4jem

[kb2luv]

New York offers a very nicely designed amateur radio license plate. They are in the same special category as Firefighters, police, judges, Civil Air Patrol and the like. In 1990 the first set of ham plates cost $10.00 one time, plus $5.00 per year in addition to my regular registration fees. They changed designs and charged a $13.00 one time fee to upgrade to the new design. They are changing designs again and it will cost my wife and I $ 5.50 per set to upgrade to the latest design (which the state is mandating, as the old designs are going to become obsolete). Although this may seem expensive, it is a lot better than the $50.00 one time and $25.00 per year that New York charges for regular vanity plates. Good Luck on getting the state of AZ to reinstate Ham Operator Plates!

[w2fdr]

New Jersey Call Sign License Plates to Bear "Amateur Radio" Legend:
Starting in February, New Jersey amateurs will be able to request call sign license plates bearing the legend "Amateur Radio," thanks to an amendment to the state's existing call sign license plate statute. The amendment was signed December 28, 2001, by then-acting Gov Donald DiFrancesco.

[AH7MI]

Hawaii allows you to get ham plates issued through the Civil Defence agency. $10, one time fee. Just got to remind the people at the Satellite City Hall (Hawaii's "DMV") that it is a civil defence plate and not a regular Vanity, Vanity plates are Yearly Charge. There is also a little certificate that comes with the plates that says that they are for Civil Defence.

Daniel-AH7MI/4

[KL1GM]

Hi thare up here in Alaska we have a good Amateur plate program, The plates are free and so is the regastration if you have a general license and a Hf rig on five bands in the car. Here is the link to Alaska DMV # # #Alaska DMV Ham plates (http://www.state.ak.us/dmv/plates/amradio.htm) #

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #Hope this will help
# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # Kl1gm

[ab9eg]

Hello, Indiana Bureau of motor vehicle charges an annual fee of $9.00 for an amatuer license plate. This plate can be purchased at any time of the year at our local license branch. IN plates do not display anything that indicates Ham radio. An applicant for the amatuer plate must bring a copy of the FCC amatuer license to the branch as well as a copy of the current registration or drivers license. The bureau will fill out the application and collect the fee. An applicant will receive notification by mail when the plate has been received at the branch.
Personalized plate fees are substantially higher at $45.00 and can be reserved from Oct. to Dec. for the next year. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[k5cu]

The state of Arkansas charges an additional 2.00 per year for a license plate with your call sign.

[WB9CAC]

Indiana charges $3.00 for a Ham Radio call plate. It is renewable each year. When you pick up the plate you also reserve/buy the plate for the following year. Everyone, depending on the first letter of your last name gets new plates the same time each year, so you will know approximately when your plate is available.

[VE2LHP]

In Quebec,
Initial cost is 25$, and there is no reccurent cost after.
The words "Amateur radio" or equivalent is not written on the plate. And in Quebec there's no other vanity or personalized plate, amateur radio is the only group who can have special plates.
The principal argument is for reconnition on emergency situations. All the others type of plates where suspended, even the MDxxx plates for doctors.

Hope this will help you,

73, Pierre VE2LHP

[K5LMW]

The Great State of Oklahoma, charges $3.00 annually for the Amateur Radio license plate. You have to maintain your regular plate and pay it each year in addition to the ham tag. Since the plates are so cheap here, we encourage all amateur radio operators to move here and enjoy wide open spaces for antenna farms, no smog, and cheap plates. Ya'll come now, ya hear?
Larry
K9LMW
(By the way, as a long time police officer, I never had to stop and issue a citation to any vehicle bearing an amateur tag, and I wrote lots of tickets in the years on the streets.Way to go, hams!!!!!http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k0sdh]

From Minnesota - Agree with previous MN messages; one time $10 extra fee beyond/in addition to regular plate fee.

Disagree w/ MN prev. - Now ham plates state "Amateur Radio" across the bottom center of plates.

Good luck in AZ - Barry would have been proud of your efforts!

[Bombino]

Hello, here in Florida I paid a one-time $5 fee for my tag. It has my call sign stamped in large letters and stamped in small letters at the bottom of the plate are the words "Amateur Radio". It is also tranferrable.

Here is the URL for my state's plate providers:

http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/dmv/moreforms.html

Jorge
KC4SHS

My name is Jim Coolidge KC7OUL. I live in Lewistown, Montana. We have Amateur Radio Plates. The cost is $25.00. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KG4PHE]

Georgia has no initial tag fee for the amateur plates nor does it have a renewal fee for the tag. The normal tag fee of $20.00 is waived for amateurs. #Then from what I understand, the tag can be transfered to another vehicle if desired. Georgia's #tags also have Amateur Radio vertically on the left hand side and the amateur's call sign centered on the plate. I applied for mine in Feburary #and #I should get it in 60 days. I hope this helps you out any and good luck to getting the vanity tag in Arizonia Reinstated. #

Good Luck and 73's. Lee KG4PHE

[w4pqk]

West Virginia has ham plates. #To left of call sign is a tower with CQ DE printed in text AND cw beside the tower. #Under the call sign between the mounting holes a red strip about an inch high has Amateur Radio written in white. #Attractive plates.

I've had my plates for 6 or 7 years and don't remember the details of cost but don't think renewal costs anything except the normal charge.

73, Jess, w4pqk

[VE2LHP]

OOppppsssss!!!

I forgot to say, in Québec, you also have to pay for the yearly cost of immatriculaction. The cost is variable depending of the weigh of the car. I pay 255$ yearly for my Subaru Impreza : 104$ for the immatriculation and the balance is for the insurance and administration. #It can also get #very costly if you have made a certain amount of infraction within the last two years.
To get your HAM plate, you got to order them from RAQI (Radio Amateur du Québec Inc,) and them after two or three months, go to the vehicule bureau with your ham certificate to have them registred. You have the plate as long as you are radio amateur.
You don't need to have a radio (ham) in your car.

Pierre , VE2LHP

[n6yvy]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif The reason we only have a one-time fee is because when they put vanity plates Ca wanted to charge a fee. But one ham sued the state saying we've had call plates 30 plus years before vanity plates and took it to the Supreme Court and they ruled in our favor. But he was trouble maker. But it is a good thing he was or we would be paying extra for our plates........
So there is a test case if you want to look it up.... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k3hz]

Some notes re non-US licence plates:

West Malaysia - unavailable;
Singapore - unavailable;
Solomon Islands - unavailable;
Australia (VK3) - approx $260 once off charge;
Australia (VK2) - approx $1 per day lease charge;
Australia (VK8) - $50 once off charge;

[kd7jym]

Sorry to make this longer than it already is, as I see some folks from Washington already replied. I however would like to add a couple points.

I just got my plates in November, and I called the state DMV(called DOT here) prior to that to ask how I should go about getting them since there was no form for ham plates on their website.

A nice guy there(imagine that, a nice guy at the DMV) told me to fill out a vanity plate application and write "amateur radio plates" accross the top, and send it in with a check for $9.50 and a copy of my license. If I recall correctly, the money is not a fee for having ham plates, but rather a $7 charge for them making the new new plates themselves(which they would charge if you were just getting new regular plates for some reason) and the remainder is transaction fees. Presumably if you were to request the plates when getting the first set of plates for your car, you would pay no more than for plain old normal plates.

Ham plates are not vanity plates here(they charge a lot for those, $40/yr I think). Not only are they not vanity plates, but you aren't allowed to get vanity plates that follow the format of an amateur call sign.

They also issue MARS plates with the same requirements, except they want to see your MARS license and not your ham license.

The plates look just like regular plates except for the unmistakable callsign on them. Unfortunately there isn't anything special on the plate to tell the uneducated what they are looking at.

Another bit...the licensee must be the registered owner of the vehicle(same goes for MARS plates). They don't let you get your callsing put on plates to go on your SO's car unless your name is on the registration.

Also, you only have the privledge of having such plates as long as your amateur license is valid. If you let your license go, you are not supposed to have the plates any longer. I have no idea how they enforce this, but it only seems right.

One final bit, they don't waste much time getting them to you. I mailed the application in on the 6th of November I think, and the envelope with the plates in it was postmarked the 14th. Pretty cool since they are made special just for you :-)

73s,
Robert KD7JYM
Seattle

[ve7ngr]

Not a state - but in British Columbia (Canada), ham plates are free. The design is the same as regular plates (vanity plates have a different design). They do not say "Amateur Radio" or anything on them - they look just like regular plates, but they have your callsign on them.

The reason for free ham plates is the emergency communications role that amateur radio plays - it indicates that you are a ham and have radio equipment in the vehicle.

73, Brian
VE7NGR

[AC7HI]

When I got mine a year ago here in Washington State they were $9.00. Down from $10.00 in years previous. You need to contact the WA DOL for proper forms, need current registration amd a copy of your liscense. Takes about 2 weeks from time copies and payment mailed in. Thes are not vanity plates in Washington so there is no additional annual fee other than your normal tax and liscensing. Otherwise a vanity plate costs an additional $30.00 per year to fund the Dept of Wildlife.

[k3sam]

I checked with PA. last night (800) 932-4600 and they do hold and have amateur radio plates. You can only get one with proof of your ham call, and they cost $20 (one time fee), then the regular renewal fee yearly after that. Your call sign is protected from someone else grabbing it. Just fill out form MV-904 and it is downloadable from the PA site ... www.dmv.state.pa.us

73 - Sam
K3SAM

[K3HVG]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KB3GUT @ Mar. 12 2002,06:55)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Maryland: Amateur plates are $5 per year. You must also have a regular plate, for which the fee is $35 per year. (Amateur plates are not vanity plates, which are $25 per year plus regular plates.) Your "old" plate remains in force and you can switch back to the regular plates whenever you want--no need to notify the state. You can also transfer your amateur plates to a different car--but you do have to notify the state for this. The plates have the legend "Amateur Radio Operator" along the bottom. Use a special form (the same form for vanity, but has a special block for amateurs). Looks like a vanity plate except for the "Amateur Radio Operator" legend. You can also have a dash number suffix if you want to have mamateur plates on more than one car. You do have to present a copy of your ham license. Available as a handicapped plate, too!

Since I intend to retire to Arizona next year, I hope you have success! As you build your case, tell the legislators that I am willing to pay a nominal extra annual fee (say, $10) for amateur plates but I will not pay that exorbitant vanity fee.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Hmmmm...I don't think that's quite correct. Years ago, one had a dual set of plates but now you get only a regular, vanity, or special plate (ham). I just paid my current renewal fee, $70, for 2 years... no option for one year. Renewal is just the same as for a regular tag, no special paperwork. Again, unlike vanity tags, there is no extra charge for ham tags, per se.

[n0ykx]

Iowa charges an extra $5 per year for Ham Plates on top of whatever it costs for regular plates. #It's treated like a Special Interest plate and not a Vanity, which costs more. #

There is not indication of Amateur Radio on the plate, Just your call with a slashed zero if appropriate.

[wd4kdt]

I am in Georgia, and the fee for the Amateur Tag is $0.00. #In fact, there is no charge to have the tag manufactured nor is there a annual tag fee. #The only thing we pay is the ad valorum tax on the vehicle. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Illinois

Ham plates are $82 for the first year, $78 to renew. Regular plates are $78 so the only charge is the initial $4 fee to get your plate.

It is a little inconvenient, you have to write a special office in Springfield, and I hear there is quite a wait to get them but you can't beat the price! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k0iet]

Tennessee - There are no extra charges for a "HAM" plate. All that is required is to fill out and submit a form, along with a copy of your license to the County Clerks Office in the county you reside in. In about 6 weeks you will receive your "plate". The plate is also marked "Emergency" across the bottom of the plate. So it does not fall into the "Vanity Plate" category but into the Emergency Vehicle category. The charges are the same as that of a standard license plate.

Larry Walker
K0IET

[k8pnw]

An additional note for Michigan: an attempt to add Amateur radio to the Vanity plate system at a cost of $25.00 passed the Senate 33-0. Mail from a well organizged plan by amateurs exceeded the number of letters each represenative recieved on an abortion bill. The preposal was soundly defeated in the house roads and bridges committee and many senators were back pedaling their descision.

[w5etm]

Hey, folks from Texas let's get it straight (the first couple from Texas I read had wrong info in them),

Texas charges $2.00 for the initial plates, you can get the same set for 1 or 2 cars (2 cars would be 2 x $2 or $4). #The plates belong to the operator, if you change vehicles all you have to do is send in a form (it's the same form as the inital application form, there is a space for vehicle change) and tell TxDOT what the vin, make,and model of the vehicle the plates are currently on.

Replacement plates are $1.00 if lost or stolen or unreadable.

The plate renewal is $2. #TxDOT will send a letter 3-4 months ahead of renewal, send them a check and they send back a letter that you take with you to the county tax collecor when you reregister the vehicle.

The plates are white with Radio Operator in blue across the top of the plate and call sign in blue.

According to the rules, you are suppposed to maintain a radio in the vehicle, either mobile or portable, while displaying the plates. #I don't know anyone who has ever been asked to show the radio, but I guess it could happen.

Ed, W5ETM
Fort Worth, TX

[k1xv]

In New Jersey, there is a one time fee per set of plates of $15.00. #(It used to be $10.00) and the plate will now say "Amateur Radio". #Before, it said nothing that identified it as an amateur radio plate, other than the call sign.

If you have a call less than 5 characters, you can get multiple sets of plates. #For example, I have two cars, and my plates are "K1XV" and "K1XV-2".

Once you have the plates, the annual registration fees are no different than for any other kind of license plate.

Ray #K1XV

[na7cj]

In PA, the fee is an additional $20 for Amateur Radio specific plates.
de N3IEC
Craig

[w3jjh]

There is an additional benefit to getting Amateur Radio plates in Maryland. When you go to the MVA for ham plates, you are sent to the special services line. At the Beltsville MVA the normal line was over 100 long when I got my tags. The special sevice line had *no one* in it. The hours saved waiting in line are worth more than the 5 bucks per year for the special plates.

[N7QH]

I moved to AZ from WI.,and I was surprised to find that the policy was the way it is. #Wisconsin allows free amateur plates, aside from the regular price. #I agree about the State govt. just fleesing us. #I feel with all of the civic and volunteer work hams do, we should get a break on the price for amateur plates. #Imagine what the state would have to pay for state employees to do what we happily do for free. #Another point is that in the state of AZ, we only recieve one (1) licence plate, cutting the cost for manufacturing in half!
N7QH

[k7in]

Nevada - Charges $25 initial fee and waives $10 of that if you sign an affidavit stating you are available to assist yoru community during emergencies. Interestingly, we have about four times as many people with plates that say "radio amateur" with their call signs than we have signed on for ARES and RACES put together.... #Hmmm....

It is my opinion that ALL the states should make amateur call sign plates the same as a regular license except for a one-time set up charge. #There should be no renewal fees added each year. This would at least compensate those of us who are active in emergency communications to some degree. #I think I like Georgia's better... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

73, Paul - NN7B
Nevada Section EC

[k7in]

Nevada - Charges $25 initial fee and waives $10 of that if you sign an affidavit stating you are available to assist your community during emergencies. Interestingly, we have about four times as many people with plates that say "radio amateur" with their call signs than we have signed on for ARES and RACES put together.... #Hmmm.... #Also, there is an annual fee of $10 but, that is waived with the affidavit presented with your renewal registration every year.

It is my opinion that ALL the states should make amateur call sign plates the same as a regular license except for a reasonable one-time set-up charge of say, $10.00. #Renewal of the same plates should be free and there should be no re-issue charge if transferred to another vehicle.


I would like to see this become an initiative throughout the whole contry for states that do not do this already or, their fees are outrageously high such as Illinois has. #Maybe we could start the ball rolling on this item just as we have the PRB-1 adoptions....

73, Paul Cavnar - NN7B
Nevada Section EC

[KC9AZH]

In Indiana there is a five dollar fee for a call plate every time you renew your licence plate. I have not yet gotten a call plate but plan on it. They are really cool.


KC9AZH, Andrew
73's

[W1OA]

New Hampshire does not have Ham Radio Plates. Hams do have their calls on their plates, if desired, but they are treated as Vanity Plates for an annual fee of $25 above the costs for a regular registration. There have been several attempts to get "Ham Plates" but in all instances they have been shot down by an influential state official. Last year was the latest attempt. The state does have distinctive plates for others such as Veterans, Purple Heart, National Guard etc. These officials don't seem to realize that hams can help out in times of natural disasters. What better way for a public safety official to spot a ham than to see the distinctive plate.

73,
Allan, W1OA

Fred,

I just checked for the latest fee for a ham plate here in the state of WA. It is $9 and no renewal fee. Here is the link to the site that explains qualifications etc.
http://www.wa.gov/dol/vehicles/tr-spp.htm#Amateur
You can check out the other personalized plate options here also. From the replies I have read here, sounds like we have it good. Don't know how long it will last as the state is hurting for funds.
Hope the info helps.

Don
KC7OO

[gabbertm]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (aa7bq @ Mar. 11 2002,08:31)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Does your state offer distinctive callsign license plates to amateur radio operators? #If so, we need to know how much it costs in your state.

Thanks in advance for your help,

-fred #AA7BQ[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
In Virginia there is no additional fee or setup charge for a Call Sign Plate. #An image may be viewed here:

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/exec....dnm=HAM (http://www.dmv.state.va.us/exec/vehicle/splates/info.asp?PLTNO=&idnm=HAM)

mike
kb5hsa
richmond, va

[ac7dx]

In Oregon it was $8., but they are UGLY!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[k9dea]

Georgia Ham License Plates are a grand total of $0.00. Good Luck gentlemen.

[n0jan]

North Dakota

The previous post from North Dakota was incorrect. #No service charge first time plates are issued, however, a service charge of $5 is due each time plates are transferred to another vehicle. #A copy of current FCC license must be submitted or on file with the Motor Vehicle Division. #Amateur radio plates bearing the owner's call letters are issued. #There is no annual service charge other than the regular license fee. #The plates do not contain the words 'Amateur Radio' or anything else to help non-hams to recognize that the numbers are ham callsigns.

Doug # N0JAN

[pab8248]

Hello all,
I have not checked in a while but here in West Virginia they charge you the same fee as they do for a Vanity plate. The fee is 45 dollars per year. There is not an extra fee to get one besides the yearly vanity fee. Hope this helps. Phil Beckett AB8ME

[n7uk]

When I made posting on the 11th about the cost of WA plates, I first called a DOL drone who quoted me $10 for the privilege. It sounds like they can't make up their minds whether it's $9, $9.50, or $10.

Given the condition of Washington state's coffers these days, I'd get my plates pronto before somebody in Olympia decides to bump up the fee some more.

- Kirk N7UK

[kb5ehp]

For TX, we make a $2.00 app fee to the TX Dep't of Transportation, which is sent to our prison plant to be manufactured, then, a notice is sent to the applicant indicating the finished plates are being shipped to the applicant's County Tax Assessor/Collector. After a week or so, we call the Tax Ass. Off. to
verify receipt there, then, when we go pick them up, we pay the standard fee for a set of lic. plates. Thereafter, there's supposed to be a $1.00 fee on top of the regular renewal fee.
73 de KB5EHP

[K9TFX]

Kentucky:

Need to fill out form KRS 186.177 at the county clerks office, fee is $37
(state) + $3 (clerk) for a total of $40 every five (5) years. The wait time is approximately two weeks. The plate is considered to be a Special Plate, not a Vanity Plate.

--Marcus Barici, K9TFX

[K9OXX]

Indiana has a 2.00 yearly fee plus the normal
cost of the plate for the vehicle but it doesnt
say anything like amateur radio

[nz6q]

In Georgia there is no fee for the Amatuer Call Sign plate - it is actually a fee dollars less then a regular plate as i think there is a tax that is waived.

The plate does clearly state Amatuer Radio.

[K5LAD]

The amateur tag law in Oklahoma preceeded the vanity tag law by at least a decade and is an entirely different law with different fees and different rules. #I've had ham tags for about 40 years and just got my new ones yesterday. #
To get a tag, the forms are available from almost any Tag Agent's office and if you got the tag the #year before, they will send you the next year's form each year. #To get a brand new tag, the cost is $4 and, although Okla. only uses a single regular tag, the ham tags come in pairs with one for front and one for the back. #Once you have an Okla ham tag, which does have the words "Amateur Radio" on it, you can renew them each year for $3, which gets you two update stickers for your tags. #You must carry your regular tag with you in case you are stopped because even though the policeman can get info on you under the call letters, some want to see one of those "real live" regular tags (voice of experience).
By the way, you can get a brand new set of clean metal tags each year for the $4 fee, only a dollar more than the renewal stickers. #If you like to keep a collection of tags from many different years (like I do), it is worth the extra dollar. #The only disadvantage to this is, it takes a bit longer each year since they have to get the boys in the state pen to find some extra time to crank you out a new set. #We seem to have enough of those folks who have sufficient time on their hands to do the job so it's not a problem.

[KT5UT]

IN TEXAS THE SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES SAY AMATEUR RADIO OP. AND THE ADDITIONAL FEE --- ABOVE THE NORMAL REGISTRATION FEE --- IS $2 FOR THE FIRST YEAR AND $1 FOR EACH FOLLOWING YEAR

[KO6HA]

CALIFORNIA

California has a one time charge of $21 for a Ham Plate. A Ham Plate is assigned to the individual and is transfered from vehicle to vehicle. A personalized plate is $40 to $50 each year.

[KL7XP]

Alaska gives us ours free if we jump thrue all the hoops like carry a hf rig capable of transmitting on 5 bands, hold a general class license, send in the proof of documentation etc. If not all the requirements are met you pay like a vanity fee. It is easy to meet the requirements though and it saved me about $40 bucks a year, even the registration free is waived and i saved a few dollars for the 20 years i lived there. A couple of times the proposal to start charging for tags was discussed but then a dasaster like a earthquake or the big flood or something would come and the Hams would be running emergency traffic, even for the military and the idea of charging for plates would be dropped. I have myself had to run emergency communications in remote areas like airplane crashes, gold mineing accidents, vehicles broke down at -40 below 0 so yes ham radio is a very important asset in bush Alaska. #73`s Orbin Smith KL7XP.

[SM0ETT]

CQ Fred,
You should be glad on your side of the pond!

Here in SM-land since 10 years we have vanity plates,
6 letters or numbers, as you wish). and the cost is
5 000:- SEK(abt 500$http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif for 5 years!

HAM-sig plates are considered as ordinary vanity plates, BUT our national society SSA has requested the registra-
tion authority to isue HAM-sig plates only to registered HAMs.

Crying over 10$ once and for all is really McScrougie!

Cu dwn Log! 73 de SM0ETT/Hans http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[kb9whp]

Wisconsin charges $10 for the initial application; plate renewals thereafter are the same cost as "regular" license plates.

Wisconsin's plates do say "Amateur Radio" underneath the call sign.

[N7US]

Lloyd,

I moved back to Arizona from New Mexico in 1999 and was shocked at the $25 annual cost. What's worse is that it's $25 to switch from one vehicle to another. I switched them from my truck back to my car in October for $25, and now that another person in the family will be drivng that car switched it again for another $25.

I think the point that got lost on the legislature is the emergency service purpose of the plates. In the old days, before vanity plates, we had about the only special plates, and authorities knew what they were. Now that our role as emergency communicators has been pretty much eliminated by good public safety systems and cellular (sorry to be blunt), it's tough for us to convince anyone of the public service need anymore.

Jim N7US

[n2nz]

A bit more info on New Jersey Ham plates:

Callsign plates are issued by the "Volunteer License Plate" department that also issues Firefighter, First Aider (rescue squad), and EMT plates. A new law covering Ham plates was signed on 12/28/01 and went into effect 01/27/02. It covered basically three areas:

1. It added the words "Amateur Radio" to the plate (previously it was just your callsign).

2. It raised the fee from $10.00 to $15.00. Firefighters and First Aiders also pay $15.00. EMTs pay $25.00

3. Most importantly (for me at any rate), it now allows hams who lease their cars to get callsign plates. Previously, you must have been the titled owner of the car.

The at http://www.state.nj.us/mvs/specalF.htm still has out-of-date info, but does have the phone numbers to call to order the plate (actually to order the form you must fill out to order the plate - ah, bureaucracy).

In addition to the filled-out form, you must include a photocopy of your current FCC license and a photocopy of the valid registration card for the car in question. If you have a leased car, you must call your leasing company and get a letter of permission from them - usually in the form of a limited power of attorney - and include that. Don't forget the check for $15.00 even if the form still says $10.00 on it.

I don't know how long it takes for the plates to arrive - I've heard about 6 weeks. I'll let you know when mine show up <grin>.

73, John / N2NZ

[n0doz]

Colorado: $4 over the regular cost of plates the first year, $2 per year thereafter.

[n0doz]

Colorado: forgot to add, they have the "slashed zero" and it's only for ham use. They have "SHC" on the new plates (special ham call, the title of the plate category; trucks have "TRK", government plates have "GVT", etc.) in small letters vertically on the left side of the plate. Looks like an ARRL sticker would cover them up! This is a state with over 100 plate categories... ours is the cheapest by far.

The State of Alaska offers free Amateur Radio plates to those who hold
a General Class or higher license and meet the other requirements. The free plates are the standard plates
but you can pay the $35.00(one time) fee for the specialty plates that have
pictures on them. Complete information can be found at the following web
address: http://www.state.ak.us/dmv/plates/amradio.htm.

[w5usj]

Texas Amateur Radio vanity plates cost me $1.00 per year. This is for the yearly registration required. Seems to be the cost of mailing the forms. Otherwise, there is no cost.

Regular vanity plates cost a bunch!

[w1dfu]

Vermont has a one time fee of $10.00. Subsequent renewals are at the standard registration fee.I would also add that ham plates are not considered vanity plates and include a distinctive symbol related to amateur radio.

[FMCCARTER]

In Texas - "RADIO OPR" plates cost one extra dollar.

[kb9tyc]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kb9whp @ Mar. 14 2002,02:44)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Wisconsin charges $10 for the initial application . . . . . [/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

That would be $15.00 now.

[KC9AYV]

I've read input from 4 different members that I feel is incorrect about the additional fee for amateur radio plates in Indiana. I just ordered mine and Its going to cost me $9.00 extra every year. Im not sure if it differs from county to county or vehicle to vehicle in Indiana but for me in Huntington county its $9.00 extra http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[W7TDC]

In Oregon, we pay a one time fee of $7. The plates are yellow with blue letters.

[WB5RVV]

TEXAS only charges an additional $1.00 per annual renewel of your tags.

[n9kb]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KC9AYV @ Mar. 14 2002,16:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I've read input from 4 different members that I feel is incorrect about the additional fee for amateur radio plates in Indiana. I just ordered mine and Its going to cost me $9.00 extra every year. Im not sure if it differs from county to county or vehicle to vehicle in Indiana but for me in Huntington county its $9.00 extra http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
You are correct in Indiana. I just ordered mine again. $9.00 additional every year. They raised it. The funny thing here is our plates change every four years. In the middle three years regular vehicles just get a sticker to put on your existing plate. If you order a ham plate. They manufacture a new identical plate every year and then put the same sticker on it like everyone else.

[KG4NOP]

Tennessee:

Department of Safety - Amateur Radio License Plate Information (http://www.state.tn.us/safety/licen2.html)

Eligible For: Owners or lessees of passenger motor vehicles who are residents of the state of Tennessee and who hold an unrevoked and unexpired official amateur radio license issues by the FCC.
Annual Fee:

$46.50 or $21.50 - Auto
$39.50 or $14.50 - Motorcycle

If the applicant is a member of emergency or rescue squad or ARES, the additional $25.00 is waived.
Personalized Plate Available: No

[KG4EFA]

It costs a one time fee of 2 bucks here in the wonderful state of Alabama. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (w8tvi @ Mar. 11 2002,04:37)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">In michigan the Ham plate is only $2 extra one time fee.

I'm told that there is a new MI Ham plate but I cant tell you anything about it. becouse I have no info on it.

I got the Bridge plate that was an extra $5

Noel W8TVI[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I just got my MI HAM plate a couple of days ago... It has "AMATEUR RADIO" printed down the lefthand side, and your callsign. I got the standard "white and blue" Michigan plate, not opting for the bridge plate. Cost me a grand total of $35, inlcluding registration.

HTH

de AB8LR, Chris

[w7uy]

In Wyoming ham plates cost the same as any other vanity plates, $30 plus about $4 postage. However, the plates are good for about 5 years until the basic plate design changes. Additionally, one can have the same plate on a car and a truck.

[ke4yyd]

I have a Florida call sign plate. It cost the same as a regular plate. The first time they charge for the "metal" but they do that for regular plates also. Good deal. Be sure you apply early as they have to have it special made but they will let you use your expired plate until the new one come in.

David KE4YYD http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[w3tua]

I just applied for specialized North Carolina Amateur Radio license plates and it will cost me $31.00 annually.

I believe it may be cheaper for someone with a passenger car but I own a pickup truck.

[wa0hpn]

In North Dakota, the State Division of Emergency Mangement was instrumental in getting ham plates available at NO additional charge.

The only thing you are required to produce is a copy of your ham ticket.

The rational of the state DEM was that Ham radio provides needed communications in the event of emergency, and therefor should be easily recognized by the authorities.

(It helped to have a couple of active hams on the DEM staff at the time this came up in the legislature.) http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[w5bxe]

Arkansas charges an additional $2.00 for ham plates. This is a recurring fee above and beyond the fee charged for vehicle plates.

[w1cca]

Here in Georgia there is NO COST for an amateur licensce plate. There is a cost to transfer, but it is the same as vanity, Amateur or regular plates.

Enjoy! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[kk7cn]

Dear Qrz
In the State of Wyoming The Amateur Radio License Plate cost $ 30.00 and it is good for about 10 years or until they change the design on the plate.What makes our Amateur Radio Plate unique is that there is no County number on the plate Example if you live in Laramie County your License Plate will be 2-xxxx AB
and the same goes for the Vanity plates. Your Amateur Radio Plate would be like this KK7CN.
You can have your Callsign on Multiple Vehicles one Car and and One Truck or Recreational Vehicles and Motorcyles and ATV and Semi Trucks ( restrictions apply)
No Hassle State Policy
73 KK7CN
CHEYENNE WYOMING

[nc9l]

In the state of Indiana there is only a $2.00 fee per year to have your callsign on your license plate.

I live in Arizona now and would like to see the laws changed on this issue.

Let me know how I can be of help!

Thanks
James Jakubin NC9L (Currently waiting for vanity call KE7TI).

[ah7e]

The Hawaii Revised Statutes provide for distinctive license plates for amateur radio operators. Any licensed amateur (except Novices) may obtain their call letters on special plates. Currently, there is a one time fee of $10.00 for obtaining these plates.

On Oahu, you may obtain these special plates from the Oahu Civil Defense Agency by bringing a copy of your amateur radio license and $10.00 (cash only) to our office, located in the basement, 650 South King Street. The clerk will fill out the application, and you will have to initial the receipt to indicate that the call sign on the order is correct.

State Civil Defense requires that we accumulate a minimum of ten orders before forwarding to them. When they receive our order, they will combine it with orders from other counties and make a blanket order.

After a suitable manufacturing time (generally a minimum of 8 weeks), State Civil Defense will return the order to Oahu Civil Defense, and you will be notified that the plates are in our office and may be picked up.

We will notify you when the plates are here. Return to Oahu Civil Defense, this time bringing the regular plates and registration for the car that you want the amateur plates on. The clerk will fill out a temporary registration for you, and you will have to get a new registration decal and certificate from a full service satellite city hall. Information on satellite city hall hours and locations are on the web or call 527-6695 for more information. We will retain your regular plates in our files to return to you when needed.

You should remember that like any registration, your new plates are for your personal use on that one car, and they should not be transferred to another owner or another vehicle. When you decide to sell or abandon your vehicle, you must go through the same procedure -- bring the plates in, we issue a temporary registration which you then take back to the satellite city hall to get your new decal and registration certificate for the original plates. We will retain the amateur plates for you until you get your new car and the plates can be reissued to you.

If you would like to have your old amateur plates for a souvenir, they must be defaced in a manner to prevent them from being used as a license plate again. We do this by punching two or three 1-1/2 inch holes in the plate.

[ka4vmp]

No charge in Virginia for Ham plates.

snip from Virginia DMV;

"Number of characters available on personalized plate message 6
Plate Fee (in addition to registration fee) N/A
Personalized plate message fee (in addition to plate fee) $ .00 Annually
Disabled symbol available Yes



Requirements: MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN STATEMENT FROM FCC LICENSED AS HAM RADIO OPERATOR. VEHICLE MUST HAVE OPERATIONAL RADIO EQ. PERMNT INSTALLED"



Ed, ka4vmp

Fishersville, Virginia

[K6ME]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kr6er @ Mar. 11 2002,09:16)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">California, has HAM plates too. #They do not say anything on them and they are considered special interest plates. #I think after September 11th all the HAMS should lobby their local State Rep's and get bills passed that would require the DMV to issue special plates to HAMS that would say Amateur Radio on them and then your callsign, and the fee would be a one time fee only.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Sorry to say California does not offer Ham or Amateur plates. Those that you see with Ham Calls are VANITY plates purchased at a onetime cost of $21.00.
They are yours forever. Yes I believe California should offer Amateur Plates just like the many different types of Vanity plates now offered.
73s: K6ME

Oregon charges a flat rate of $13.00 for ham plates. I just ordered plates the other day.
Pat / KG7HT

[w0pml]

Missouri treats Amateur Radio plates as any other vainity plate.

The fee is $18 and the quality of the plate is not as good as the normal plates. They are made with either paint or tape.[I]

[kc2jga]

Just an addition to a previous post. The NY vanity plates is $18.50 to get the plates, and $5.00 per year after that. Normal NY re-registration(every 2 years) is actual cost to register your vehicle, and an additional $10.00 on top of that for the vanity plates.

73's.
KC2JGA
Mike

South Carolina gets $3 for a plain white feild with black letters. $30 For a "personailzed" plate with your callsign.

[g4ceo]

Vanity Plates - consider yourselves lucky with the prices you pay. Here in the UK, the Government cottoned on the value of such plates to Hams. Such plates were put on the market a couple of years ago, starting about £ 450 I believe. Oh, and every time you put your plate on another car they charged an £80 re-assignment fee. Multiply those figures by 1.4 (approx current exchange rate) and you can see vanity plates are EXPENSIVE here in the UK. No wonder us Brits like to holiday in the U.S.- everything here is expensive. Don't mention the price of gasoline!
Bob G4CEO.

[n0mrr]

$10.00 in Minnesota, Plates say "Amateur Radio" on the bottom. This also goes for FCC CB plates aswell, Go retro!
B^>

Russ - N0MRR

Minnesota Statute 168.12 # #

Subd. 2. # #Amateur radio licensee; special plates. #(a)
Any applicant who is an owner or joint owner of a passenger
automobile, van or pickup truck, or a self-propelled
recreational vehicle, and a resident of this state, and who
holds an official amateur radio station license, or a citizens
radio service class D license, in good standing, issued by the
Federal Communications Commission shall upon compliance with all
laws of this state relating to registration and the licensing of
motor vehicles and drivers, be furnished with license plates for
the motor vehicle, as prescribed by law, upon which, in lieu of
the numbers required for identification under subdivision 1,
shall be inscribed the official amateur call letters of the
applicant, as assigned by the Federal Communications Commission,
and the words "AMATEUR RADIO." #The applicant shall pay in
addition to the registration tax required by law, the sum of $10
for the special license plates, and at the time of delivery of
the special license plates the applicant shall surrender to the
registrar the current license plates issued for the motor
vehicle. #This provision for the issue of special license plates
shall apply only if the applicant's vehicle is already
registered in Minnesota so that the applicant has valid regular
Minnesota plates issued for that vehicle under which to operate
it during the time that it will take to have the necessary
special license plates made. #If owning or jointly owning more
than one motor vehicle of the type specified in this
subdivision, the applicant may apply for special plates for each
of not more than two vehicles, and, if each application complies
with this subdivision, the registrar shall furnish the applicant
with the special plates, inscribed with the official amateur
call letters and other distinguishing information as the
registrar considers necessary, for each of the two vehicles. #
And the registrar may make reasonable rules governing the use of
the special license plates as will assure the full compliance by
the owner and holder of the special plates, with all existing
laws governing the registration of motor vehicles, the transfer
and the use thereof.

[n0clx]

Yes kansas offers a a.r.o. tag a amateur radio operater tag it costs $1.00 over the price of a car or truck tag.

[wb4ut]

Alabama - $ 5.00

[n1gxq]

I am now in New Hampshire where the state does not offer amateur call sign plates and the vanity plate is $70 dollars (I think) for those who wish to go that route. #I just recently moved here from Texas where the state does issue amateur radio call sign plates for $2.00 additional per year and require that you submit a copy of your license with the application and you must keep radio equipment in the vehicle at all times. #Good luck on making the legislature in Arizona see the sense in being able to identify quickly any vehicle which may have emergency communication capabilities in case of general failure of regular communication systems. #The amateurs here in New Hampshire have given up on the current legislature getting any sort of bill passed which would authorize amateur radio call sign plates and I am not sure if any effort is being planned for the next legislative session.
73,
de N1GXQ, Jim

[K4RAP]

I know Tennessee has already been covered. The state is supposed to charge $25.00 extra unless the applicant is a member of ARES or RACES, but so far I have not had to pay.

My plate, like those of most neighboring states, is quite plain (more so even than the standard issue plate). Tennessee and I think most other states issue ham radio plates under an Emergency Services act rather than than as a true vanity plate. I wouldn't mind paying a little more for an attractive plate. I wish the ARRL or other group(s) would get involved with the states to upgrade the appearance of ham radio plates.

One exception in my area is Alabama, whose plate shows an antenna tower.

[rsirois]

Maine...
as at least one other stated already, Maine doesn't give any $pecial treatment to Hams... we just sign up for a regular Vanity license plate (which comes with an annual fee of $15 or $20 each year).

However, when getting #my Maine vanity licence plate with N1RY, I was asked for my FCC Amateur License. #I learned that it was lobbied and made part of the law that anyone who wants a mix of letters and numbers in their vanity license plate needs to show their Amateur License. # This was presumably written in to prevent non hams from accidentally getting a ham's callsign on their vanity plate. #

Good Luck

N1RY

[K5ELY]

Amateur plates cost an extra $2 a year over regular registration fees in Arkansas. #Good luck.

[ka5klu]

In Texas you buy the regular plates and it's just $1.00 extra that you send to the Department of Transportation.
Not a bad deal here.
73's//Doug//KA5KLU

[K4AEN]

VA #is $1 additional; also, you may have additional plates for vehicles with a following number, i.e., K4AEN 2

You may even be able to use a letter, such as "m".

[n0doh]

The State of Missouri charges an additional $15 per year for callsign plates. I found nothing in the Dept. of Revenue website that distinguished Amateur Radio plates from ordinary personalized or vanity plates.
Glenn
ab0su

[WB4UVW]

This response is from:
Charles Griffin - WB4UVW
ARRL State Government Liasion - Georgia
E-mail: wb4uvw@arrl.net

As stated by someone earlier, Georgia issues the Amateur Radio Tags FREE. There is no tag fee. The only charge is the standard annual auto ownership tax.

I am attaching a copy of the Official State of Georgia Code Section 40-2-75:

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40-2-75 G
*** GEORGIA CODE SECTION *** 12/03/01

40-2-75.

(a) Motor vehicle owners who are residents