Save the Beach. Buy a Plate.
The new
Whale Tail License Plate sponsored by the California Coastal Commission gives drivers a way to help
protect and restore the priceless resources of California's coast and ocean. Proceeds from
the plate support the annual Coastal Cleanup Day which each fall turns out thousands
of volunteers to clean our beaches and waterways. The plate also
supports the year 'round
Adopt-a-Beach program, the Whale
Tail Grants program (which supports marine education at the local
level), our free
resources for educators and the
Coastal Conservancy's beach access
and habitat restoration programs. The plate was designed by prominent environmental artist Wyland!
A portion of the first
year's fee goes to the DMV for administrative fees (about $15); the remainder of the first
year fee and 100% of the renewal fees go to support coastal environmental education, beach
cleanups, restoration projects, and other projects to preserve and enhance environmental
resources. The renewal fee is $40 annually for the sequential license plates, and $70
annually for the personalized plates.
You also may order your whale tail license plate on-line at www.ecoplates.com.
Ecoplates a joint project of the California Tahoe Conservancy and the California Coastal Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions about the
Whale Tail Coastal Protection License Plate
What is the Whale
Tail Coastal Protection
License Plate?
The Coastal Protection (or "Whale Tail") Plate is an official license plate
issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles for vehicles registered in California. Proceeds
from the sale of these plates will benefit the California Coastal Commission’s
Adopt-A-Beach Program, Coastal Cleanup Day and other coastal protection and restoration
projects throughout the state. The plate features an illustration of a
whale diving into a misty sea that was created by the prominent
environmental artist, Wyland (see graphic above).
How do I order a Whale Tail
Plate?
Complete the application and make a check payable to the
DMV (the address is on the application), or order on-line at www.ecoplates.com.
How much does the Whale Tail Plate cost?
$50 over the usual registration fee, with a $40 annual renewal fee. Personalized
plates are $90 for the first year, with a $70 renewal fee.
How much money will go to coastal conservation programs?
After the costs of producing the plates are met, approximately half of the funds will
go towards coastal education, protection and restoration programs, and the rest will go to
the California Environmental License Plate Fund, which funds environmental programs
throughout the state.
Can I personalize my Whale Tail Plate?
Yes. When you order your plate, you can also apply for a personalized plate. You may
use a combination that is no more than seven characters, and does not already exist on any
other California license plate. A new personalized plate will cost $90, with a $70 renewal
fee.
How can I find out if my personalized choice is available?
You may check the current listings by calling (800) 777-0133, going in person to any DMV, or
by searching the personalized plate database (On
California DMV's site) to see if your choice is available!
Can I keep my current license plate
number?
Unfortunately you won’t be able to keep your old plate; DMV rules don’t
allow it. Your new license plate will have a number taken from the special series of
numbers reserved for the Whale Tail Plates. Commercial plates are also available.
If I already have a personalized
plate, can I transfer the message to a Whale Tail Plate?
Yes. You can convert your current personalized message to a new Whale Tail
License Plate for a fee of $90.
Can I give the Whale Tail Plate as a gift?
Yes, simply fill in the gift information on the form, including the name and address of the recipient.
More questions?
Call 1-800-COAST-4U or email coast4u@coastal.ca.gov