Coloradans have voted to decide state’s 150th anniversary license plate design

It’s time to make history, Colorado. 

Voting took place in the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles’ Historic Colorado Contest, which first asked residents to design — and now empowers them to choose the Centennial State’s 150th anniversary license plate.

Coloradans could vote at DMV.Colorado.gov/Historic
Colorado until Feb. 15. There they were able to vote in two different divisions — 13 and older, and younger than 13. The winning design of the 13-and-older division will be used to make the 150th anniversary license plate.

After the votes have been tallied, Gov. Jared Polis and the DMV will unveil the chosen design as well as present both winners with a $1,000 grant as well as a commemorative license plate. 

“In Colorado, creativity and inspiration are all around us, and we are excited to see the great designs Coloradans share. This new license plate honors the legacy of Coloradans who helped shape our great state as we look forward towards a bright future together,” said Polis previously. 

Electra Bustle, DMV senior director, agreed and said she was humbled by the state’s participation, especially young Coloradans who used the contest as a way to learn about the Centennial State.

“I am proud that this contest inspired so many, especially some of our state’s future leaders,” Bustle said. “Taking time to research, plan and design a license plate that represents our history takes a lot of time and effort and the entries clearly demonstrate your love of Colorado. Thank you to all who participated and submitted entries for this important 150th anniversary.” 

About

The Historic Colorado Contest launched Sept. 19, 2022 with the goal of helping Coloradans honor and make history through license plate design and closed with more than 300 entries from 216 entrants. Of the 216 entrants, 133 were 13-years-old or older and these contestants submitted 215 license plate designs. The other 82 were younger than 13, and these Coloradans entered 97 submissions.

Three finalists per division were selected by a committee that included motor vehicle administrators and Polis with a final, public vote on the top three designs. In addition to the two $1,000 grants, winners will get bragging rights, will be featured in all of the Governor’s Office’s and DMV’s relevant media releases as well as a commemorative license plate. 

Coloradans should visit DMV.Colorado.gov/HistoricColorado for more information. The 150th Anniversary License Plate is expected to launch in the fall. 

The Historic Colorado Contest is a low-cost effort to honor Colorado’s history and 150th anniversary with a commemorative license plate.