.png)
License Plate
Get your Atlantic Shark Institute license plate today!
Welcome to the ordering page for the coolest license plate ever created in the state of RI! The Atlantic Shark Institute mako shark license plate has arrived just in time for summer fun. The plate was created by noted marine artist Paul McPhee, specifically for the ASI. It’s truly beautiful and captures the iconic mako in it’s expansive ocean environment. The mako shark in now considered endangered worldwide, and you can help support the Atlantic Shark Institute’s critical shark research by purchasing this custom plate for just $42.50 with $20 going to the ASI.
The RI DMV requires that 600 plates get purchased and ordered before they will put the plate into production, so buy your plate today, spread the word, and let’s get the ASI plate on the road! Best of all, we can take orders for passenger, commercial and combination plates so everyone in the family can have one.
Mail Option
If you would prefer to mail your information in, please click on the button below labeled "download and mail order form". Once there you can print the paper application..
When complete, please make the check out for $42.50 to the Atlantic Shark institute and mail it to the Atlantic Shark Institute, PO Box 17, Wakefield, RI 02880. Keep in mind that if you enroll via the online option, all the data will go to the DMV as you entered it, and we encourage that option.
FAQ
Q: When can I expect my new plate to be ready?
A: In order to produce the Atlantic Shark Institute plates, we need an initial 600 plates ordered for each plate type. We are happy to share that passenger and combination plates have each exceeded their minimums. Passenger and combination plates ordered on or before September 3rd are available for pickup at the RI DMV on the weekend of September 30/October 1st. If you can’t make that weekend, you can visit the RI DMV after October 10th and pick your plates up without an appointment.
Passenger and combination plates ordered on or after September 4th will NOT be available at the September 30/October 1 event. We will provide information directly to the people who ordered those plates at to when their plates will be available. Commercial plate orders have yet to hit the 600 plate minimum. Once we hit 600 orders we will go into production and those plates will be scheduled for a distribution event. Please spread the word! Motorcycle plate orders have yet to hit the 600 plate minimum. Once we hit 600 plates they will go into production and those plates will be scheduled for a distribution event. Please spread the word!
Q: Can I keep my current RI License plate number?
A: Yes. When you switch to the Atlantic Shark Institute plate, your current plate number is transferred to the new plate. Just think of it as ordering a new background design for your existing plate.
​
Q: What color are the letters/numbers going to be and will the alphanumerics be flat like the new RI plate or raised, like the old one?
A: The alphanumerics on the plate will be in dark blue and they will be raised.
​
Q: What if I currently have a 6-digit plate?
A: That’s no problem. Our plate was designed to allow any number of digits, including 6 digit plates.
​
Q: Can I get whatever number I want?
A: We can only issue plates that are currently active. The Atlantic Shark Institute cannot grant anyone different plate numbers. Only the DMV can do that.
Q: I have a passenger plate, a combination plate, and a commercial plate; can I get an Atlantic Shark Institute plate for all three?
A: You sure can! Just check the appropriate box on the application for each different plate type.
Q: How much is the Atlantic Shark Institute plate and where does the money go?
A: For a set of two plates, the cost is $42.50. The fee will be divided as follows: $20 will go to the Atlantic Shark Institute and $22.50 will go to the DMV to make the plate.
Q: How do renewals work?
A: As is done with all passenger plates in RI, every two years the DMV will send a renewal to your home. For the Atlantic Shark Institute plate, $10 will be added to that renewal to go to the Atlantic Shark Institute. For both combination and commercial plates, that registration is renewed annually and $10 will be added to those renewals as well. Those contributions will help to continuously fund our shark research.
Q: Do I have to live in Rhode Island to get an Atlantic Shark Institute plate?
A: You must already have a Rhode Island registered car in order to get an Atlantic Shark Institute plate.
Q: I collect old license plates, can I keep my old ones?
A: Yes, Rhode Island law allows you to keep your existing
plates as a souvenir.
Q: I’d like to get a vanity plate. Can you help me with this?
A: No, our role is to simply replace your existing plate with a new background that includes the Atlantic Shark Institute design. If you’d like to change your current registration you must contact the DMV directly.
Q: Why do you need my registration?
A: We cannot process any applications without a valid registration. We need to confirm that what you put on your application is identical to what you have at the DMV. Being accurate with your application is important to receiving your plates in a timely fashion.