.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 plate is on the road! 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.
Passenger, combination and commercial plates are now on the road. Order yours today and in less than four weeks, your new plates will arrive at your door, no need to pick them up! For motorcycle pates, the RI DMV requires that 600 plates get purchased and ordered before they will put that plate into production. We are getting orders for the motorcycle version on a weekly basis so order your plate today, spread the word, and let’s get all the ASI plates on the road!
Online Option
This for is for MOTORCYCLE PLATES only. Please fill out all prompts as indicated below. When 600 plates are ordered we will have a celebratory distribution event.
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: Passenger, combination and commercial plates are in full production and on the road which is great news! So, simply order your plate online (or via the mail) directly from the RI DMV, and it will arrive at your door in less than four weeks, no need to pick them up.
For motorcycle plates we are taking orders on a weekly basis. The RI DMV requires that we get 600 plates ordered for each plate type before they will go into production. We feel great about hitting the requirement for the motorcycle version and once we do, we will go into production, and have a celebratory distribution event. Please spread the word on the motorcycle version, order your plate today and let’s get them on the road!
​
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 passenger, combination and commercial plates you get a set of two plates, and the cost is $42.50. For motorcycle orders you get one plate . 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.