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Press Release -- September 30, 2008
Centennial License Plate Sales Begin - Old State House Serves as Backdrop
Winner of First 4-Digit Plate Giveaway Selected
Dover --
Today, on the steps of the Old State House on The Green in Dover, Governor Ruth Ann Minner, Lt. Governor John Carney and Secretary of State Harriet Smith Windsor joined Jennifer Cohan, Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in announcing the start of sales for the new Centennial License plate. Starting October 1, the $100 limited edition "Black & Gold" colored plates will be available for 15-months, ending on December 31, 2009.
The Centennial License plate promotion is a celebration of 100 years since the first state-issued license plate was produced in 1909. By honoring the first state-issued plates the DMV is giving the public the opportunity to own a piece of Delaware history. This offering allows license plate enthusiasts to purchase something of value now that will increase in value over time. Delaware is the first state ever to produce a commemorative license plate of this kind. Proceeds from the plate sales will be used to supplement the Transportation Trust Fund and enhance DMV customer service via online services and technology enhancements.
Governor Minner announced, "The sale of this beautiful new plate allows the public to share in the history of our great state. I hope all Delaware drivers will take advantage of this unique opportunity, and keep the special history of Delaware license plates alive for another 100 years."
DMV Director Cohan said, "In 1909 the Old State House was the location used by Secretary of State Daniel Hastings to distribute the first state produced license plates to Delaware motorists. It is only fitting that this site serves as the perfect historical backdrop for the Centennial License Plate event."
Secretary of State Windsor presided over a brief historical re-enactment ceremony inside the first floor courtroom of the Old State House. After which, the Governor and Lt. Governor were presented with their official Centennial Plates #1, and #2. DMV Director Cohan presented Centennial Plate #3 to Secretary Windsor to complete the triumvirate.
Closing out the event Governor Minner drew the name of the first winner of the 4-digit Centennial Plate giveaway. As the winner, John L. Ballen Jr. of Lewes, receives license plate #5901 in the limited edition "black & gold" style. Today's special 4-digit tag drawing is the first of five drawings to be held over the 15-month sales period. The next drawing will be in December. Visitors to any DMV location can enter to win by simply filling out an entry form at the customer service counter and dropping it into the specially marked contest box.
Delaware drivers who wish to purchase the black onyx and heritage gold tag can visit any DMV location to get an application or they can download the form off the website www.dmv.de.gov or www.deldot.gov. In addition to the plate application there are a number of interesting facts and pictures available that chronicle the unique history of Delaware plates. Centennial Plates may be displayed on all vehicles except motorcycles, mopeds, and IRP apportioned vehicles. Centennial Plate numbering will match the number currently assigned to the registered vehicle. All numerical plates and those with prefixes PC, RV, FT, C, CL, T, and D, as well as all vanity plates are permitted.
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