The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in Massachusetts has launched a lottery for its highly anticipated specialty license plates, marking the **250th anniversary** of **U.S. independence**. This commemorative plate features a striking blue background adorned with the year **“1776”** and 13 stars, encapsulated by the phrase **“250 Years of Independence.”** A total of **1,000 plates** will be made available through this lottery, with numbers ranging from **1 to 999**, plus the symbolic **1776**.
Colleen Ogilvie, the registrar of motor vehicles, expressed excitement about this initiative. “Since last May, the RMV has offered the patriotic-themed higher number plates as part of the Massachusetts 250 festivities,” Ogilvie said. “We are so excited to continue this celebration of American and state history by enabling all qualified Massachusetts residents a chance to win a coveted low number on the popular commemorative plate.”
Lottery Details and Application Process
The lottery opened on **Monday** and will remain accessible until **April 17, 2024**. To be eligible, participants must hold an active registration in Massachusetts. Applications are to be submitted through the RMV’s **Online Service Center**, and there is no fee required to enter the lottery.
While the application itself is free, recipients of the specialty plates will incur an additional fee of **$40** for the plate, alongside a standard registration fee of **$60**. It is important to note that requests for specific plate numbers will not be accommodated. The RMV plans to use an electronic random number generator to determine winners, ensuring a fair selection process.
Demand for these commemorative plates has surged since their introduction in May. According to reports, the plates were so popular that at one point, there was a **six-week wait** for delivery. This high demand underscores the significance of the anniversary and the plate’s appeal among Massachusetts residents.
Winners of the lottery will be announced in **May 2024**, providing a unique opportunity for residents to own a piece of history. For further information, residents can visit the RMV website or contact the office directly.
