Rhode Island DMV Holding License Plate Design Contest

CRANSTON, RI — After a quarter-century, Rhode Island's iconic "wave" license is ready for a refresh. The Division of Motor Vehicles is holding a contest from now through the new year to find the new design.

Rhode Islanders can submit their license plate design through the DMV's website. The contest will run through Jan. 7 and is open to anyone in the state. Students, groups and individuals are all welcome to enter, and multiple entries will be accepted.

License plate designs must meet the guidelines set by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. Recommendations include:

• Contrast to ensure visibility, preferably a lighter background with darker letters and numbers.
• License plates must be 6 inches tall by 12 inches wide.
• "Rhode Island" must appear in the design, centered in the top between the boltholes, while "Ocean State" must be centered at the bottom.
• Simpler designs are preferred.

Read the full guidelines here.

The wave design has been in circulation since 1996. The winning replacement design is scheduled to go into circulation next summer.