Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Bay Area Special License Plate?

    The Bay Area Special License Plates will be issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles upon receipt of 7,500 paid pledges. The sale of these special plates will benefit the San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program which provides funding for conservation, habitat restoration, recreation, and other environmental projects in the nine-county Bay Area. [Back to List]

  • How does the process work?

    The Bay Area Special License Plate campaign needs 7,500 paid pledges within a year for the special license plate to become a reality. To reserve your plates click here. Your payment will be deposited into a special account at the State Coastal Conservancy until 7,500 paid pledges are received, at which point they will be turned over to the DMV for processing. If we do not receive 7,500 paid pledges by summer 2009, you will be given the option to receive a full refund of your payment, or give the Bay Area Special License Plate campaign another calendar year to complete the campaign. You will be notified by mail once we have either received 7,500 paid pledges or if we do not receive 7,500 pledges by summer of 2009 and need your decision on the options above. The DMV will notify you as soon as your plates are available for pick-up. [Back to List]

  • Who can get these plates?

    Anyone who has a currently registered California automobile, truck, trailer or motorcycle, including commercial vehicles, may order Bay Area Special License Plates. [Back to List]

  • How much do the plates cost?

    The Bay Area Special License Plates cost an additional fee above your normal registration fee. To order a sequentially numbered set of plates (a random set of six numbers and letters selected by the DMV), you will pay $50 ($40 per year to renew). To order personalized plates (6 characters maximum), you will pay $90 ($70 to renew). [Back to List]

  • Where will the fees go?

    After deducting a small processing fee, the DMV will forward the majority of the Special License Plate fees to the State Coastal Conservancy's San Francisco Bay Area Conservancy Program. This funding will be a flexible source of revenue to help the Conservancy protect open space, restore and protect habitat and wetlands, provide public access and trails, provide education centers, and protect farmland. [Back to List]

  • Are the fees tax deductible?

    A portion of the Nature Within Reach license plate purchase price and renewal fee is considered a charitable contribution and is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. For questions about your tax situation, consult a tax professional. [Back to List]

  • Why do I need to list my DMV Office?

    You will need to turn in your current license plates in order to receive your Bay Area Special License plate, so please list the DMV Office location where you would like to pick up your new plates and turn in your old ones. When the plates arrive at your specified DMV Office, you will be notified by mail that they are ready to be picked up. [Back to List]

  • If I already have personalized plates, can I keep my configuration?

    If your personalized plates have 6 characters or less, you can keep your configuration. The legislation regarding special plates require that the image be in a 2”x3” rectangle to the left of the numbers and letters. Because of this restriction, the maximum number of characters allowed on the plate is six. [Back to List]

  • How can I find out if a personalized plate is available?

    Follow the instructions on the DMV website as though you are making an order to see if the configuration is currently available. Do not place the actual order through the DMV website because you will not be able to choose the Bay Area special interest plate untli after we have reached our pledge goal. Remember that the plate only allows for six characters. Unfortunately, we are unable to reserve specialized plates. If your configuration is no longer available when the plates are issued, we will offer you a full refund or alternate plate text. [Back to List]

  • I currently have a different specialized license plate – can I switch to the Bay Area special license plate?

    Yes. Go to the Order Now page and complete the web or paper pledge form. [Back to List]

  • How long will it take to get the plates?

    We hope to receive 7,500 paid pledges within 12 months from the launch in summer of 2008. After receiving 7,500 paid pledges, the State Coastal Conservancy will submit the applications and fees to the DMV, who will produce and distribute the Bay Area special license plates. As of October 31, 250 license plates have been sold.[Back to List]

  • Will I be able to give these plates as a gift?

    Yes. You may give a Bay Area Special Interest License Plate as a gift. Go to the Order Now page and complete the web or paper pledge form and fill out on behalf of your gift recipient. [Back to List]

  • How can I help?

    Tell your friends, family, and co-workers to order a Bay Area Special License Plate. Email this web site to everyone you know that lives, works, and plays in the Bay Area. [Back to List]

  • What if I change my mind after I order a plate and want my money back?

    If you change your mind about your paid pledge before the 7,500 paid pledges have been received, we can refund your entire pledge amount ($50 or $90 depending on whether you selected personalized plates). Please contact us at orders@bayarealicenseplate.org or 1-877-4SF-BAY1, indicate your request for a full refund and provide us with your name, address, and license plate number. We will issue a check or credit card refund, depending on how you paid. Once the 7,500 pledges have been received and the funds transfered to DMV, the State Coastal Conservancy will not be able to refund your money. However, you can choose to not pay the annual renewal fee and DMV will replace your Bay Area Special License Plate with a standard plate. [Back to List]

  • What will you do with the information I provide on the order form?

    We will not share your information or send unsolicted emails/mailing or make unsolicted phone calls. The State Coastal Conservancy will very occasionally contact you by mail or email with updates on the progress towards 7,500 paid pledges. Once 7,500 paid pledges are received, we will notify you and transfer your information to DMV. DMV will produce and distribute the Bay Area Special License Plates and contact you when your plates are ready for pick up at your local DMV office. [Back to List]

  • Can I get a Bay Area license plate if I currently have a disabled plate?

    DMV allows disabled person and disabled veterans to display Special Interest License Plates only in lieu of DP or DV plates. In such cases, a parking placard must be displayed in the vehicle to receive the parking privileges. [Back to List]

  • What is the difference between the Coastal Conservancy and the Coastal Commission? The Legislature created the Coastal Conservancy as a unique entity with flexible powers to serve as an intermediary among government, citizens, and the private sector in recognition that creative approaches would be needed to preserve California's coast and San Francisco Bay lands for future generations. The Coastal Conservancy's non-regulatory, problem-solving approach complements the work of the California Coastal Commission, a distinct agency that regulates land use along the coast and issues development permits. [Back to List]