Skip Maine state header navigation

Agencies | Online Services | Help

Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

DMR Home > Marine Mammal License Plate

Marine Mammals License Plate (plate may be subject to slight changes) Support the Marine Mammal License Plate

Proceeds to go to Maine's Marine Mammal Strandings Program (details of the program are below)

As with any specialty license plate, supporters are required to gather 2,000 signatures along with a $25.00 deposit from those who are interested. The Legislature must also approve the proposed request.

There are 4 ways to sign up for a Marine Mammal License Plate.

  1. Call Lynda Doughty, Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator at 207-592-3591 to sign up or for more information
  2. Go to the Dept. of Marine Resources at:
    2 Beech Street in Hallowell OR
    194 McKown Point Road in West Boothbay Harbor
  3. Mail a $25.00 check payable to Treasurer State of Maine, and information (see details below) to:
    Dept. of Marine Resources
    Attn: Lynda Doughty
    PO Box 8
    West Boothbay Harbor, ME 04575
  4. Mail credit card information and other information, using this Printable PDF Form (may require Adobe Reader software - download here free)

Information we need when submitting your support and request

  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Address
  • Email Address (if any)
  • Your current Maine License Plate number
  • Current License plate type (lobster, agriculture, chickadee, etc.)
  • If mailing your request, be sure to include a $25.00 check payable to Treasurer State of Maine or include your credit card information using the Printable PDF Form

Maine's Marine Mammal Strandings Program

Revenue from this plate will help support the mission of the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) Marine Mammal Strandings Program, which is dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals through response and rescue of distressed, sick, injured and orphaned marine mammals, research, and educational activities for students and the general public.  DMR is federally authorized to respond to live and dead stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea turtles from Kittery to Rockland, Maine. We field these calls through a 24-hour reporting hotline.  Many hours are spent on the phone and on the beach by staff and volunteers educating the public about what to do when a marine mammal strands on Maine’s shore.  We know that many Maine people will want to help by signing up for a license plate. If you are interested in helping out, then please sign up for your plate today.

Thank you for your support!

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Maine Specialty License Plates (from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles)

1. How much does it cost?

Specialty plates cost $20 in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration fee. Renewal of these plates will cost $15 annually added to your regular registration fee.

2. How will the contributors get their plate?

They will obtain them from either a BMV branch office or some municipalities*. The money donated by the contributor will be applied to the first time registration with the specialty plates.

3. Can the contributors keep their current vanity plate?

Yes, the cost of the specialty plate will be in addition to their current vanity plate fees. (EXCEPTION: Due to a recent law change, if the vanity plate is duplicated in another Maine license plate style option, it will not be available. This is a statute designed to eliminate potential risk of misidentification.)

4. Can the contributors request a specific plate number?

No, we’re sorry. Specialty plate numbers will include 3 numbers and 3 letters. Numbers will not be duplicated for different Maine license plate styles.

5. If circumstances do not allow this plate to be issued, what will happen to the contributor’s money?

If for any reason this specialty plate is not issued, it is the sponsor’s responsibility to ensure the monies will be refunded.

6. What is the deadline for the submission of the 2,000 signatures?

September 1st of any calendar year: The signatures, $50,000 and the proposed design must be submitted to the Secretary of State by September 1st to ensure there is ample time to write the legislation needed for the Legislative Session.

7. What if I only have 1,500 signatures and the money for these 1,500 signatures?

The law regarding specialty plates mandates a minimum number of plates at 2,000. You must submit 2,000 signatures and $50,000.

8. Will the design submitted by the sponsor be automatically accepted as the future plate design?

The sponsor must submit a proposed design for approval or modification by the Secretary of State. The Transportation Committee will review and approve the final design prior to the manufacture of the specialty plate. There are many different factors to consider when manufacturing license plates, i.e. maximum number of colors allowed, etc. Plate specifications will be provided to you.

9. Can the contributors sign-up for a specialty plate if they do not own a passenger vehicle?

The law governing specialty plates states that the plates can be issued to an automobile only or a pick-up truck that doesn’t exceed 6,000 pounds. A motorcycle or trailer, or other type of vehicle cannot display a specialty plate.