Indiana Unveils Bicentennial License Plate
Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and former Congressman Lee Hamilton, co-chairs of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission, unveiled the new Indiana Bicentennial license plate today at the Indiana Historical Society.
Beginning Dec. 27, the plate will be the standard plate option for all Indiana passenger vehicles. The Bicentennial plate will replace the current blue background “Torch” plate and may be featured on nearly two million vehicles statewide. The Bicentennial plate will run for a five year cycle and coincides with the 200th anniversary of Indiana’s statehood in 2016.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will issue the Bicentennial plate at no additional charge to Hoosiers. The Bicentennial Commission will not receive any funding from vehicle registration renewals. The distribution of registration renewal revenue to the counties by the BMV will remain the same.
“The state’s Bicentennial is in four years and what better way to market the celebration than on vehicle bumpers,” Lt. Governor Skillman said. “We know Hoosiers are proud of their heritage and we’re excited for them to showcase their pride as they travel around our state and country.”
“News of the 200 year celebration will spread quickly as these license plates begin appearing around the state,” Congressman Hamilton said. “We can’t celebrate our statehood without the help of Hoosiers, and we hope this will draw chatter and enthusiasm around the state.”
The BMV and the Indiana State Museum collaborated on the design of the Bicentennial plate. The new Bicentennial plate features a blue state of Indiana logo with a 200 marquee across the front and 19 stars, which encircle the state emblem. The 19th star represents Indiana’s admittance into the United States. There is also a gold banner across the bottom with the inscription, “Bicentennial 1816-2016.”
The “In God We Trust” other standard license plate will still be available as an option for the next five years. Hoosiers may select several different methods for renewing their license plate; including online at www.mybmv.com, at a BMV License Branch or by phone at 888-692-6841.