The wait is over for those Martha’s Vineyard year-round and summer residents who have registered for a Martha’s Vineyard specialty plate to benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services and other Island nonprofits that help youth and elders. According to a press release, more than 1,000 plates in total were sold across the state during the initial round of plate sales, which began in April 2015 and ended in February 2016 and allowed registrants to choose their own plate numbers. Out of the 1,007 plates sold, 729 orders were placed by Martha’s Vineyard residents.

First round applicants are receiving letters in the mail from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) informing them that their plates are ready to be picked up. For those applicants who selected Martha’s Vineyard as their branch of choice, the following materials must be presented at the Edgartown RMV (located at 11 A St. off of Barnes Road in Edgartown) to leave with the MV specialty plates in hand: Bring the letter mailed from the Massachusetts RMV stating MV plate is ready for pick-up. Applicants must pick up plates within 90 days of receiving the letter. If applicants have not received this letter by August 31, email info@mvlicenseplate.com. A Massachusetts RMV-3 form obtained from and certified by a car insurance agent. Applicants will need to know their plate number to complete this form. If plate number is unknown, email info@mvlicenseplate.com. Applicants with leased vehicles must bring in a Power of Attorney letter from their leasing company along with the RMV-3 form.

Make a $20 payment to RMV (cash or check only) to cover the Plate Swap Fee. Note: old plates do not need to be turned in.

In order to keep the MV plates a permanent specialty plate option, 3,000 plates need to be sold by August 2021. The MV License Plate Committee has continued its efforts promoting the plate around the Island, and is working with the RMV to expand their reach across the state.

The Massachusetts RMV has taken over the plate ordering process. Going forward, choosing a plate number will no longer be an option. Specialty plates are not currently available for order but will be soon. The Massachusetts RMV has indicated that the MV specialty plates will be available for order again at all full-service Massachusetts RMV locations and through the Massachusetts RMV website by the end of September 2016. Those interested in ordering a plate can sign up at mvlicenseplate.com to be informed when plates are available for purchase directly from the Massachusetts RMV. Plate numbers 1 to 100 have been reserved and will be auctioned off in the coming year. Auction details will be released this fall.

For more information, visit mvlicenseplate.com.