Politics & Government

Oregon Gray Whale License Plates Is Available On Friday, Feb. 1

One year after the Marine Mammal Institute started the process of getting DMV to approve Gray whale license plates, they are almost here.

PORTLAND, OR – For whale watchers in Oregon, the great white whale of license plates that they've been seeking will finally be here on Friday. That's when the state's Department of Motor Vehicles will start officially selling license plates with illustrations of gray whales.

The grays are a popular attraction in Oregon with hundreds migrating by the coast twice every year as they head from Alaska to the warmer waters off of Mexico and back.

The Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University, first broached the idea of the plates in 2017. By April 2018, they had more than the 3,000 prepaid vouchers needed to convince DMV to make the plate.

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They are only available to passengers cars that have been registered and titled in Oregon.

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The plates cost $40 above the normal plate price with the surcharge going to the institute to help fund research and education.

DMV won't be able to begin accepting applications until Friday. At that point, you can apply through the mail, at a DMV office, or online.

Photo via the Marine Mammal Institute.

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