Sick of waiting for a vanity plate? Here are special charity license plates available in RI

AI-assisted summary
• Rhode Island offers 17 specialized license plates supporting various charities and nonprofits.
• The plates cost $42.50 initially and $32.50 to renew, with a portion going to the designated organization.
• Designs range from lighthouses and sharks to sports teams and Mr. Potato Head.

Rhode Island drivers can choose from 17 different charities and nonprofit organizations to support and champion as they cruise the Ocean State's avenues, highways and byways.

License plates featuring Mr. Potato Head, mako sharks and a burning British ship are available to Rhode Island car owners. Lighthouse lovers can also choose to support the preservation of four different lighthouses.

If that's not enough, two other organizations – the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation and the Newport Festivals Foundation – are taking pre-orders in the hopes of meeting the minimum requirement for the state to put their special plates into production, and three more organizations sought the Rhode Island General Assembly's approval for charity plates this year.

How much do charity license plates cost in Rhode Island?

The plates cost $42.50, with $20 going to the charity. Renewals are $32.50, with the charity typically receiving $10. Drivers can learn more and order them through the charities or links on the DMV's website.

Many are available for passenger cars only, while some are also available in other registration categories, including commercial, combination and motorcycle.

What charity license plates can you get in Rhode Island?

Here's a list of charity plates available in Rhode Island:

Atlantic Shark Institute: This is Rhode Island's fastest-selling plate. It features an endangered mako shark and supports research by the Wakefield-based institute, which is "dedicated to answering the most important questions about shark biology, survival, and sustainability."

Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association: The plate features the lighthouse, which is located at the entrance to Narragansett Bay in Jamestown. The association's mission is "to protect and preserve the nation’s third oldest Lighthouse Station for present and future generations, and to educate the public about the beauty, operation, and history of lighthouses and lifesaving by maintaining an onsite museum."

Boston Bruins Foundation: The plate features the hockey team's logo and black and gold colors. "All of the money raised will support organizations throughout Rhode Island," the foundation says on the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles website.

Bristol Fourth of July: The red, white and blue plate features fireworks and says "Home of America's Oldest Fourth of July Celebration." The money is distributed annually to the Bristol Fourth of July Committee to help conduct the town's celebration, which features a popular parade. There are no additional fees on renewal.

Conservation through Education: The plate features an osprey and supports programs at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and Save The Bay.

Day of Portugal: The plate, featuring the Portuguese coat of arms, benefits the RI Day of Portugal organization in its mission of celebrating the annual Day of Portugal holiday, preserving the traditions of the Portuguese culture for future generations; and promoting the contribution of the Portuguese people, language, and culture in Rhode Island.

Gaspee Days: The plate features the British revenue schooner HMS Gaspee, which was burned by Rhode Island Colonists off Gaspee Point in June 1772. It's based on Rhode Island artist Karl Doerflinger’s painting "The Burning of the Gaspee." Sales support the Gaspee Days Committee, which commemorates the incident with an annual Gaspee Days celebration.

Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation: The Ribbon of Hope plate supports the Rhode Island Department of Health Women's Cancer Screening Program.

New England Patriots: The plate features the football team's logo and reminds everyone it passes that the Pats have won six Super Bowls. Proceeds go to the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, which supports charities around Rhode Island.

Plum Beach Lighthouse: It features the red, white and black sparkplug lighthouse in North Kingstown. Sales support the lighthouse repainting effort by the Friends of Plum Beach Lighthouse.

Pomham Rocks Lighthouse: The plate features the Victorian house in East Providence against a colorful sky. Sales benefit Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse efforts to maintain the lighthouse and its onsite museum to educate the public about its history and importance.

Providence College: The license plate features the college's logo of a Friar in profile. Sales support the school's Angel Fund, which "provides assistance to PC students with unexpected and extraordinary financial challenges so that those students can continue their studies at Providence College."

Mr. Potato Head: The plate features the iconic potato-shaped toy that was produced by Rhode Island-based Hasbro. Funds support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Red Sox Foundation: The plate features a pair of red socks on the left side. Sales benefit the foundation, which supports charitable programs in Rhode Island.

Rocky Point: The plate features a scene from the former site of Rocky Point Amusement Park, including the park's iconic arch. Sales support the Rocky Point Foundation, which was established to "help preserve and protect the natural and historic heritage and environment of the land formerly occupied by the Rocky Point Amusement Park on the west shore of Narragansett Bay in Warwick."

Rose Island Lighthouse: The plate depicts an image of the Newport lighthouse with a boat sailing past. Funding supports the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation to maintain the lighthouse and ensure public access.

Wildlife Rehabilitators: The plate was designed by Meredith Bird, president and veterinarian for the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Rhode Island. It depicts a wooded setting with a deer, an owl and some other animals. The organization provides care to injured and orphaned wildlife.